How to Treat Fibromyalgia in Older Adults

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Treat Fibromyalgia in Older Adults Arlington VA

Although it’s less common to develop fibromyalgia past middle age, this condition, which causes chronic widespread body pain, can still emerge in the senior years. There’s no way to effectively prevent this condition, but there are a variety of options for treating it. Here’s a list of treatments your senior loved one’s doctor might recommend. 

Exercise

Physical activity stimulates the body’s production of serotonin. This neurotransmitter is a natural mood booster that can alleviate the depression commonly associated with fibromyalgia. Exercise relieves stress, reducing the risk of fibromyalgia flare-ups, and it also increases blood flow to the muscles, which can alleviate the stiffness and muscle tenderness that accompanies fibromyalgia. 

A professional caregiver can help your loved one exercise safely. Elderly home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.

Meditation

Meditation can restore the connection between the mind and the body. It focuses on breathing techniques and creating a state of mindfulness to promote relaxation and greater awareness. This calming focus can alleviate fibromyalgia symptoms such as pain, depression, and anxiety. 

Antidepressants

Antidepressants work by balancing levels of serotonin and other neurotransmitters that affect mood and pain perception. Even if your loved one isn’t clinically depressed, these medications may relieve pain and enhance sleep quality. At this time, the FDA has approved two antidepressants for the treatment of fibromyalgia: milnacipran (Savella) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). 

Anticonvulsants

Although they were originally developed to treat seizure disorders such as epilepsy, anticonvulsants can also relieve neuropathic pain. Pregabalin and gabapentin are two of the first medications specifically approved to treat fibromyalgia. 

If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Arlington, VA, service families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

Muscle Relaxers & Pain Relievers

Tramadol and tramadol/acetaminophen combination tablets can be beneficial in relieving flare-ups and the breakthrough pain of fibromyalgia. Muscle relaxants like cyclobenzaprine can reduce stiffness, which can enhance sleep quality, and steroid injections at trigger points can relieve muscle spasms caused by fibromyalgia. 

Sleep Aids

Without deep, restorative sleep, the body cannot recover from stress. Lack of sleep is a common cause of fibromyalgia flare-ups. Prescription sleep medications such as zolpidem and eszopiclone can help seniors with fibromyalgia get to sleep more quickly and stay asleep longer. 

If your loved one has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and you’re not able to meet his or her needs, consider enlisting the help of a professional home caregiver. Seniors living with serious health conditions often need extensive assistance in and outside the home. Assisting Hands Home Care is a trusted provider of Arlington in-home care. Our caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with bathing, grooming, light housekeeping, and various other daily tasks, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care. To hire a professionally trained caregiver for your loved one, call us at (703) 988-1800 today.