Fibromyalgia is often called the “invisible illness” because it can’t be detected with blood tests, x-rays, or other diagnostic tests. Instead, a fibromyalgia diagnosis only comes after other illnesses or disorders have been ruled out.
But for those who have fibromyalgia, it is anything but invisible. Fibromyalgia can severely impact your quality of life, causing “fibro fog”, headaches, body aches anywhere from your belly to your neck to your buttocks to your back.
Dr. Scot DePue at Keystone Advanced Ketamine Therapy offers ketamine treatment to reduce fibromyalgia symptoms and to help you reclaim control over your life. Continue reading to learn more tips for managing fibromyalgia symptoms.
LIFESTYLE CHANGES TO HELP REDUCE FIBROMYALGIA SYMPTOMS
Fatigue, brain fog, and pain are par for the course when it comes to fibromyalgia, but thankfully, there are many lifestyle changes you can make to help alleviate some of these symptoms.
STAY ACTIVE
When you’re tired or achy, you might not feel like going for a walk, but regular exercise can help improve both of these symptoms. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Go for a walk after dinner
- Swim at your local recreation center (this is extra nice if you have joint pain)
- Try gentle yoga or stretching
- Try balance exercise
- Ride a stationary bike
Regular exercise benefits your body in many ways. It improves your circulation, supports healthy immune function, lifts your mood, supports healthy energy levels, and promotes increased mental clarity.
FIND WAYS TO MANAGE YOUR STRESS
Fibromyalgia and stress can go hand-in-hand, but these stress management tips can help you stay calm:
- Exercise
- Practice guided meditation
- Try deep breathing exercises
- Listen to calming music
- Read a book
High-stress levels can intensify your perception of pain, so managing stress can help you manage the pain too.
IMPROVE YOUR SLEEP HABITS
The pain associated with fibromyalgia can make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. To make matters worse, a lack of sleep can exacerbate fibromyalgia symptoms. To break out of this vicious cycle, revisit your sleep habits and practice good sleep hygiene. This means sleeping in a cool, dark room, going to bed at the same time every night, and avoiding watching TV for 1-2 hours before bed.
GIVE YOUR DIET A MAKEOVER
While there isn’t a diet that will cure fibromyalgia, there are some dietary modifications you can make to support your body. Studies show that many individuals with fibromyalgia have low vitamin D levels. You can find vitamin D in fortified foods, canned salmon (with the bones), and other fatty fish such as mackerel and sardines.
Avoid food with glutamate and aspartame, both of which can exacerbate your symptoms. Instead, focus on whole foods (instead of processed foods), lean protein such as chicken or fish (instead of cured meats), and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
KETAMINE INFUSION THERAPY FOR FIBROMYALGIA
While these lifestyle modifications can help reduce the frequency and intensity of your flare-ups, you may still need help overcoming the pain of fibromyalgia. Studies show that ketamine is effective in managing pain, especially if the pain is related to neuropathic elements.
Although ketamine was first used during the Vietnam War in the 1950s as an anesthetic medicine, ketamine therapy is used to treat a variety of chronic pain and mental health conditions, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and even addiction
When you receive ketamine infusion therapy works for fibromyalgia, the ketamine reduces pain because it attaches to specific receptors in your brain. When the ketamine attaches to these receptor sites, it disrupts the pain messages that are being sent to your brain.
Intravenous ketamine therapy also addresses the mood changes (low mood, etc.) associated with fibromyalgia. That’s because ketamine can rewire your brain and encourages more synaptic connections to develop between brain cells. More synaptic connections (which form healthier neural pathways) can help boost your mood.
RECEIVING IV INFUSIONS OF KETAMINE FOR FIBROMYALGIA
Ketamine therapy is delivered directly into your bloodstream intravenously. If you’ve ever had intravenous fluids, the process is nearly identical. After a quick pinch, the catheter is inserted into your bloodstream. Once the catheter is in place, simply, sit back and relax. After the bag empties, a friend or family member drives you home. You’ll wake up the next morning feeling refreshed!
Don’t let fibromyalgia control your life. To find out if ketamine therapy is right for you, call our Wyomissing, Pennsylvania office at 610-334-8131. Or, simply book an appointment via our website.
