Pain Relief for Fibromyalgia

Topic Overview

Nondrug methods of relieving pain may be helpful for people who have fibromyalgia . These can include:

  • Applying heating pads or taking warm baths or showers.
  • Gentle massage of painful muscles.
  • Regular exercise to help strengthen muscles, which will make them less likely to be injured.

Nonprescription pain relievers are not very helpful for people with fibromyalgia. Small doses of acetaminophen (such as Tylenol), aspirin (such as Bayer), ibuprofen (such as Advil), or naproxen (such as Aleve) may offer short-term relief of muscle pain when your symptoms flare up. Daily long-term use does not seem to be effective. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.

Related Information

  • Fibromyalgia

Credits

Current as of: November 20, 2019

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine

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Current as of: November 20, 2019

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine

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