Addressing Your Fibromyalgia Prognosis

After being diagnosed, many people seek to address and understand their fibromyalgia prognosis. Fibromyalgia is a complicated, chronic condition that can cause a lot of emotional and physical distress for sufferers. Fortunately, the prognosis is not definite. Patients have shown a range of responses to different fibromyalgia treatments, but there is hope of improving your symptoms – especially if you’re proactive. 

Long-Term Outlook 

When looking at your fibromyalgia prognosis it is important to understand how different people’s experiences with the disorder can be. There is no definitive answer for whether your symptoms will worsen or improve. Each year we get closer to understanding the disorder, but here are some facts we know as of now:

·         Doctors who extensively treat fibromyalgia estimate that around 1/3 of patients will make significant improvements, 1/3 will stay the same, and 1/3 will experience worsening symptoms.

·         Fibromyalgia sufferers experience greater psychological distress and a greater impact on quality of life than those with other chronic pain conditions, and require treatment to address symptoms on a range of levels.

·         Research shows that patients treated with a multidisciplinary approach including medication, physical, and mental therapy showed the most significant response to treatment. 

Finding Relief 

One positive thing about your fibromyalgia prognosis is that every year more research is done to find effective treatment. Over the past decade the medical community has made great strides in better diagnosing and relieving the chronic pain disorder. It is generally recognized that as everyone’s experience with fibromyalgia is different, their response to treatment will be different as well. That means you and your doctor may have to experiment with different combinations of treatment to find a plan that’s effective for you. There is not one clear-cut cure, but studies have shown that many fibromyalgia sufferers find success by combining treatments to address symptoms on all sides. Some of the most effective fibromyalgia treatments include:

·         Medication – There are a number of medications available for fibromyalgia. None of them can cure the disorder on their own, but pairing them with other therapeutic treatments can increase their effect. The three most commonly prescribed medications for fibromyalgia are Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Savella.  Typically only around 35% of patients will respond to medication, and they do come with side effects, so a doctor should be consulted throughout treatment.

·         Exercise – Physical activity has been shown to be incredibly helpful for improving your long-term fibromyalgia prognosis. Studies on patients have shown that vigorous exercise is not necessary, and can actually worsen symptoms. However, some mild stretching and a short walk daily can make a big difference. Doctors suggest that fibromyalgia sufferers who get even five minutes of light exercise each day show much a much better physical prognosis over time.

·         Physical Therapy – This therapy seeks to alleviate the many consequences of fibromyalgia. It is particularly beneficial for treating the postural problems and muscle fatigue and weakness that often accompany the disorder. Physical therapy can be easily combined with other therapies to increase its benefits.

·         Neurofeedback Therapy – This brain training therapy works to redirect patient’s brainwaves to healthy and organized patterns. By correcting off-track brainwaves, neurofeedback creates a more stable and functional brain. This therapy has been shown to have no side effects, and has been effective in treating a variety of neurological conditions like chronic pain, panic attacks, and anxiety. Neurofeedback can be a great therapy option for fibromyalgia sufferers. To learn more about this treatment, Click Here. 

What Works for You? 

It can be scary when you first begin addressing your fibromyalgia prognosis. However, with patience, research, and dedication you stand a great chance of finding relief. Be kind to yourself, and honest about your feelings and response to treatment. If something isn’t working, try something new. Only you can decide what treatment is most effective for your body.