Find Out About the Treatment & Management Options Available to You
By Adrienne Dellwo, About.com Guide to Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue
Learn about treatment options for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, including conventional medical treatments, medications, alternative treatments (acupuncture, massage, rolfing, reiki, etc.), and experimental protocols. Find out about the science behind each treatment and stay on top of current developments.
Treatment Overviews
Get a look at the variety of treatments available to those of us with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, from mainstream treatments and drugs to lifestyle changes and experimental treatments. Also find out how to find doctors who treat these conditions.
- Fibromyalgia Treatment Overview
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatment Overview
- Find a Fibromyalgia Doctor
- Find an ME/CFS Doctor
Drug Treatments
Learn about the multitude of prescription drugs used to treat fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, as well as over-the-counter medications that can help manage secondary symptoms.
- Fibromyalgia Drug Treatments
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Drug Treatments
- 5 OTC Drugs to Keep in Your Medicine Cabinet
- Saving Money on Prescription Drugs
- Serotonin Syndrome
Drug Profiles
Get information on drugs for treating fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, including how they work, what studies show, side effects, safety information and typical dosages.
Alternative Treatments
Many people with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome get symptom relief through alternative treatments, either alone or in conjunction with mainstream medical approaches. Scientific research supports some forms of alternative medicine but not others. The articles here can help you sort out hype from fact and decide which treatments you may want to explore.
- Acupuncture
- Bodywork: Massage - Rolfing - Reiki - Bowen Technique
- Find the Right Chiropractor - Massage Therapist - Physical Therapist
- Mind-Body: Biofeedback - Hypnotherapy - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Supplements
Get the information you need to know before you start taking supplements for fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, and also get a close-up look at many of the supplements people commonly take for these conditions, including the effect they may have, what studies show, dosage information, how to get them through your diet and possible side effects.
Brain Chemistry
Many people with fibromyalgia & chronic fatigue syndrome have imbalances of certain neurotransmitters. Learn which symptoms are associated with which neurotransmitters and how you may be able to correct the balance, with medications, supplements or your diet.
Diet & Nutrition
Learn how dietary changes may help manage your symptoms and how the elimination diet can help you get rid of foods that may be triggering symptoms.
- How Your Diet Can Help
- Find Food Sensitivities - The Elimination Diet
- Overcoming the Challenges of Eating Healthy
Exercising the Right Way
Probably the last think you want to do is exercise, and you've probably given it a shot only to have it make you a whole lot worse! At the same time, research keeps showing that exercise can help alleviate your symptoms. It doesn't seem to make sense, but exercise can make you better instead of worse, if you get started the right way and do the right kinds of exercise.
Sleep Problems
A key part of both fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome is sleep disturbance. We don't just need more sleep, we need better quality sleep. Find out about the different sleep-related problems we face and how they're treated, and also learn about sleep studies.
- Overcoming Barriers to Sleep
- Creating Better Sleep Habits
- Getting a Sleep Study
- Sleep Apnea
- Restless Legs Syndrome
Experimental Protocols
It's hard to research treatments for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome without coming across protocol using experimental treatments and theories. These articles will help you explore the claims made by supporters of these protocols as well as the science both behind them and used to refute them. This information is not intended to either support or debunk the experimental treatment protocols, but is here to help you find out the facts on both sides so you can make informed decisions about treating your fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome.
