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
- Drug Treatments
- Alternative Treatments
- Supplements for Managing Symptoms
- Treating Neurotransmitter Dysregulation
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 Doctor Who Treats Fibromyalgia
- Find a Doctor Who Treats Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
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
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 for Treating Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Bodywork: Massage, Rolfing, Reiki & the Bowen Technique
- Chiropractic, Massage & Physical Therapy: Finding the Right Therapist
- Mind-Body Techniques: Biofeedback, Hypnotherapy & Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Supplements for Managing Symptoms
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.
- What You Need to Know About Supplements
- 5-HTP - Pain, Mood, Brain Function
- Carnitine - Energy & Brain Function
- CoQ10 - Energy
- DHEA - Mood Problems & Immunity
- Magnesium Malate - Energy, Pain, Tenderness
- NADH - Energy
- Rhodiola rosea - Mood, Brain Function, Immunity, etc.
- SAM-e - Energy, Pain, Brain Function
- Theanine - Energy, Brain Function, Immunity, etc.
- Vitamin B12 - Energy
- Vitamin D - Muscle Pain
Treating Neurotransmitter Dysregulation
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.
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.
