Fibromyalgia : Widespread Chronic Muscle Pain

Submitted by kristine

When every muscle in your body seem to be shouting out in pain, with some tender areas that are unusually painful when touched, and you somehow feel tired as if devoid of all energy, and don't get enough sleep, you may be experiencing symptoms of Fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is a medical condition characterized by widespread chronic pain in your muscles, ligaments and tendons, as well as fatigue and multiple tender points. Tender points are parts on your body where even a slight pressure may cause pain. They may be found on the neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms, and legs which may hurt when pressure is put on them. More women than men are afflicted with fibromyalgia, and it shows up in people of all ages. It used to be known by other names such as fibrositis, chronic muscle pain syndrome, psychogenic rheumatism and tension myalgias.

Signs and symptoms may vary depending on the the severity of the condition. In some cases, symptoms will probably never disappear completely. At any rate, it may be reassuring to know that fibromyalgia is not progressive or life-threatening. There are available treatments and self-care procedures which can improve this condition and one's general health.

Signs and Symptoms

Many factors can affect symptoms of fibromyalgia such as the weather, stress, physical activity or even the time of day. Common signs and symptoms include:

· Widespread pain - When pressure is applied in specific areas of your body, including the back of your head, upper back and neck, upper chest, elbows, hips and knees, pain accompanied by stiffness is often felt and may persists for several months.

· Fatigue and sleep disturbances - People who suffer from this condition often wake up tired and unrefreshed in spite of getting enough sleep. According to some studies, this sleep problem is the result of a sleep disorder in which deep sleep is frequently interrupted by bursts of brain activity similar to wakefulness, thus, missing the deep restorative stage of sleep. Nighttime muscle spasms in your legs and restless legs syndrome also may be associated with fibromyalgia.

· Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) - Constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating associated with IBS are common in people with fibromyalgia.

· Headaches and facial pain – Symptoms of headaches and facial pain may be related to the tenderness or stiffness in the neck and shoulders.

· Heightened sensitivity – People with fibromyalgia are usually sensitive to odors, noises, bright lights and touch.

Other common signs and symptoms include:

· Depression
· Numbness or tingling sensations in the hands and feet (paresthesia)
· Difficulty concentrating
· Mood changes
· Chest pain
· Dry eyes, skin and mouth
· Painful menstrual periods
· Dizziness
· Anxiety

Possible Causes

There is no known cause of fibromyalgia. Recent findings focus around a theory called "central sensitization" which states that people with fibromyalgia have a lower threshold for pain due to increased sensitivity of the brain to pain signals. This is why people with fibromyalgia seem to overreact when a slight pressure is applied on a certain part of the body which would not hurt if done to a person in normal condition. However, what initiates this process of central sensitization still baffle most research experts. Other theories cited as to the cause of fibromyalgia include:

· Sleep disturbances – Some researchers suggest that disturbed sleep patterns may be a cause rather than just a symptom of fibromyalgia.

· Injury – Accidents that cause injuries or trauma, particularly in the upper spinal region, which affect the central nervous system may trigger the development of fibromyalgia.

· Infection - Some researchers believe that a viral or bacterial infection may trigger fibromyalgia.

· Abnormalities of the autonomic (sympathetic) nervous system – When the sympathetic nervous system fails to function normally during nighttime, it leads to fatigue, stiffness, dizziness and other signs and symptoms associated with the condition. The sympathetic nervous system is part of the autonomic nervous system which controls involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, blood vessel contraction, sweating, salivary flow and intestinal movements.

· Changes in muscle metabolism – A decreased blood flow to muscles may contribute to decreased strength and fatigue. Such differences in metabolism and abnormalities in the hormonal substance which influences the activity of nerves may play a role.
Psychological stress and hormonal changes also may be possible causes of fibromyalgia.

Seek Medical Advice

Whenever you experience general aching or widespread pain that lasts several months and is accompanied by fatigue, it is time to see your doctor. Many of the symptoms of fibromyalgia mimic those of other diseases, such as low thyroid hormone production (hypothyroidism), polymyalgia rheumatica, neuropathies, lupus, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Only your doctor can tell if one of these other conditions may be causing such symptoms.

