FMS symptoms, treatments, cures, medicine, relief, causes and more.

Benefits of Using Alternative Treatment for Fibromyalgia

Although fibromyalgia has no known cure, there are many things, including using herbs for fibromyalgia, that a person who suffers from this mysterious syndrome can do to help control or alleviate their pain. Over the past several decades, doctors, scientists, researchers and dieticians have all sought to assist patients by developing treatment programs following standard medical practices. These mainly include prescription medication to address the most common complaints. These fall into the general categories of painkillers, anti-depressants and sleep aids. While these medications can be quite effective, it must be remembered that fibromyalgia is a long-term condition with no known cure. Looking to find more natural ways to bring relief to symptoms is the goal of many fibromyalgia sufferers.

It’s now a relief to the estimated 3% of the population that’s afflicted by fibromyalgia that their syndrome is now fully recognized by the medical community and most physicians are well aware of what it entails. Because each person who has this condition displays a different set of symptoms, treatment plans are created on a case by case basis. There are many options available to treat the various symptoms, and the medical research on these techniques is now well-known. There are many books and other resources that a fibromyalgia sufferer can turn to for suggestions.

This is often significant section of this study. The main symptom that most sufferers want to get under control is the widespread pain and the associated stress. Modern medicine has certainly been able to create a large variety of painkillers that can be taken to alleviate this symptom. But there are also many natural ways to get help.

One strategy is to look at the overall life-style of the patient. Some natural methods will address the diet and exercise program of the patient and create a more holistic way to control symptoms. For example, low impact exercise such as water aerobics or yoga can do a lot to help bring relief to sore muscles through gentle impact and resistance work. A carefully planned diet can help a fibromyalgia sufferer sleep better at night be reducing or eliminating items like caffeine and soda. Those who suffer from digestive issues have had great success by determining food that causes an allergic reaction and no longer consuming it.

Many fibromyalgia sufferers have found natural relief by taking supplements and vitamins. Working with their doctor or dietician, they’ve discovered that low levels of particular vitamins can be easily addressed by taking supplements and can bring a great amount of relief. At the same time, herbal supplements have proven very effective in dealing with all sorts of fibromyalgia symptoms. Many people have found relief in the aisles of their local natural food store for headaches, sleeplessness, depression, pain, muscle soreness and digestive issues, among others.

Besides changes in diet and exercises and taking supplements, you might want to consider some other natural methods to address pain relief and help relieve stress. It’s well known that meditation and breathing exercises can address many symptoms of this nature. There are many resources available both online and around the country to learn to meditate.

As you can see, fibromyalgia sufferers now have many natural options available to them to address the specific symptoms that they’ve. Through a process of trail and error, they can devise a plan to bring relief. A plan that combines the wonders of modern medicine with the time proven methods of natural relief.

If you are interested in learning more about how herbs for fibromyalgia can help you to manage pain, visit my website where I share information and tips about finding the best fibromyalgia treatment for you.

Explaining the Problem & the Symptoms : Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a condition characterised by generalised muscle pain, stiffness, and tender points in specified locations with accompanying sleep difficulties, morning stiffness and fatigue. There have been differing ideas as to why this problem starts and how it’s maintained, however there is still much to learn and understand. Despite this there is now good evidence to support the concept that fibromyalgia is a condition driven by a central nervous system (spinal cord and brain) that’s processing pain in a dysfunctional way. Pain science research has shown that we need to look at the function and changes that occur in the central nervous system in order to be more effective in managing chronically painful conditions, including fibromyalgia.

Similar to other persisting pains, there are often a myriad of other symptoms that are experienced, some of which may make no sense. One of the most important parts of managing and treating chronic conditions is to explain the nature of the problem and the reasons for the symptoms. ‘Explaining’ pain is fundamental in allaying fears and answering questions that are provoking fears and anxieties which alone can amplify pain as will be described. Understanding the influences upon pain and the factors that can aggravate will help in your self-management and enhance the treatment process. This has been evidenced by a study that looked at the effects of pain education on a particular test that’s commonly used in the clinic (straight leg raise). It was found that the test improved following an education session that focused on pain science.

