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This article has been reviewed by a Leva pain specialist clinician May 2024. Please remember that all herbal remedies should be checked with your GP due to interactions with other medication.
Why Might You Consider Alternative Fibro Treatments?
Are you searching for a way to break free from the persistent grip of fibromyalgia? If you're here, you've likely navigated through a labyrinth of visits to GPs and specialists, medications such as SSRIs or amitriptyline, and sleepless nights grappling with fibro pain and fatigue.
You may be apprehensive about traditional medications and treatments, and struggle to tell their side effects from fibro symptoms. And what about those ubiquitous "painkillers" that offer little respite from your relentless symptoms? It’s a disheartening journey that can leave you feeling drained and wondering if there’s any viable solution ahead.
But don’t lose hope. This guide explores fibromyalgia alternative remedies, alongside holistic approaches and emerging research, helping you discover new avenues to reduce pain and regain control.
Fibromyalgia Alternatives and Holistic Management Overview
Exploring alternatives for managing fibromyalgia highlights the limits of conventional medications and emphasizes a holistic, personalized approach combining therapies. Effective strategies include clinician-led interventions, supplements, dietary adjustments, sleep, stress reduction, pacing, and exercise practices like yoga or tai chi. Avoiding triggers such as poor sleep, overexertion, and inflammatory habits is essential. By integrating multiple methods, individuals can reduce symptoms, improve quality of life, and achieve a balance with chronic pain.
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A Combination Of Therapies Is Most Effective
If you’ve experienced fibromyalgia for even a short amount of time, you’ll be right to remain skeptical of anyone promising to ‘get rid’ of fibromyalgia.
While fibromyalgia isn’t as simple as that, it doesn’t mean that relief from the symptoms is impossible. Many people explore natural remedies for fibromyalgia in the UK alongside conventional care, focusing on reducing the impact of pain, improving sleep quality, and enhancing overall wellbeing. Any comprehensive treatment plan should prioritize how you feel day to day.
A note before you go any further: the effects of fibromyalgia can vary widely from person to person. Listen to your body. If you’re prescribed medication, speak with your GP or pain specialist to ensure there are no contraindications before trying alternative approaches.
What Should You Avoid If You Have Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a complex and poorly understood condition, and its exact cause remains elusive. But like a game of Guess Who, it’s possible to first remove the players from the board that aren’t helping, like:
Unnecessary stress
Poor sleep habits
Overexertion
Too much caffeine and alcohol
Inflammatory foods
Sedentary lifestyle
Negative thought patterns
Of course, it’s easier said than done, but it doesn’t have to feel too much like homework. The following list of alternative treatments for fibro are practical way that you can build your own ‘fibro toolkit’ to tackle them in a way that feels less intimidating.
20 Alternative Treatments For Fibro To Explore
It’s human nature to look for a magic bullet. However, the latest pain science shows that a holistic or ‘biopsychosocial’ approach is far more effective for managing fibro pain. This is why many people are turning to alternative treatment for fibromyalgia in the UK, options that go beyond medication alone.
Those who take a holistic approach are more likely to experience relief compared to relying solely on medication. In fact, a 2024 review found that combining multiple therapies is the most effective strategy for managing fibromyalgia symptoms. [1].
Here’s an overview of 20 oft-cited alternative treatment options for fibromyalgia.
Medication And Clinician Interventions
1. Cannabis-based Medication
Cannabis has shown promise in alleviating pain and improving sleep quality in fibromyalgia patients. It interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system to modulate pain perception and mood.
Real-world data from Drug Science looked at 540 fibromyalgia patients and found that they showed a significant reduction in pain severity after 3 and 6 months of medical cannabis treatment, together with sleep improvements [2]
2. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
TMS is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. A 2022 study-of-studies showed potential in reducing pain perception and improving quality of life in fibromyalgia patients, though it didn’t improve associated anxiety, depression, or other symptoms. [3]
3. Biofeedback Therapy
Biofeedback helps individuals learn to control physiological responses, such as heart rate and muscle tension, through relaxation techniques. As an alternative treatment for fibromyalgia in the UK, it can complement traditional care by promoting stress reduction and improving pain management.
4. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), aims to help people with fibromyalgia cope with pain and improve functioning by changing negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with chronic pain. As one of the alternative therapies for fibromyalgia, it focuses on fostering acceptance and promoting engagement in meaningful activities.
5. Pain Management Program (PMP)
If you’ve been referred to a pain specialist in recent years, then the chances are you’ve been recommended to join a PMP. These workshop-style treatments take you through the latest pain science to help you self-manage fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions, forming part of a holistic approach to fibromyalgia.
Research supports the effectiveness of PMPs in reducing pain severity, improving physical function, enhancing coping skills, and improving overall quality of life in individuals with fibromyalgia.
