Fibromyalgia is a complex condition for which there is no cure. Doctors often prescribe medications meant for treating other ailments—such as depression and high blood pressure—to help control the symptoms of fibromyalgia. However, these drugs do not work for everyone, and sometimes they cause unwanted side effects. If you would rather take a non-pill-popping approach to managing your fibromyalgia, here are a few options.

Physical Therapy

Stiffness and fatigue are two of the most pronounced symptoms of fibromyalgia. Physical therapy, performed on a regular basis, can help manage these symptoms. Your therapist can show you exercises that loosen your muscles and help slowly increase your range of motion, so you don't feel so stiff and impeded throughout the day. He or she may show you specific stretches to perform in the morning or when you feel particularly stiff. When you have an easier time moving, you may also experience less fatigue since you don't exhaust yourself with every mood. For more information, contact a clinic like Lee Miller Rehabilitation Associates LLC.

Chiropractic Care

When you have fibromyalgia and your muscles are stiff, the muscles in your back may start to pull your vertebrae out of alignment. As they do so, the vertebrae start placing pressure on your spine and spinal nerves. This can inhibit proper nerve function, which makes your stiffness even worse and may lead to some of the other common fibromyalgia symptoms, such as depression, moodiness, and confusion. A chiropractor can work to keep your spine in alignment, which encourages healthy nerve function and therefore relief from your symptoms.

Water Therapy

Water therapy may be administered by your physical therapist as a part of your standard treatment, or your physical therapist may refer you to a separate water therapy center. This type of therapy involves performing certain moves while in a pool of water. Typically, while underwater, you can stretch and move your body more easily than you can in the air—so you emerge from these sessions feeling looser and more limber. Water therapy also allows you to work out harder than you can on land. The harder workout stimulates the release of endorphins, which may help fight off the depression and other mood-related symptoms of fibromyalgia.

To learn more about these non-pill-popping treatments for fibromyalgia, talk to your doctor. They can let you know what has and has not worked for their other patients and recommend a combination of therapies that fits your circumstances.