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Alternative medicine
By Mayo Clinic staffComplementary and alternative therapies for pain and stress management aren't new. Some, such as meditation and yoga, have been practiced for thousands of years. But their use has become more popular in recent years, especially with people who have chronic illnesses, such as fibromyalgia.
Several of these treatments do appear to safely relieve stress and reduce pain, and some are gaining acceptance in mainstream medicine. But many practices remain unproved because they haven't been adequately studied.
- Acupuncture. Acupuncture is a Chinese medical system based on restoring normal balance of life forces by inserting very fine needles through the skin to various depths. According to Western theories of acupuncture, the needles cause changes in blood flow and levels of neurotransmitters in the brain and spinal cord. Some studies indicate that acupuncture helps relieve fibromyalgia symptoms, while others show no benefit.
- Massage therapy. This is one of the oldest methods of health care still in practice. It involves use of different manipulative techniques to move your body's muscles and soft tissues. Massage can reduce your heart rate, relax your muscles, improve range of motion in your joints and increase production of your body's natural painkillers. It often helps relieve stress and anxiety.
- Yoga and tai chi. These practices combine meditation, slow movements, deep breathing and relaxation. Both have been found to be helpful in controlling fibromyalgia symptoms.
- Fibromyalgia. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Fibromyalgia/default.asp. Accessed Nov. 2, 2010.
- Bennett RM. Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/225054422-4/1077621679/1492/1050.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50300-1_13277. Accessed Nov. 2, 2010.
- Clauw DJ. Fibromyalgia: An overview. American Journal of Medicine. 2009;122:S3.
- Bennett RM. Clinical manifestations of diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Rheumatic Disease Clinics of North America. 2009;35:215.
- Goldenberg DL. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of fibromyalgia in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 4, 2010.
- Muller D, et al. Fibromyalgia syndrome. In: Rakel D. Integrative Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/225324736-4/1078619948/1494/93.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2954-0..50050-8_2384. Accessed Nov. 4, 2010.
- Goldenberg DL. Treatment of fibromyalgia in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 4, 2010.
- Wolfe F, et al. The American College of Rheumatology preliminary diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia and measurement of symptom severity. Arthritis Care and Research. 2010;62:600.
- Hassett AL, et al. Nonpharmacologic treatment for fibromyalgia: Patient education, cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques and complementary and alternative medicine. Rheumatic Disease Clinics of North America. 2009;35:393.
- Fibromyalgia and CAM: At a glance. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/pain/fibromyalgia.htm. Accessed Nov. 4, 2010.
- Carson JW, et al. A pilot randomized controlled trial of the Yoga of Awareness program in the management of fibromyalgia. Pain. 2010;151:530.
- Wang C, et al. A randomized trial of tai chi for fibromyalgia. New England Journal of Medicine. 2010;363:743.
- Vincent A (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 16, 2010.
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