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fibromyalgia

What is FirBromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by pain and stiffness in soft tissues; including the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. With fibromyalgia, the common areas that are painful or tender when pressure is applied are tender points in the neck, shoulders, upper back, upper chest, elbows, low back, hips and thighs.

Fibromyalgia is more common in women than in men. According to the American College of Rheumatology, fibromyalgia affects 3 to 6 million people in the United States.

Fibromyalgia symptoms may vary from person to person and they'll probably never disappear completely. Fibromyalgia is not deforming, progressive or life threatening. Proper treatments and self-care programs can treat fibromyalgia symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Fatigue, painful and tender points in the body, sleep disorder and others...(more)
Causes of Fibromyalgia is still unknown and it is believed that it may be hereditary.. (more)


fibromyalgia

Treatment of Fibromyalgia in fibromyalgia, the best approach is to combine time tested remedies with what science can offer.
Nutrition and Diet for Fibromyalgia
Supplements for Fibromyalgia
Exercise for Fibromyalgia
Taichi for Fibromyalgia
Relaxation Theraphy for Fibromyalgia
Herbal Medicine for Fibromyalgia Treatment
Social Support for Fibromyalgia
Over-the-counter drugs for Fibromyalgia Treatment
Home Remedy for Fibromyalgia
Herbal Medicine for Fibromyalgia Treatment
Aroma Theraphy for Fibromyalgia
Homeopathy for Fibromyalgia Treatment
Chinese Medicine for Fibromyalgia Treatment
Acupuncture and Fibromyalgia
Chiropractic Treatment for Fibromyalgia
Conventional Medicines for Fibromyalgia Treatment


What are the signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia

Signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia may vary from person to person, changes in the weather, stress level, physical activity or even the time of day.

The more common signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia include

  • Painful and tender points in the body. Fibromyalgia is characterized by pain in specific areas when pressure is applied, including the neck, shoulders, upper back, upper chest, elbows, low back, hips and thighs. The pain generally persists for months and is often accompanied by stiffness;
  • People with fibromyalgia may feel fatigue and with less energy. May also feel numbness or tingling sensations in the hands and feet (paresthesia);
  • Sleep disorder. A person with fibromyalgia may often wake up tired and unrefreshed even they seem to get plenty of sleep;
  • Irritable bowel syndrome May be suffering from constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating. These are common in people with fibromyalgia;
  • Headaches and dizziness. Many people who have fibromyalgia also have headaches and facial pain that may be related to tenderness or stiffness in their neck and shoulders. They may also suffer from dizziness;
  • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, which affects the jaw joints and surrounding muscles, also is common in people with fibromyalgia;
  • Heightened sensitivity. It's common for people with fibromyalgia to report being sensitive to odors, noises, bright lights and touch;
  • Memory lapses and difficulty in concentrating. People with fibromyalgia suffers from memory lapses and has difficulty concentrating;
  • Depression, anxiety and mood changes are also common to people with fibromyalgia;


What are the causes of fibromyalgia

The cause of general fibromyalgia is still unknown and it is believed that it may be hereditary. Its symptoms may be worsened by physical and mental stress, injury, and exposure to cold and dampness.

The other type of fibromyalgia also known as secondary fibromyalgia may be caused by other health disorders such as infection (Lyme disease), rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, lupus erythematosus and others.


fibromyalgia diet and nutrition

Those suffering with fibromyalgia, diet may play a positive role in alleviating pain. Those who have Fibromyalgia, diet by elimination is the way to go. Like food intolerance, fibromyalgia may cause general body aching. Because of this similarity, many believe that fibromyalgia may respond well with elimination diet.

Elimination diet is refraining in eating foods that may be suspected to cause fibromyalgia;

To establsih your initial fibromyalgia diet, Avoid suspected foods such as nuts, dairy foods, soy, fish, wheat, eggs, tomatoes, corn and others. Refrain from taking these suspected foods for three weeks and see if the symptoms have improved.

Reintroduce one kind of food in your fibromyalgia diet for every three days then monitor for any signs of reactions or sensitivity such as stomach upset, recurrence or worsening of fibromyalgia symptoms. This fibromyalgia diet may be done for a couple of times to properly establish your food sensitivity.

