FIBROMYALGIA

WHAT CAUSES FMS?

• Genetics
• Diet
• lifestyle choices
• Related illnesses
• “Just because”
• No root cause to fms

THE NEED TO TREAT

• There is no cure
• Treatments help mitigate symptoms
• No treatment eliminates symptoms
• Many develop depression
• Lack of treatment leads to self-catastrophizing

TREATMENT APPROACHES

• Prescription drugs
• Cognitive behavior therapy
• Dietary changes
• Exercise regimens
• Mindfulness meditation
• Yoga & stretch routines
• Alternative medicine

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

• Does not “cure” fms
• Can help reduce pain
• Not effective as solo treatment
• Pairs well with cbt
• Common scripts include anti-depressants

CBT

• Cognitive behavior therapy
• most effective treatment approach
• Pairs well with other treatments
• Reduces self-catastrophizing
• The only effective long-term treatment
• Check out free online tool: “MoodGYM”

DIET

• No “cure all” diet
• Veganism not proven widely effective
• Foods to Avoid: alcohol, apples, citrus, chocolate, coffee, meat, sugar, sweets, and wine

EXERCISE

• Low impact workouts the best approach
• Daily walking routine highly effective
• Combine with yoga & stretching routines to maximize benefit
• Helps manage weight
• Most FMS patients have BMI 25+

MINDFULNESS

• Meditative techniques help rewire brain physiology
• Helps reduce stress, acknowledge condition
• Best when combined with other treatments (such as walking meditation)

STRETCHING & YOGA

• Reduces stress
• Best when practiced with exercise techniques
• Loosens muscles and improves blood flow
• Most effective with cbt

ALTERNATIVE MEDS

• Acupuncture
• cold therapy
• Cupping
• Massage treatment
• Medical marijuana
• Naturopathy

FMS management is a daily practice.
Many struggle with depression.
Join a support group to build your own treatment plan.

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