Where do they get their information about Fibromyalgia?

Don't you just love it when you read that your fibromyalgia can be cured with exercise, diet and relaxation? These articles must be written by people who do not have fibromyalgia or who had a mild dose, of something similar, for 3 months.

I especially love the websites that ask you to pay money to get the secret cure!
Sorry, enough of the sarcasm. 

The National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association (NFMCPA) states "While there is currently no cure for fibromyalgia, better ways to diagnose and treat the chronic pain disorder continue to be developed." Read more... 

Arthritis Australia says "Currently there is no cure for fibromyalgia. While there are ways you can control your symptoms, you should be wary of any products or treatments that claim to cure fibromyalgia." Read more...

Of course there are a variety of things that can help manage the symptoms of fibromyalgia from pain management to sleep management to Complementary therapies and supplements including acupuncture, massage, movement therapies such as yoga, and dietary supplements such as calcium, vitamin D. 

There’s growing evidence that many complementary therapies and lifestyle supports can help manage fibromyalgia symptoms—especially when tailored to the individual. Here’s a breakdown of the evidence behind each approach you mentioned:

Movement Therapies (Yoga, Tai Chi, Exercise)

• Yoga and Tai Chi have shown benefits in reducing pain, improving sleep, and enhancing quality of life for people with fibromyalgia.

• A 2015 Cochrane review found that mind-body practices like yoga and tai chi may help relieve symptoms such as fatigue and stiffness.

• Gentle aerobic exercise is consistently recommended as a first-line non-pharmacological treatment for fibromyalgia.

Massage Therapy

• A 2020 review found that massage and myofascial release yield small but meaningful improvements in fibromyalgia symptoms, including pain and function.

• Massage may help disperse lactic acid, improve circulation, and reduce muscle tension—especially when performed by a trained practitioner.

Acupuncture

• A systematic review and meta-analysis found that acupuncture can significantly reduce pain and improve sleep and fatigue in people with fibromyalgia.

• Though results vary, acupuncture is considered a safe and potentially effective part of a multimodal treatment plan.

Vitamin D

• Vitamin D supplementation may reduce pain in people with fibromyalgia who are deficient in this vitamin.

• Low vitamin D levels are common in chronic pain populations, and correcting deficiency may improve musculoskeletal symptoms.

Calcium

• While calcium itself isn’t a primary treatment for fibromyalgia, it plays a role in muscle function and nerve signaling. Deficiency may exacerbate symptoms like muscle cramps or fatigue.

• Calcium is often considered alongside magnesium and vitamin D in supportive nutritional protocols.

Sleep & Pain Management

• Sleep disturbances are central to fibromyalgia. Improving sleep hygiene, using CBT for insomnia, and addressing pain through gentle movement or medication can reduce symptom severity.

• Multimodal approaches—combining physical therapy, psychological support, and complementary therapies—are often most effective.

You can explore more in-depth findings from the NCCIH's clinical digest on fibromyalgia and Orthopedic Review's summary of acupuncture efficacy. These sources highlight how integrative care can offer meaningful relief, especially when conventional treatments fall short.

What have you tried that gives you some relief?