Eat a lot of whole foods such as vegetables, whole grains, fruits, protein and essential fatty acids. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.



supplements for fibromyalgia

The following supplements may be helpful to reduce the symptoms of fibromyalgia

Magnesium (200 mg taken twice to thrice a day) with malic acid (600 mg one to two times per day) helps to relieve pain and fatigue that is common with fibromyalgia sufferers.
Vitamin C (250 to 500 mg taken twice a day) helps the immune system and reduces swelling associated to fibromyalgia
B vitamins is known to help reduce the effects of stress and may help reduce the symptoms fibromyalgia: take B-complex 50 to 100 mg per day, niacinamide 100 mg per day, and B6 100 mg per day.
Chromium picolinate (200 mcg with meals) is known to reduce reactive hypoglycemia that may make fibromyalgia symptoms worse.
5-Hydroxytryptophan (100 mg three times per day) helps with depression and insomnia associated with fibromyalgia.
Melatonin (0.5 to 3 mg one time before bed) may help with sleep disorders in fibromyalgia sufferers.
Zinc (30 mg per day) is essential for proper immune function.
Phosphatidyl choline and phosphatidyl serine (300 mg per day) may help depression and improve memory.
Coenzyme Q10 (50 to 100 mg once to twice a day) has an antioxydant property that helps to improve oxygen delivery to cellular tissues.



exercise for fibromyalgia

Regular exercise for people with fibromyalgia is recommended. Physical activity is helpful in relieving pain and stiffness. Exercise is one of the most helpful therapies for fibromyalgia. Maintain a regular exercise schedule, Do a combination of light stretching and walking, swimming or cycling. Avoid exercises that pounds, jars, or sudden twisting of the back. Maintain a regular exercise schedule 3 - 5 days a week with 30 minutes workout


taichi for fibromyalgia

Tai Chi is a low impact, no sweat exercise. It is found to be beneficial to sufferers of fibromyalgia. The slow fluid movements of Tai Chi gives can provide the needed work out without putting too much strain to the back and to the muscles. In a study conducted to 51 people complaining of back pain, a group was ordered to practice Tai Chi and the other to continue the usual back-car program. After six weeks into the program, those who have practiced Tai Chi reported a significant reduction in pain.


relaxation for fibromyalgia

Learn to relax your mind and body. Stress and anxiety is a major consideration for fibromyalgia and may actually worsen the symptoms. Making your self calm and stress free by relaxation techniques such as biofeedback, meditation, visualization, self-massage or music therapy may help treat your fibromyalgia symptoms.


social support for fibromyalgia

Meet and have connection with people like you. Fibromyalgia is a life-altering experience. You may gain strength and comfort from talking with other people with the same problem. Support groups have gained its popularity especially for fibromyalgia. You may contact a fibromyalgia support group nearest to your area by contacting one of the following agencies.

Fibromyalgia Alliance of America. P.O Box 21990, Columbus, OH 43221-0990.
The National Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Association, P.O. Box 18426, Kansas City, MO 04133-8426



over the counter drugs for fibromyalgia

Capsaicin is a compound known as a powerful pain reliever. You may ask your pharmacist for medicines that contains capsaicin compounds. Aspirin and acitaminophen (TYLENOL) are also commonly used to help ease the pain associated with fibromyalgia. Nonsteroidal anti-inflamatory drugs (NSAID) are also used but of limited benefit.



home remedy for fibromyalgia

Treat your self kindly. While fibromyalgia may affect your lifestyle, this should not be a crippling disorder. Move and proceed to create a normal lifestyle. Be careful not to overexert your self. When you feel that you need to rest or have a break, do so.

Make yourself comfortable. Make changes to your home or to your workplace to make yourself efficient and function with ease.

For people who have the temporomandibular type of myofascial pain syndrome, using a plastic mouth guard can keep the teeth from touching each other and thereby prevent them from clenching and grinding.


herbal medicine for fibromyalgia

Herbal Medicines that strengthen the body's immune system and fight stress:

  • Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus),
  • schizandra berry (Schizandra chinensis),
  • ashwaganda root (Withania somnifera),
  • gotu kola (Centella asiatica), and
  • astragalus root (Astragalus membranaceus).