This may easily be significant part of this specific issue. There have been many studies that have used brain scanning techniques to assess brain activity during the pain experience. The findings support a useful pain model called the ‘pain neuromatrix’ that was developed by Ron Melzack. This model described a network of nerves (neurons) in the brain that when active in a particular way would create the conscious experience of pain. The regions of the brain that form this matrix include areas that are responsible for control of movement, sensation, anxiety, memory, concentration, emotion, belief, planning and vision to name a few. Any one of these regions when activated can trigger the other regions through interconnections (the matrix), thereby initiating activity, a ‘neurosignature’, within the network. For example, seeing someone bending can provoke your back pain by the visual input from observing the movement stimulating activity in other parts of the matrix. We’ve a ‘neurosignature’ for all activities and thoughts, this being a pattern of activity within a network of neurons that’s responsible for our experience, e.g. Walking, speaking and writing. One region that’s particularly worthy of mention is the amygdala which is involved with fear and anxiety. Through its connections with other parts of the pain neuromatrix the amygdala can trigger the neurosignature for pain. This means that if you’re feeling fearful or anxious because of not understanding your symptoms for example, the pain can be amplified. In the light of this knowledge we can see that education about the condition and associated symptoms is fundamental.

Pain is a normal sensory experience that’s part of a protective response created by the brain (not the mind!) to motivate some action. This is the same as a thirst or hunger that motivates the action of seeking food or water for survival. Other components of this protective response include reflexive action (pull hand away from the fire), changes in blood flow and immune activity to promote healing. Often the tissue will heal after being damaged and the sensitivity that develops normally will ease. Sometimes this sensitivity reduction doesn’t occur and persists. This means that the tissues heal but the nervous system remains in an excitable state, sending danger messages despite the fact that there is no danger. Clearly the management of this type of problem is different and requires a ‘wide lens’ to consider the varying influences upon the pain experience; recall the pain matrix and the regions involved. With a chronic condition the treatment must focus on the activity of the central nervous system and the way in which it processes pain information. Normal movement and touch are painful because the processing of the information results in the brain believing there to be a threat to the tissues. We know that the tissues are actually not unhealthy but rather the nerves that supply the tissues are excitable and that the central nervous system is sensitive and these states mean that normal touch and movements are perceived to be ‘dangerous’. Changing the brain’s perception of this requires more than just tissue targeted treatment (e.g. Massage, joint mobility) with interventions such as education, coping skills, relaxation and tactile discrimination having a significant role. Some ‘hands on’ treatments are indicated and should be applied wisely alongside the aforementioned.

Science clearly tells us that pain is not an accurate indicator of tissue damage. Examples such as phantom limb pain and pain-free trauma suggest that the brain must prioritise the information from the tissues in the light of survival, and decide what action is most important. Stepping on a nail is usually painful, unless of course a bus is hurtling toward you when you’ll almost certainly run out of way despite the injury to your foot. This fact is significant in both understanding and managing pain in an effective way.

Suffering with the symptoms of fibromyalgia often means widespread pain, stiffness, tenderness in the tissues, fatigue and mood changes. The activity in the central nervous system underpins many of these symptoms and it’s vital that as a sufferer this is understood. Linked with the pain processing pathways are the activities of the immune system and stress physiology. This means that if you’re unwell the pain can be amplified by the increased release of immune chemicals that sensitise the nervous system. The cascade of hormone releases that occur as the body deals with stress (pain is a stressor) can also amplify the pain and be responsible for stiffness in the tissues, particularly in the morning. There has been much work done on both of these systems so we can understand the links between general health, sleep, mood and pain.

Fibromyalgia is a complex condition with numerous contributing factors. The understanding of the causes and pathology has greatly increased but we’ve much further to go. Treatment methods have fortunately advanced in tandem with the scientific knowledge

http://www.specialistpainphysio.com

The Several Risk Factors Associated With Fibromyalgia

In America, around 10 million people suffer from fibromyalgia. Researchers and doctors haven’t been able to give information on the causes of Fibromyalgia. There are certain risk factors that can make a person more vulnerable to fibromyalgia.

The risk factors related to Fibromyalgia are as follows:

Age: Generally, people between the ages of twenty to sixty are more likely to get affected by fibromyalgia. Going by the statistics, people around 30 5 years of age are mostly affected by this disease.

Gender: Women are more affected by this disease as compared to men. They generally tend to develop this disease during menopause. Some studies show that 9 out of 10 fibromyalgia patients are women.

Genetic factors: Studies have shown that genetic factor is involved in the development of this disease. People with family members suffering from fibromyalgia are more likely to get affected by this disease. According to reports, twenty-eight per cent of children of mothers suffering from fibromyalgia developed this disease.

Sleep disorders: People suffering from different kinds of sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, are more likely to get affected by this disease.

Rheumatic disease: People with rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and lupus are at a higher chance of developing Fibromyalgia.

You need to read through this short article with great care, the challenge and the answers have a number of varieties. Muscle injury: Any kind of muscle injury can result in the formation of trigger points. Continuous stress on such trigger points can lead to fibromyalgia. During recovery from surgery or stroke, one can experience trigger points in the muscle.

