Is it Safe to Use Prednisone for Treating and Managing Fibromyalgia?
When dealing with fibromyalgia, there are various treatments to choose from. Your doctor might suggest different drugs or therapies, like pain medicine or exercises, to ease pain and tiredness and lift your mood. Also, they might recommend things like physical therapy, heat packs, and relaxation techniques to help you cope better. Remember, there’s no magic pill for fibromyalgia, but combining different treatments usually works best to manage its symptoms. One of these treatments is prednisone for fibromyalgia. However, is it safe?
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia makes your body hurt all over, and it can mess up your sleep and make you feel really tired. It also makes you feel stressed and sad sometimes. People with fibromyalgia feel pain more easily than others, which is called having a different way of feeling pain.
Fibromyalgia can make you feel like you have arthritis, bursitis, or tendinitis. Some people think fibromyalgia is like this because it causes similar symptoms. But unlike those, fibromyalgia makes your whole body ache, not just one part. It hurts deep in your muscles, makes it hard to move in the morning, and creates sore spots that hurt when touched. This can make it tough to exercise or be active.
Does prednisone help those with fibromyalgia?
Doctors sometimes give a medicine called Prednisone to people with fibromyalgia to help them feel better by reducing inflammation. But, this medicine can have serious side effects. Before deciding to take it, it’s important to learn about these side effects. Here’s a list of what could happen when you take Prednisone.
Possible Side Effects of Taking Prednisone for Fibromyalgia
Learn about the potential risks associated with using Prednisone to treat fibromyalgia.
- Trouble sleeping
- Headaches
- Feeling dizzy
- Changes in mood or personality
- Acne
- Skin getting thinner
- Eyes bulging out
- Red or purple patches under the skin
- Periods become irregular
- Cuts and bruises take longer to heal
- Changes in hair growth
- Less interest in sex
- Sweating more
- Immune system not working as well
- Eating more or less
- Stomach problems like black stools or indigestion
- Face looking puffy
If used for a long time, it can stop the adrenal glands from working, leading to a serious condition called adrenal crisis with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and shock.
Using Steroids During a Fibromyalgia Flare
Steroids, like prednisone, are commonly employed to alleviate inflammation in various rheumatic conditions. However, when it comes to fibromyalgia, studies haven’t shown significant improvement in symptoms with their use. Nevertheless, in cases where conventional treatments have proven ineffective, doctors may resort to a different approach: injecting steroids directly into a muscle spasm, known as a trigger point. This targeted method aims to alleviate specific areas of discomfort and tension. Though not a first-line treatment, it could be considered when other options have been exhausted.
Safer Treatment Alternatives to Prednisone
When you’re struggling with fibromyalgia pain, you might think about trying other treatments alongside your regular ones. It’s important to know that just because something is called “natural,” it doesn’t always mean it’s safe or effective. Before trying any holistic or natural remedies, talk to your doctor. They can help you decide what’s best for managing your symptoms and create a plan that works for you.
Acupuncture
Putting tiny needles into certain points on your skin can make your body release natural painkillers called endorphins. Research suggests that acupuncture can actually change how your brain works so you can handle pain better. Just one session might help you feel less pain for weeks.
Chiropractic
Chiropractors use gentle methods like pressing or stretching to treat pain in areas like your back, neck, and joints, as well as headaches and injuries. These adjustments aim to put bones, especially in your spine, back in the right place or help them move better. By doing this, your body can function better, and nerve signals can flow smoothly, helping you feel better and move more comfortably.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback is about using your body’s signals to manage stress. Sensors track things like muscle tension, heart rate, and breathing. When you learn to relax, these signals change. Once you’ve practiced with a therapist, you can use these skills anywhere. It’s been found to reduce pain sensitivity and improve daily functioning in people with fibromyalgia.
Herbal Supplements
Some people find they sleep better or feel more energized with herbal supplements. But whether they’re safe and helpful for fibromyalgia isn’t clear from studies. Before trying any, talk to your doctor, especially if you’re taking other medications, to ensure they won’t cause any issues.
Meditation
Meditation helps your body move from being on high alert to feeling calm and peaceful. Research shows it can create brain waves linked with feeling content and joyful. Taking time to meditate can give you a break from everyday worries, connect you with your spiritual side, and make you feel more focused and less scattered.
Massage
Massage is a favorite among folks with fibro for good reason—it can make a big difference in how you feel. It helps reduce pain, lift your spirits, and even lower the amount of pain medication you might need. There are different types, like Swedish, deep-tissue, and neuromuscular massages. They all involve gently rubbing and pressing on your muscles to relieve tension, soothe soreness, and get your blood flowing better.
Choosing the Right Treatment Option for Your Fibromyalgia
When it comes to managing fibromyalgia, there’s a variety of treatments available, ranging from medications to therapies like physical therapy and relaxation techniques. While prednisone might be suggested by your doctor to help with inflammation, it’s important to understand its potential side effects. Fibromyalgia isn’t easily treated with a single solution, so it’s crucial to explore a combination of approaches that work best for you. Remember, always consult with your healthcare provider before making any treatment decisions and stay informed about the risks and benefits of each option.
