Topical remedies can provide some relief for the muscle pain and tension of fibromyalgia although it may only last a few hours. Skin ointments are available at grocery stores and any pharmacy. Prescribed skin patches, like Lidoderm, can also greatly reduce muscle pain. Consider the following suggestions on topical remedies:
If you buy an over-the-counter massage cream, make sure whoever rubs the cream in is gentle rather than heavy-handed. Extreme pressure will take away the benefit of the cream.
Check whether your favorite drugstore chain has a topical cream with the same ingredients as expensive brands. Major drugstore chains often have their own versions of over-the-counter medicines.
If you use prescription Lidoderm, try cutting the patch into smaller pieces to place over your hurting areas. You may not need multiple patches, and you can save money by cutting one patch into pieces.