Other factors: Generally people coming from a stressful environment or who have undergone physical or psychological trauma are at a higher risk of developing fibromyalgia. People suffering from stress, depression or anxiety are more susceptible to this.

Considering the risk factors involved in this disease, people experiencing any symptom need to consult a doctor for proper treatment of Fibromyalgia at an early stage.

Looking for more information regarding fibromyalgia relief, fibromyalgia cure fibromyalgia treatments and various alternative treatments kindly visit: Fibromyalgia-symptoms.org

The Healing Properties Of a Good Fibromyalgia Diet

If you suffer from fibromyalgia it’s important that you follow a balanced fibromyalgia diet to optimize healing. Many people do not realize how much food actually affects their body and symptoms, and a change in diet can really help to relieve the pain and discomfort associated with fibromyalgia. In developing your diet plan there will be foods you need to eliminate from your diet, and others that you’ll want to eat in abundance for maximum results. Let’s take a look at a typical fibromyalgia diet plan that you may wish to follow.

Your fibromyalgia diet should be balanced in healthy, nutritious foods. Focus your eating habits around whole foods such as seeds, whole grains, raw fruits and raw vegetables, lean meats, and nuts. Basically, you want to stick to natural and un-processed foods as much as possible. When the processed foods are consumed, your symptoms may increase because of the refined sugars and flours.

Let me continue with this writing. Fruits and vegetable are high in “phytochemicals,” it has been found that these can help reduce pain in those suffering from fibromyalgia. So eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, as many as you want! You’ll also want to drink plenty of water, at least eight glasses a day. Many people who suffer from fibromyalgia have also found juicing to help with healing, because it allows them to get larger amounts of fruits and veggies quickly. Overall, simply eating a well balanced diet can boast amazing healing results.

There are also foods that you’ll want to eliminate from your diet so your body can begin to heal. Almost everything on the list should really not be surprising, since most of these foods aren’t considered healthy for any diet. It’s good to pay attention to any foods that you’re personally affected by– if you notice that something makes you sick, then do not eat it!

Start paying close attention to food labels and eliminate from your diet foods that contain sugar, caffeine, white flour, preservatives, artificial sweeteners and nitrates. You’ll also want to avoid red meat, processed foods, carbonated beverages, chocolate, alcohol, and dairy products high in fat. Some people who suffer from fibromyalgia may also have sensitivity to acidic foods. Therefore, you may want to try eliminating acidic foods to see if you notice a difference.

You have just learned how following a good fibromyalgia diet plan can lead to healing results. Many sufferers of fibromyalgia report amazing results when they eliminate foods that can trigger fibromyalgia symptoms and eat a well balanced whole food diet. If you follow this eating plan you’ll not only begin the healing process for fibromyalgia, but you’ll also be eating to fight other diseases like cancer and heart disease. This diet plan is one you may want your entire family to follow with you.

There are many alternative fibromyalgia treatments that can be done to improve the daily lifestyle of patients with fibromyalgia. Lessen your fibromyalgia symptoms by reading more information at our website: http://WhatIsFibromyalgiaSyndrome.com

Three Things You Should Know About Chronic Fatigue

Do you feel tired and exhausted most of the time? Chances are you may be suffering from fatigue. It may be caused due to general stress or stress at work, depression, insufficient sleep, no exercise, boredom and due to mild ailments like cold or flu or because of taking certain medicines. Then again, as these ailments or other causes neutralize, the fatigue too goes away. In most cases this general fatigue should ease within 2 weeks.

But there is another more severe kind of fatigue referred to as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). What differentiates it from the general fatigue is that you feel tired to a level that impedes your day-to-day activities, and also that the tiredness is present for 6 months or more. The following three points will tell you all about CFS and how to handle it.

• Symptoms

O The causes of CFS are still unknown to medicine, a number of factors when combined together, most probably cause CFS. But you must look out for certain typical symptoms that can give you a fair indication.

O Feeling constantly exhausted even with routine activities.

O Trouble in getting sleep and being tired even after waking up.

O Difficulty in, recollecting things, concentrating or being able to think.

O Extreme tiredness after any physical activity or exercise, which you could earlier do without any strain.

O Headaches, pain in joints and muscles, sore throat and the glands in the armpits and neck feeling tender are other symptoms that might be experienced.

