Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
Read more health news
Fibromyalgia
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
- View All
Treatment & Monitoring
What are the treatments for the condition?
There is no cure for fibromyalgia. However, there are some treatments that can improve the symptoms and quality of life for someone with the condition. People with fibromyalgia have reported improvement from the following:
Some individuals may find one or more of these treatments helpful, while others may find that a particular treatment worsens symptoms. If a treatment is helping and the side effects are tolerable, the treatment should be continued.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Side effects of antidepressants include dry mouth, sexual dysfunction, and constipation. Injecting local anesthetic medications can make the chronic pain worse in some cases and can cause an allergic reaction.
What happens after treatment for the condition?
The course of fibromyalgia is unpredictable and highly individualized. Treatment is lifelong.
How is the condition monitored?
Self-monitoring of symptoms is important. People can document the severity of pain, fatigue, stiffness, and mood in a daily log. This information can help in treatment plans. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.