Herbal medicines that alleviate pain and nervous tension:

  • black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa),
  • kava kava (Piper methysticum),
  • skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora),
  • passionflower (Passiflora incarnata),
  • lavender (Lavandula angustifolia),
  • and valerian (Valeriana officinalis).

back pain medicineThe above herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Teas should be made with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Drink the tea 4 to 5 times per day. For more details on proper use, you may onsult your local herbalist.


aroma theraphy for fibromyalgia

Other essential oils, such as that of jasmine, lemon balm, rosemary, and clary sage are used to relieve stress and may be used in aromatherapy. These may be used with an atomizer spread into the room, onto cotton balls or may also be mixed in warm baths.


homeopathy for fibromyalgia treatment

Rhus toxicondendron is a homeopathic medicine known to be helpful in the treatment of fibromyalgia especially for alleviating the pain. You may consult with your local homeopath if this treatment is appropriate for your type of fibromyalgia symptom.



chinese medicine for fibromyalgia treatment

Chinese medical doctors attribute the symptoms of fibromyalgia to a weakened life energy (qi). The body does not possess the needed energy to defend itself from the forces of Wind, Damp, and Cold.

To strengthen the life energy (qi), Chinese doctors use different herbs to expel Wind, Damp and Cold. To expel Wind and Damp, Chinese doctors use clematis root, gentian root, and chaenomeles fruit. Herbs used for Wind and Cold include cinnamon twig, and dried ginger.

 


acupuncture as fibromyalgia treatment

Studies suggest that acupuncture can help improve the fibromyalgia symptoms. By stimulating particular points in our body, fibromyalgia symptoms may be completely relieved.

The acupuncturists treat people with fibromyalgia based on an individualized assessment of the excesses and deficiencies of qi located in various meridians. In the case of fibromyalgia, a qi deficiency is usually detected in the spleen and/or kidney meridians.

  • Spleen 9, located one thumb-width below the knee crease in the hollow to the inside of your shinbone.
  • Liver 3, situated on top of your foot in the webbing between your toe and second toe.
  • Large Intestine 4, located on the back of your hand wherere the bones of your thumb and index finger meet.

Acupressure may also be an alternative if you wish for self-treatment, you may apply a steady penetrating finger pressure to the above points for three minutes each.

Moxibustion (a technique in which the herb mugwort is burned over specific acupuncture points) is used to strengthen the entire energy system. Qualified practitioners may also advise persons with fibromyalgia on lifestyle and diet, and provide recommendations on the use of herbal medicines.


chiropractic treatment for fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia generally includes low back pain and/or neck pain. Chiropractic has been known to have beneficial effect for these symptoms. Chiropractic is the manipulation of the spinal chord by a competent chiropractor. Chiropratic theraphy according to some studies relieves pain for a period of 1 month.


conventional medicine for fibromyalgia

Certain prescription medicine may be prescribed by doctors to manage the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Doctors may prescribe low doses of tricyclic antidepressants 1 or 2 hours before bedtime, which are prescribed to improve sleep rather than to relieve depression.

Local anesthetics are sometimes used for fibromyalgia, such as lidocaine (XYLOCAINE) or with corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone (Cortisol). These are injected directly to a particularly tender area or trigger point, however these injections are not recommended for repetitive use.


treatment of fibromyalgia

Nondrug treatments are usually the most helpful in treating symptoms of fibromyalgia. Reducing stress can alleviate some mild cases of fibromyalgia. Stretching and conditioning exercises of gradually increasing intensity, improvements in the quality of sleep, application of heat to the affected area, gentle massage, and keeping warm are usually beneficial. These approach are discussed more detailed on the suceeding pages..

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disease category


alternative medicine vs. conventional medicine

Herbal Medicines

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health and medicine

Ginko biloba is a popular herb used for its many health benefits including blood flow improvement, treatment for memory loss and dementia.

Ginseng is an herbal medicine used as health tonic for the entire body with health benefits for the brain, heart, reproduction and many others.