Studies have shown that aerobic exercise, such as swimming and walking, improves muscle fitness and reduces muscle pain and tenderness. Heat and massage may also give short-term relief. Antidepressant medications may help elevate mood, improve quality of sleep, and relax muscles. People with fibromyalgia may benefit from a combination of exercise, medication, physical therapy, and relaxation. Research on Fibromyalgia Support of fundamental research is extremely important in fibromyalgia as well as in many disorders characterized by pain and sleep abnormalities, and many disciplines of medical research contribute to the knowledge base in understanding these symptoms.
Discoveries can come from research funded in a variety of areas.
While this figure would not be reported as funding for fibromyalgia research specifically, certain aspects of pain research are applicable to understanding fibromyalgia. Studies have shown that abnormally low levels of the hormone cortisol may be associated with fibromyalgia. People whose bodies make inadequate amounts of cortisol experience many of the same symptoms as people with fibromyalgia. It is hoped that these studies will increase understanding about fibromyalgia and may suggest new ways to treat the disorder. One specific project on mice focuses on identifying genetic factors that underlie molecular events involved in the regulation of sleep.