We recently ran a survey with members of the Fibromyalgia Action UK community. Hundreds registered for our PMP, and of the 42 who responded to the survey, 80% said they would be extremely likely or likely to recommend the program to others, citing improved awareness of their condition and techniques to cope.
👀 Try our own self-guided digital pain management program free here.
Supplements And Diet Changes
6. CBD
Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis, has anti-inflammatory and potentially analgesic properties. It may help reduce pain, anxiety, and improve sleep quality.
7. Reduce Inflammation
Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats can help reduce inflammation and alleviate fibromyalgia symptoms.
8. Clean Up Diet
Avoiding processed foods, refined sugars, and artificial additives can minimize symptoms.
9. Diet and Supplements
Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods, such as fatty fish, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, along with supplements like vitamin D, magnesium, and SAMe, can support overall health and potentially reduce fibromyalgia symptoms.
10. Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Supplementing with melatonin may improve sleep quality and regulate circadian rhythms in fibromyalgia patients experiencing sleep disturbances.
11. St. John's Wort
St. John's Wort is a herbal supplement commonly used to treat depression. By extension, it’s regularly cited as a herbal supplement for people living with fibromyalgia with low mood. Some individuals with fibromyalgia may find it beneficial for managing mood symptoms, although more research is needed.
Habits And Changes You Can Make
12. Sleep
Quality sleep is crucial for fibromyalgia management. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule and creating a conducive sleep environment can improve symptoms.
Our pain management program has a module to help you learn more about the challenges of sleeping well when living with fibro pain and explore ways to improve your sleep. Explore it for free here.
13. Rest
Adequate rest and pacing activities can prevent symptom flare-ups and conserve energy.
14. Reduce Stress
Stress management techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce symptom severity.
Practices To Do Alone Or In A Group
15. Exercise
Regular low-impact exercise, such as walking or swimming, can improve muscle strength, flexibility, and overall wellbeing.
16. Yoga
Yoga combines gentle movements, breathing exercises, and meditation, promoting relaxation, flexibility, and stress reduction.
17. Tai Chi
Tai Chi is a mind-body practice characterized by slow, flowing movements and deep breathing. It can improve balance, strength, and mental wellbeing in individuals with fibro.
18. Meditation
Mindfulness meditation involves focusing attention on the present moment without judgment. It can help reduce stress, enhance self-awareness, and improve coping skills for managing fibromyalgia symptoms, such as becoming less reactive to sensations or thoughts.
Complementary Therapies
19. Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to try to alleviate pain and promote relaxation. A 2021 study looking at the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of fibro found that while it didn’t show higher efficacy than other therapies, it cited evidence that supports its use as part of a multimodal treatment in addition to traditional treatments. [7]
20. Flotation and Spa Therapy
Floatation therapy involves floating in a tank of warm saltwater, promoting relaxation and pain relief. As a holistic therapy for fibromyalgia, it can support overall wellbeing. Similarly, spa therapy, including hydrotherapy and sauna sessions, may provide temporary symptom relief.
DIY at-home alternatives include Epsom salts, which are claimed to be beneficial due to their magnesium content (people with fibromyalgia are more likely to have low levels of magnesium).
Find Pain-Life Balance For Your Fibromyalgia
Ultimately, while there’s no cure-all for fibro, change is possible to live better with your pain and the effects of it.
By exploring various options, understanding personal needs, and building your customised toolkit, you can navigate the challenges of fibromyalgia and find pain-life balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can weather or climate affect fibromyalgia symptoms?
Yes, the weather and climate can affect your health. Many people feel more pain, stiffness, or tiredness when it is cold, damp, or when the weather suddenly changes. Not everyone is affected the same way, so noticing your own patterns can help you manage symptoms better.
How do I track whether a treatment is actually working?
To track your progress, write down how you feel each day. Note your pain, sleep, energy, and mood. Over time, you will see patterns. This helps you understand if a treatment is helping or if changes are needed.
Are alternative treatments suitable for severe fibromyalgia cases?
Alternative treatments can still help people with severe fibromyalgia, but results may vary. They are often used alongside medical care rather than alone. It’s important to work with a healthcare professional to choose safe options and create a balanced treatment plan.
Is it safe to combine multiple alternative therapies at once?
Using more than one therapy can help, but do it slowly. Try one thing at a time so you know what works for you. This also helps avoid side effects. It’s always a good idea to ask your doctor before starting new treatments.
Do lifestyle changes need to be permanent?
Lifestyle changes do not always have to be forever, but doing them regularly can help you feel better. You can change your routine over time to suit your needs. The aim is to find simple habits that are easy to follow.
References
1 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38355316/
2 https://www.drugscience.org.uk/data