• Diagnosis

Another interesting detail close to this theme. Much like the causes of CFS aren’t known, in the same way there are not any specific tests to diagnose CFS. Doctors conduct diagnosis through a kind of elimination procedure, by ruling out other ailments, because CFS shares its symptoms with other ailments too. The doctor will start with observing your medical history and conducting a physical exam. To exclude other probable conditions certain tests like blood count, blood glucose level, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, Urinalysis, HIV and skin tests might be prescribed. Even after this some trial and error might be required to effectively address CFS.

• Treatment

O it’s commonly believed that CFS can’t be prevented or even cured. After a possible diagnosis, home treatment coupled with medications under doctors’ advice can tackle the symptoms which in turn may reduce the ill-effects of CFS.

O Try to regularize your sleeping habits by keeping fixed sleeping hours daily, also sleep only when you feel drowsy, and avoid caffeine before going to bed. A comfortable environment including the bed also helps.

O Do some exercise, but keep a balance so as not to overburden yourself.

O A balanced diet which is low on fat can be equally helpful.

O You can also reschedule your routine to accommodate activities during the time period when you feel comparatively more energetic, again don’t overdo it.

An absence of reliable tests can be extremely frustrating, but you must work with your doctor and learn to be patient, for in most cases, once CFS improves there is rarely any relapse.

For more information please visit our Prevention of Falls Training and Patient and Family Education Training web pages.

3 Popular & Beneficial Therapies | Thai Massage, Reflexology, Sports Massage

Sydney Australia is a hub for massage and physical therapies. For anyone looking for massage therapy, Sydney is an excellent place to be. A number of good massage centers and spas are available which provide massage modalities of many different kinds. These massages are good for relaxation and also as a therapy for various body conditions. Different parts of the world have different forms of massage techniques. Each one has a specific technique to it and is unique in its own way. Relief from stress, tension and certain kinds of ailments is something that many people hope to receive through massage. In this article I will write about 3 styles of massage therapy available in Sydney.

Reflexology is a massage therapy Sydney offers in many of its massage centers. The technique is so old that certain ancient civilizations even practiced it. It has been popularized in the west thanks to the efforts of a few modern physicians. In reflexology, certain reflex points and zones exist in the hands and feet that correspond to various organs and other parts of the body. Reflexology aims to treat ailments in the body through the placing of mild pressure on these regions. Through this technique, patients suffering from acute as well as chronic health conditions are able to get relief. Every session normally lasts for about fourty-five minutes and several sessions might be needed for treating certain health conditions.

One additional beneficial fact about this matter. Thai massage is another massage therapy Sydney has to offer its visitors. Certain places in Sydney provide traditional Thai massage. The fascinating thing about this kind of massage is that the Thai women are sometimes so small in stature but are still able to manipulate even people of great size through their massage. By the use of massaging on pressure points and stretching to relax the muscles, this eastern form of massage provides excellent relief from stress. The nervous system of the body is also strengthened by proper breathing techniques employed during the massage. The rejuvenating and soothing effect of the massage has made it a favorite among different parts of the world. It could however be a little difficult to spot a real traditional Thai massage center, as they don’t always advertise their services like other commercial massage centers. Most of the advertising is through word of mouth. So you might need to ask locals to advice you on where to go for the best Thai massage.

Sports massage is another massage therapy Sydney provides its visitors. Sporting activities can cause a lot of strain and even injury in the joints and muscles of the body. Since sportsmen need to be in good shape for their sporting events, they need therapy to keep their bodies fit. Sports massage is a therapeutic form of massage to relax and heal the strained or injured muscles in the body. Apart from sportsmen, other people who lead an active and more adventurous form of lifestyle can also benefit from sports massage.

When you visit Sydney, look out for the various different types of massage facilities available in the city. The massage therapy Sydney provides its visitors is varied enough to suit every single person’s need.

Peter Brieden is a massage therapist, avid traveller and writer living in Sydney Australia. Sydney massage therapy is a vibrant industry. For the best massage therapy Sydney has to offer, go to SydneyThaiMassage.com

Fibromyalgia Information & Alternative Treatments Options

Fibromyalgia, the condition that has baffled the medical community since being identified, is beginning to step into the light. The condition is characterized by fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, mood issues, sleep disturbance and, sometimes, memory issues. The pain and fatigue of fibromyalgia are often spread throughout the whole body, complicating efforts to locate a source.

People with fibromyalgia experience muscular pain, often in the form of a constant or semi-constant ache, both above and below the waist. There are eightteen identified points on the body, named “tender points,” that hurt when pressure is applied to them if you have fibromyalgia. Some of these tender points are found on the back of the head, the upper chest, the tops and sides of the hips, the inner knee and between the shoulder blades. Fatigue, sleep disorders, depression, headaches and irritable bowel syndrome often accompany fibromyalgia.