Fibromyalgia isn't progressive and does not lead to other serious conditions or diseases. Nevertheless, it can cause pain, depression and lack of sleep. These problems can then interfere with your ability to function at home or on the job, or maintain close family or personal relationships, thus, require medical attention.

Fibromyalgia : Widespread Chronic Muscle Pain

New Treatment for Fibromyalgia (FMS)

By: Rachel

Fibromyalgia is also called as FMS. Fibromyalgia is a disorder classified by the presence of chronic widespread pain and tactile allodynia. The disorder is not directly life-threatening. While fibromyalgia is one of the most common diseases affecting the muscles, its cause is currently unknown.

Fibromyalgia is a clinical syndrome defined by chronic widespread muscular pain, fatigue and tenderness. Fibromyalgia affects predominantly women (over 80 percent) between the ages of 35 and 55. The degree of symptoms may vary greatly from day to day with periods of flares. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain in your muscles, ligaments and tendons, as well as fatigue and multiple tender points places on your body where slight pressure causes pain.

Fibromyalgia is agreed upon as one thing—a disease entity or a painful entity. In fact, fibromyalgia really is a calamity. Tender points are places on the neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms or legs that hurt when touched. Every muscle in their body shouted out in pain. Treatment programs are most effective when they combine patient education, stress reduction, regular exercise, and medications.

In addition, they felt devoid of energy as though someone had unplugged their power supply. The pain is biological, psychological, and social. It affects all parameters, including even a spiritual or religious component. Many medical conditions can cause pain in different areas of the body, mimicking fibromyalgia.

Cause of fibromyalgia
Genetics
Sleep disturbances
Dopamine abnormality
Changes in muscles metabolism
Abnormal levels of Substance P in their spinal fluid
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
abnormal sleep architecture
heightened sensitivity
fatigue
sensitivity to noise and temperature
mood changes
musculoskeletal pain
Environmental change
physical problems
memory problems
anxiety and depressive
irritable bowel syndrome
Diagnosis for Fibromyalgia

However, blood tests for TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) and ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) values can differentiate these diagnoses from fibromyalgia. The diagnosis of fibromyalgia is made purely on clinical grounds based on the doctor's history and physical examination.

Treatment for Fibromyalgia

Medication, while important, is not the only treatment. Patient education, exercise, self-management skills and alternative therapies help treat fibromyalgia symptoms.

Low doses of sedating antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline and trazodone) have been used to reduce the sleep disturbances that are associated with fibromyalgia.

Considering nontraditional treatment options for your fibromyalgia pain.

Some topical remedies ar used for the treatment of fibromyalgia.

Current studies indicate the best pharmacologic treatment for treating pain (and improving disrupted sleep patterns) is low doses of tricyclic compounds including cyclobenzaprine and amitriptyline .

Muscle relaxants, anti-epileptics (such as Neurontin and Lyrica) and other drug categories may be prescribed as well. Each issue of the Fibromyalgia Network Journal contains information about new treatment options, as well as advice about how to make use of existing medications to minimize fibromyalgia symptoms.

Prevention for Fibromyalgia Schedule time to relax each day. Deep-breathing exercises and meditation will help reduce the stress that can bring on symptoms.

Do exercise regularly

Stress reduction might include simple stress modification at home or work, biofeedback, relaxation tapes, psychological counseling, and/or support among family members, friends, and doctors.

New Treatment for Fibromyalgia (FMS)

Fibromyalgia And Stress - The Connection Between The Brain And Body

By: Hailey Harris

A widespread muscoloskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue characterizes Fibromylagia. The exact causes of Fibromyalgia are still unknown. Fibromyalgia means pain in the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other fibrous tissues in the body.

Women are more prone to develop Fibromyalgia, although men are also afflicted by it. Patients suffering from Fibromyalgia may have one or a combination of all the following symptoms such as chronic pain, insomnia or sleep disorder, hypersensitivity to touch, chronic fatigue, depression, and irritable bowel syndrome. Some patients have also reported symptoms such as sensitivity to light, noise, odors, certain foods, and medications. Other symptoms reported are temporomandibular joint dysfunctions, morning stiffness, memory loss, dizziness, and dry eyes and mouth.

