About Me

Recovering from Addiction to Prescription Medications

I never thought of myself as an addict, but I did end up addicted to anti-anxiety medication after developing Generalized Anxiety Disorder. At some point, the medicine stopped being a way to deal with the nervousness and panic attacks, and became something my body craved. I knew that I needed help fast. Fortunately, a local drug rehab program includes support for people like me. They helped me wean off the medication, use methods like massage therapy to help my nerves heal, and even provided ongoing counseling for our family. I don't know how I would have made it without their help. If you suspect that your medication has crossed the line from being helpful to hurtful, take heart. Let me tell you about my journey out of addiction and back to wholeness.

Latest Posts

Search

Recovering from Addiction to Prescription Medications

3 Holistic Options To Ease Fibromyalgia Pain

by Valerie Stevens

Characterized by extreme fatigue and intense pain and tenderness of the muscles, skeleton, and joints, Fibromyalgia is one of the most misunderstood and mistreated disorder. Although there is no known cure, treating the pain is possible through a variety of medications. These medications are effective in some patients, but they can bring about other issues, such as uncomfortable side effects and a potential drug addiction with long-term use. If you are part of the 10 million Americans who live with the debilitating pain of Fibromyalgia, consider one of these holistic treatments to ease your discomfort and live a normal, healthier lifestyle.

Acupuncture

First used in ancient China, acupuncture offers a variety of  benefits for your physical and emotional health.

By inserting multiple thin needles into the skin's surface at designated acupoints, acupuncture can boost your brain's production of endorphins. These chemicals stimulate the body, naturally improving the mood. In addition, inserting the needles into the skin can increase blood circulation, which has been proven to ease inflammation and pain.

If you are considering acupuncture, make sure to schedule a consultation with a licensed and experienced acupuncturist only. This will ensure the treatment is conducted in a safe, effective manner that will ease your fibromyalgia pain.

Supplements

You most likely know the importance of diet for your general health, but you may not realize how your diet affects your fibromyalgia. If your body is lacking key vitamins and nutrients, the immune system will not be able to fight off the inflammation to help you heal. Incorporating a few supplements into your daily diet can reduce your pain and discomfort.

S-adenosylmethionine, or SAMe, is not actually found in food, but this substance that occurs naturally in your body is an imperative part of your daily life. Taking a SAMe supplement each day boosts your immune system, helping your body heal and recover, but it also is beneficial for managing chronic pain and treating depression.

Many patients with fibromyalgia have decreased levels of vitamin D and magnesium. Both vitamin D and magnesium are essential for bone strength. Also, deficiency of vitamin D and magnesium and decrease the function of your nervous system, which can lead to or worsen fibromyalgia.

Consider taking a multivitamin that contains both vitamin D and magnesium to strengthen nerve function while improving the strength of your bones and joints.

Lastly, melatonin may also decrease your fibromyalgia pain. While it is known to induce sleepiness, melatonin can also ease nerve receptors to decrease chronic pain. Consider taking 1 to 3 mgs each night. If you are over 50 years old, take 3 to 6 mgs of melatonin each night.

These supplements will most likely not stop your fibromyalgia pain altogether, but they can ease your discomfort.

Massage Therapy

Massage feels great, but it offers improves the underlying health of your mind and body.

For fibromyalgia pain, visit a licensed and experienced massage therapist. Using their hands to gently, yet firmly, knead the skin and muscles, your therapist will ease inflammation and discomfort of the nerves. This will ease away the chronic pain and fatigue that is associated with your fibromyalgia.

Because of the chronic pain, many patients with fibromyalgia suffer with depression, anxiety, and sleep difficulties. Massage therapy not only decrease pain, but it can also benefit your emotional health. Patients who utilize massage feel better emotionally, allowing them to feel relaxed enough to fall and stay asleep most of the night.

It is important to note that results do not last a long time, so ongoing treatments will be necessary for continuous management of your fibromyalgia pain.

Living with fibromyalgia is possible, but it can be challenging. Consult your doctor before utilizing one of these holistic treatments to ease your fibromyalgia pain. You can also visit this website, or others like it.

Share