Fibromyalgia - Lifestyle Changes

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Highlights	Conditions with Similar Symptoms	Medications
Introduction	Prognosis	Resources
Causes	Treatment	References
Risk Factors	Lifestyle Changes
Diagnosis	Behavioral Therapy

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Chiropractic or Osteopathic Manipulation. Chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation may also help some patients. While some studies have reported pain relief and improved sleep with osteopathic manipulation, larger controlled studies are needed to clearly identify whether manipulation is an effective treatment. Osteopathic techniques may include manipulation of the spine or muscle tissue release. There is always a very small risk for adverse effects from any of these techniques. For example, in rare cases manipulation of the neck has caused stroke or damage to the large blood vessels in the neck.

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Herbs and Supplements

Some alternative remedies are being investigated for fibromyalgia. Examples include: melatonin, a natural hormone associated with the sleep-wake cycle; and S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), a natural substance that has antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. Studies have shown benefits for some patients with fibromyalgia, but trials done so far have not been well designed.

Generally, manufacturers of herbal remedies and dietary supplements do not need approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to sell their products. It is extremely important for patients to realize that any herbal remedy or natural medicine that has positive effects most likely has negative side effects and toxic reactions, just as any conventional drug does. There have been a number of reported cases of serious and even deadly side effects from herbal products.

Consult a doctor before using any untested products or dietary supplements. Also discuss with your doctor the potential interactions between the supplements and any medications you take.

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Review Date: 12/27/2010
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).