Fibromyalgia is often referred to as the invisible illness, as no apparent pathology is present. It is believed that psychosocial factors are responsible for this disease. Fibromyalgia is neither a fatal nor a degenerative disease; however it can affect almost all the aspects of a person's life. The chronic pain associated with the disease is pervasive and persistent and can affect normal social and recreational activity. It has been estimated that about 30% of those affected by this disease are unable to work full time. The United States government recognizes Fibromyalgia as a genuine medical condition and patients can apply for social security disability benefits.

Physicians all over the world consider Fibromyalgia as a functional illness in which the symptoms are real but the medical tests turn out to be normal. Trying to understand Fibromyalgia through the bio-medical model is a futile exercise. Bio-medical model explains the illness as cause and effect and is based on dualism. The bio-medical model considers the mind and body as separate.

The reality is in fact contrary to this belief and most diseases like Fibromyalgia need to be understood through the bio-psychosocial-spiritual model. It is now well accepted that Fibromyalgia needs to be addressed after addressing, understanding, and accepting the inter-dependence of the mind, body and the spirit. Factors such as genetics, environment and the influence of the conscious and unconscious mind also play an important role in patients developing Fibromyalgia.

The root causes of Fibromyalgia are not in the head but in the mind and body. The brain is connected to the body by the spinal cord through the autonomic nervous system. Small protein molecules in the neuropeptide messenger system circulate in the body and carry messages back and forth between the body and the brain and vice versa. Hence, we need to look at the mind and the body to really understand Fibromyalgia and not through the bio-medical model. There is a direct relationship between stress and the symptoms of Fibromyalgia.

Stress is the perception of psychological or physical threat and the perception of being unable to deal with it. Two important things about stress need to be kept in mind. First, stress can occur at the unconscious level and the individual may be unaware that he or she is under stress from a cognitive perspective. Second, stress is always perceptual. Certain individuals may find a situation extremely stressful while others may not be affected by it.

Although there are a number of factors that are responsible for Fibromyalgia, one common factor in all patients suffering from Fibromyalgia is 'STRESS'. Another factor commonly associated with Fibromyalgia is sleep disorder or insomnia. It is still not clear whether these two factors cause Fibromyalgia or vice versa.

It is important that all concerned understand and accept connection between the mind and the body. Treatment and healing are two different processes. Treatment involves the application of something external and something given orally or intravenously, but healing happens from within. Patients should be encouraged to use their own power to heal themselves. It is a fact that Neuropeptides can be switched off and on through relaxation, exercise, diet, sleep, belief, and medication.

A change in lifestyle, improved eating habits, regular exercise, sleep and medication such as anti-depressants taken under medical supervision are beneficial for managing Fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia And Stress - The Connection Between The Brain And Body

Fibromyalgia And Your Diet

By: Hailey Harris

Fibromyalgia is otherwise called Muscular Rheumatism, Tension Myalgia or Fibromyositis. This fibromyalgia is a syndrome where the patient suffers from chronic muscle pain. This is complicated syndrome wherein the pain can be all over the body or just in certain muscles around the joints. The majority who are affected by this are women over the age of 30, who suffer from pain in the neck, back and shoulders. They would generally complain of stiffness, tenderness, and pain in the joints. It may seem that the problem is with the joints, but in fact it is a muscular pain that causes the problem. This can appear in anyone including children and men of all races and is the second most common disorder as per rheumatologists.

Due to the steady pain, the person tends to show signs of stress, sleeplessness, extreme moodiness, and even depression. This may not be constant but can escalate with the pain and uneasiness. The cause of this may be due to certain pain stimulating chemicals in the body and the increase or reduction of serotonin in the body making it sensitive to pain. Fibromyalgia causes the pain to be centralized, wherein you feel the pain elsewhere in the brain or spinal cord. This can be triggered with just a slight touch or even external factors like light and sound. It may seem psychological due to this, but in reality the pain is genuine and caused due to these factors.

There is no specific recommended diet for fibromyalgia but a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals can certainly help in coping with the illness. Magnesium rich vegetables are recommended for patient's suffering from fibromyalgia. Cutting down on wheat and dairy products, having food rich in B12 and proteins, avoiding food with yeast and preservatives can also help. Caffeine, aerated drinks, chocolates and tea can be not only healthier but also reduce the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Turmeric is a powerful antiseptic and analgesic, 400-500 mg of turmeric everyday can help reduce inflammation and heal the tender skin. Ginger is also effective in relieving pain in the body. Ginger juice can be mixed with some honey or lemon juice and had as a refreshing drink.

