Pain Relief for Fibromyalgia

NOTICE: This health information was not created by the University of Michigan Health System (UMHS) and may not necessarily reflect specific UMHS practices. For medical advice relating to your personal condition, please consult your doctor. Complete disclaimer

Pain Relief for Fibromyalgia

Topic Overview

Nondrug methods of relieving pain may be helpful for people with 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.

Related Information

Credits

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Karin M. Lindholm, DO - Neurology
Last Revised October 20, 2011

Last Revised: October 20, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Karin M. Lindholm, DO - Neurology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.