Treatments for fibromyalgia include both medication and lifestyle adjustments. Clearwater Home Care staff discuss some of the ways to help your senior loved one treat fibromyalgia and enhance his or her overall quality of life.
1. Good Sleeping Habits
Poor sleep has been linked to the onset of fibromyalgia, especially among senior women. Sleep deprivation can make your senior loved one more sensitive to pain. Having a lower pain threshold makes the condition worse. Encourage your loved one to take shorter naps during the day, or no naps at all, so he or she sleeps through the night. Your loved one should also avoid drinking caffeine. Eating protein at dinner or closer to bedtime is a good way for your elderly loved one to prevent waking up in the middle of the night.
2. Regular Exercise
Exercise has the ability to restore the neurochemical balance that helps trigger a positive emotional state for your loved one. By slowing down the adrenaline associated with stress and boosting the levels of positive endorphins in the body, your loved one can avoid stress, anxiety, and depression, which are three things that cause fibromyalgia symptoms to flare. Exercise also increases circulation and decreases inflammation.
3. Good Nutrition
A good diet can help your loved one manage the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Fish, walnuts, and flaxseed all contain the omega-3 fatty acids your elderly loved one needs to reduce inflammation. Fatty acids also reduce pain, stiffness, and tenderness in the joints. Your loved one should try and avoid foods with additives. These foods activate neurons that increase sensitivity to pain. Fruits and vegetables can also help your loved one get the antioxidants necessary to fight free radicals and keep his or her pain-processing nervous system healthy.
4. Massage Therapy
This treatment has the ability to stimulate circulation and release chronic patterns of muscular tension. A massage is an effective way to manage your loved one’s pain. However, you and your loved one should choose a massage therapist who works with individuals with fibromyalgia. The therapist can use light pressure so the massage is done correctly.
5. Meditation
This is a great way for your loved one to relax and ease pain, stress, and anxiety he or she is feeling. Meditation can also help reduce fatigue, which many seniors with fibromyalgia experience. Once your loved one meditates, his or her mind will no longer be on the pain, which can reduce its sensation. Pain from fibromyalgia could also cause your loved one to move around less. The loss of mobility may lead to depression. However, meditation can alleviate depression.
If you have a loved one who has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and you are looking for assistance in looking after him or her, reach out to Home Care Assistance. We offer professional 24-hour and respite home care. Safety Harbor families can call (727) 330-7862 to speak with a Care Manager, learn more about our care services, and schedule a complimentary consultation today.