You need to have food that reduces your anxiety levels. Cutting down on coffee can help you sleep better and open up ways to better health as well. Dairy products can be avoided, as they would trigger the irritable bowel syndrome that commonly affects fibromyalgia patients. Dairy products tend to increase anxiety in some patients and have a negative impact on the nervous system. Having whole grain diet affects some who complain of insomnia and muscle tensing. It is better to avoid it since the components are high in phytic acid and subsequently reduce zinc absorption in the system. Plenty of fruits, vegetables and nuts are recommended in the diet, as they are rich in magnesium.

Saturated fats in the diet can help reduce anxiety even though they tend to make you put on weight. Research has shown that the anxiety levels in the person decreased with the increase in cholesterol levels in the person. Spices tend to increase anxiety; hence, a less spicy diet can have calming effect, as it does not stimulate the body or the mind. Acidic food can reduce the absorption of magnesium, which helps relax the muscles. When there is a magnesium deficiency, the muscles tend to get cramped and tense. Plenty of vegetable juices and soups along with coconut water or any fresh juice can be very refreshing and healthy. Just the simple green salad with lemon juice dressing can be full of the necessary vitamins.

Patients with Fibromyalgia symptoms should avoid vegetables like broccoli, okra, potatoes, and cabbage. They should make it a routine to sleep early in order to avoid stress and fatigue. Some of the patients who suffer from this prolonged joint pain can be allergic to wheat. A gluten free diet is recommended for them, foods that can be avoided are high fat dairy products, fried foods, red meat etc. Research has shown that food rich in sodium and fried stuff can aggravate the pain and inflammation. As mentioned there no specific diet for fibromyalgia, you could try each one and decide which one suits you best as health food and as a way to nursing yourself back to health.

Fibromyalgia And Your Diet

Exercising With Fibromyalgia to Relieve Pain

By: Mitamins Team

Fibromyalgia is a common and prevalent condition. It is conservatively estimated that two percent of Americans suffer from fibromyalgia either slightly or severely, but in fact, the number may be even higher. The most prominent symptom of this disease is widespread pain which differs from other kinds of pain, such as that caused by wounds, as it will not become inflamed. The pain is mainly located in the muscles, ligaments and tendons, but pain is not the only symptom of fibromyalgia. Other symptoms such as stiffness, trouble sleeping, fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome and chronic headaches are also present with fibromyaliga.

Fibromyalgia is a very disruptive disorder, and especially when outbreaks of pain occur, is can be unbearable. Fibromyalgia is typically treated with pain-relieving medication, or with antidepressants when it is severe. The effectiveness of these remedies varies depending on the individual and the severity, as the symptoms are diverse and vary from patient to patient. Different cases require different treatments. Much research has verified that the natural treatment of fibromyalgia can improve the condition. Examples of natural treatment include special exercises, or natural supplements targeted to address pain and muscle damage.

Exercise could be just what you are looking for!

Exercising while in pain seems a little absurd, yet recent studies indicate that patients experiencing fibromyalgia who participate in an individualized exercise program will have better moods and be in better physical shape than these who don't. After the exercise, pain may decrease considerably and overall quality of life can also be greatly enhanced. A fibromyalgia specialist once said about the exercise program: "it may seem counterintuitive, but exercise will help break the pain cycle". Physical activities have a significant effect on many of the hormones associated with the central nervous system.

However, taking "three steps forward, two steps back", so to speak, is not advisable. The longer your exercise program lasts, the more effective. Stop-and-start exercise programs may not help at all. You need to focus on consistency. Studies also show that exercise can also improve other complications associated with fibromyalgia such as depression, sleep problems and fatigue. The causes of fibromyalgia are still unknown; however, recent research indicates that the central nervous system is at the root of the problem.

Treatments for fybromyalgia should be individualized and custom-made as the symptoms will vary between patients, and no single treatment can apply to all patients. Nowadays the natural treatment of fibromyalgia has become popular, and has been adopted by many patients. The good news is that natural treatment has been found to be very effective in many cases. Included in this supplement for the treatment of Fibromyalgia Syndrome are components that help normalize the nervous system, as well as a combination of nutrients for total health and recovery.

