Moreover, normal functions like sleeping and eating are often badly disrupted. The successful management of chronic pain involves a concerted effort by a multi-disciplinary team of physicians, psychologists, therapists and counselors. Treatment goals often include decreasing reliance on pain medications, increasing activity tolerance, improving the sense of well-being and gradually assuming more normal roles in the family and the workplace. Most pain associated with cancer is produced by a tumor pressing on nerves, bones or other organs. Getting hooked or addicted to pain medications is really very rare, even with strong narcotics.
Patients also experience a lack of energy and disrupted sleep patterns.
A great deal of reassurance and relief is experienced when patients obtain a correct diagnosis for and information about the condition, as well as gain the knowledge that many other persons suffer from the same symptoms. Initial medical management for fibromyalgia involves drug therapy and relaxation techniques to restore more normal sleep patterns and to relieve pain. Physical therapy is utilized to help loosen stiff muscles, allowing better movement of the arms and legs. Gradually, the patient is encouraged to perform aerobic exercises, such as walking and some running. Dr. Robert M. Stern is a physiatrist and medical director for Covenant Rehabilitation Services.