Fibromyalgia is a disorder of the central nervous system. Only certain classes of prescribed medications work for the type of pain caused by this complex disorder. OTC medication such as Tylenol etc is usually not effective.

If there were natural remedies that worked, we would all be drug free. About the only thing that I can suggest is acupuncture. It does help, but it takes time. Initially, your symptoms may become worse. And, you have to continue to get treatment.

None of us like having to be reliant on prescribed medication. For me, taking medication means that I can enjoy a better quality of life. Take care.

Heating pad, Arnica gel ( no smell), Epsom salt bath, Epsom salt lotion, Salon Pas stick on pain patches ( smell), Tiger Balm patches ( really smell), stick on heat patches, Calms Forte for sleep. All of these are good tools but not IMHO a long term fix.

A few weeks ago, I started taking Confianza vitamins from ItWorks! My friend started selling ItWorks! products and suggested that I give it a try. I have not noticed any difference, but I will continue to give it a shot at least until I run out The only other thing I can personally recommend it stretching and using tools for that. I just a big foam roller to stretch out my back, an accupuncture pillow for my neck/occiptal nerves, and a Gaiam roller for my feet.

Hello PegZo,

Early on, when I started seeing a Naturopath, she suggested Hyland's #8 Mag. Phos. 6x. These are Homeopathic, under tongue resolving tablets for quick and easy absorbtion. They significantly reduced my gut pains, and has also helped with my overal muscle pain.

I still have flares, good days, and bad days, but this has helped so I continue to take it.

I suggested my sister try them (she too has fibro), and she did. Within a week she called to tell me how surprised she has been at how much it has reduced her pain as well.

Hope this helps.

Hi,effective treatment/relief can only be achieved by being aware of your symptoms and what causes/aggravates. In general I have found that Sombra gel is good for muscle ache. I have achieved great relief with loading up on a "super complete" vitamin, mineral n amino acid powder called " fatigue to fantastic"( now available on Amazon) , vit. D L-lysine,,MSM , vit. B12. In addition, I have eliminated artificial sweeteners, limited sugar and refined flour in my diet as I noticed that they really aggravate muscle and joint pain. I also found a combination of chiropractic, massage and rolfing treatments significantly improved my condition. Key is to remember that FM causes are still not well understood, so best approach is to do some detecting and really hone in to what are possible causes of YOUR symptoms. As we know, all FM sufferers have varied symptoms. Key to getting better is to identify and treat the cause rather than the symptom. For e.g., I was getting debilitating migraines, over time, I realized that not having good bowel habits and stiff neck muscles were triggering my migraines. I changed my diet to include more fiber, got massages, incorporated chiropractic care as well. That improved things but I gained even more improvement by getting botox shots to my neck and back to keep spasms from triggering the migraines. By trial and error, I learned I could short circuit a migraine by getting to the chiropractor when I feel the symptoms coming on. You are probably wondering how that works.... well, I think the muscle spasms were pulling my cervical vertebras out of alignment causing nerve impingement. I have averted migraines for the last 2 years by being able to tune into what causes my symptoms. I know it is time consuming, tedious and frustrating but you are the only person who can best help YOU. I suffered for 2-3 years b4 I got diagnosed another 2-3 years on prescription drugs that did not really work b4 deciding to ditch the drugs and try to figure things out for myself out of desperation. That was 4 years ago at my lowest point, now I am eternally grateful for the strides I have made. Not 100% but vastly improved. My wish is that you too will be able to find the modalities that will bring you relief. Here is some interesting reading that got me down the road to recovery: http://www.ip-number.com/DMSO/krysalis/chronicfatigue.htm
Feel well. I am happy to answer any questions you may have.

I agree with what Fantod said. Especially the Epsom Salt bath with Lavender and a nice cup of Chamomile Tea before bed. I went in for an MRI a couple of months ago and the guy who did my MRI told me to try a herb called Devil's Claw . Just type in Devil's Claw and you will find places to get it. I am going to check out a small nutrition shop here in town and if they don't have it, I'm going to order it on line. . I have tried everything possible prescribed for Fibro and so far, nada... I really hope you find something that works for you! Hugs GB

Gramybear - Devils claw is for inflammation. If you don't have RA or OA or some other inflammatory issue, it won't help. FMS is not an inflammatory issue. Take care.

Devils claw and any other supplement should not be used without asking your doctor first.

Devils claw is particularly potent and can cause a lot of health issues in addition to problems with medications that you may already be taking. Take care.

I diffuse essential oils like Eucalyptus, lavendar and peppermint. I also take medications, but find the essential oils, especially in my bedroom, help me relax.

Thank you Fantod for the information. I have asked my doctor about it and he says he will look into it. There is a possibility that I am also suffering with RA. I am praying that is not what is causing all the additional pain with my hands and feet but he wants to rule it out first. Again, thank you! Hugs GB