Follow tips mentioned above on fibromyalgia treatment and you can bet your pain will more bearable and your life more livable. These suggestions along with a natural treatment may perhaps be more effective than prescription drugs.

Exercising With Fibromyalgia to Relieve Pain

Natural Treatments For Fibromyalgia

By: Hailey Harris

Fibromyalgia is a symptom wherein you feel chronic pain in certain parts of your body; it is a muscular pain especially around the joints. There can also be centralized pain felt in the spinal chord, brain, neck and shoulders etc. People with fibromyalgia generally complain of pain in the joints but it actually is the muscles and the tendons around cause the pain. It can be excruciating sometimes and can be a continuous throbbing pain. People suffering from Fibromyalgia also show symptoms of depression, sleeplessness, irritable bowel syndrome and stress, which are caused due to the pain suffered by them.

Fibromyalgia patients are very sensitive to heat, light and sometimes touch. Their skin feels tender and they may feel the painful parts to be inflamed but in reality there is no swelling. Poor concentration and extreme mood swings are another symptom they might display. Usually Fibromyalgia affects women over 30, but even children and men are sometimes affected. There is no known cure for fibromyalgia, however you can overcome this symptom over a period of time with natural cures like herbs and dietary supplements that help with the condition.

Herbs for Fibromyalgia

Herbs can help alleviate fibromyalgia by reducing tenderness in the bone tissues, improving immune system and thereby reducing the pain. St.John's wort is usually taken to help relax and relieve stress. It acts as a pain reliever for severe pain. Fatigue is a common complaint in all fibromyalgia patients, Siberian ginseng is an energizing herb that can make you feel more active and reduce the tiredness felt by the person. The dosage can be slowly increased as required and you can continue by giving a break every six weeks. Turmeric is another pain killer 400 to 500 mg a day can be quite effective. Calendula in relatively large doses taken orally can reduce and suppress the symptoms of Fibromyalgia.

Garlic is a very effective detoxifier and helps in enhancing the immune system as well. Ginkgo biloba can improve blood circulation thereby improving memory and brain functioning. Devil's claw and willow bark are generally used to treat swellings and reduce inflammation in patients suffering from rheumatism. Ginger is a good alternative for painkillers. Alfalfa is very good for general health as it contains plenty of vitamins and minerals. Eating Plenty of green vegetables and having a high fiber diet can help people suffering from Fibromyalgia. A good protein diet is recommended, with plenty of nuts and lean meat such as fish and poultry.

Limit Alcohol and Caffiene

Refrain from alcohol and caffeine as they increase stress and pain as well as disturb your regular sleep patterns. Plenty of water is the best detoxifier as it helps in flushing toxins from your body and fruit juices can give you the energy which is usually lost in patients with Fibromyalgia. Anti oxidants help restoring damaged cells and help in fighting inflammation. A regular dose of multi vitamins can help you fight the symptoms of fibromyalgia. These patients generally avoid exercises as it increases the pain, but a simple exercise regime after consulting a physician is good to keep your bones and muscles flexible and improve your immune system. Walking, swimming and yoga are ideal exercises that can be followed.

Yoga for Fibromyalgia

Yoga is excellent for relieving stress; the stretching exercises will strengthen your muscles and joints. The muscles are well used in certain exercises in yoga which can help patients suffering from fibromyalgia. The breathing exercises can also help reduce fatigue and improve circulation, energizing your body. Muscles are also relaxed and help in the healing process. People following regular exercise regimes tend to suffer less pain and feel more active. Physical therapy can help some of the people having Fibromyalgia symptoms; acupuncture has been proved effective.

Holistic healing has helped some who have the faith and trust to pursue the same. Meditations, reiki and prayers are a great source of comfort and also help relieve stress in Fibromyalgia. Massage therapies can help a great deal in reducing fatigue and improve muscle movement. A good recommended massage by a professional can also improve circulation and restore your immune system. All the above remedies have no side effects and it would help you a great deal to try some of it to help ease your pain, if you are suffering from Fibromyalgia symptoms.

Natural Treatments For Fibromyalgia