Let us go on with this writing. Diagnosing fibromyalgia is generally done by process of elimination. If blood tests and X-rays indicate no other reasonable cause, then fibromyalgia is considered. To officially diagnose the condition, doctors should confirm at least 3 months of widespread pain above and below the waste and, usually, eleven out of the eightteen tender points causing pain for the individual. Some doctors have dispensed with tender point testing, being uncertain of how much pressure to apply during the examination. You may need to see a number of doctors before a diagnosis is reached.

What Causes Fibromyalgia?

The exact mechanisms through which fibromyalgia causes pain and other symptoms aren’t scientifically proven, but researchers are making important inroads that have allowed them to begin shaping a theory. The current theory states that abnormalities in pain processing centers of the brain and in biochemistry are responsible for the widespread pain that characterizes fibromyalgia. The brain of a person with this condition senses pain when there should be none, and so the individual feels pain. This altered biochemical state can be triggered by an injury, infection, or traumatic event. It can also arise with no identifiable trigger.

The above is not at all the same as saying that fibromyalgia pain is psychological. Mental or emotional states aren’t postulated as the cause of the abnormalities described in this theory; rather, the abnormalities are physiological.

UpToDate, a website featuring quality information on research into medical conditions, published an article entitled “Pathogenesis of fibromyalgia” that highlights some of the specific biochemical abnormalities that shape the budding theory. Studies of people with fibromyalgia show that they’ve: 1) fewer opioid receptors in the brain, 2) higher-than-normal levels of Substance P in their cerebrospinal fluid, and 3) increased blood flow in areas of the brain that sense pain.

Opioid receptors are needed to cope with pain. Endorphins, the body’s natural pain-killers, lock into these receptors to reduce pain and create feelings of pleasure. Fewer opioid receptors means that your brain has a diminished defense against pain.

Substance P is a substance in the body that determines when a sensation begins being interpreted as painful. This is also called the pain threshold. Heightened levels of Substance P means that pain is experienced earlier than normal in people with fibromyalgia.

Lastly, increased blood flow in areas of the brain that process pain signals indicates increased activity. This shows that either an unusually high number of pain signals are being sent to the brain or that the brain is processing a normal number of signals in an abnormal way.

Also significant is the lower level of serotonin some fibromyalgia patients exhibit, reports the Shore Health System of the University of Maryland. This neurotransmitter is a key player in the feeling of well-being and in pain modulation. Decreased serotonin levels are also linked to irritable bowel syndrome, migraine and depression, 3 conditions often present in those with fibromyalgia.

Some research has also shown that fibromyalgia patients may have low levels of phosphocreatine and adenosine, chemicals that regulate the amount of calcium in muscle cells. An insufficient amount of calcium in muscle cells reduces the muscle’s ability to relax, causing it to become tight and inflamed.

Women are significantly more likely to develop fibromyalgia than men. This is likely due to hormonal and biochemical differences between men and women. Women have less testosterone than men, for example. Testosterone is important in preventing muscle fatigue. Cortisol, a stress hormone that helps to defend the body against damage from stress, is also generally lower in women than in men.

For more details on chemical factors of fibromyalgia, see http://health.shorehealth.org/patiented/articles/what_causes_fibromyalgia_000076_2.htm.

Fbromyalgia and Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most common medical complaints of our time. For people with fibromyalgia, back pain is highly likely.

The back, particularly the lower back, is highly mobile. Even individuals with sedentary lifestyles use their back muscles frequently, since they’re used while sitting. These muscles help the spine to support the weight of the upper body; they’re also needed to maintain proper alignment of the spine. Lower back muscles undergo the most flexing, contracting and twisting given their connection to the pelvis. Since fibromyalgia can cause normal movement to be interpreted as painful, the mobility of the back makes it a prime target for pain.

This situation could be exacerbated by the fact that the muscles of the back are situated very close to the spinal cord, the bundle of nerves running through the spine to various parts of our bodies and back to the brain.

The pain and fatigue felt within muscles can itself create more pain by limiting activity. Weakened back muscles (as well as the abdominal and pelvic muscles that help the lower back muscles) lead to a lack of support for the spine. This can eventually cause a spinal condition, such as misalignment and disc damage. People with fibromyalgia are at risk of this cyclic decline in health due to inactivity. That’s why treatment must involve a plan to keep active and work through the pain.

Treatment for Fibromyalgia

There are 2 prongs of fibromyalgia treatment: pain management and keeping active. Conventional treatment for the condition tends to revolve around medication; anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants and anti-depressants are prescribed en masse, along with lifestyle advice to exercise lightly and get enough sleep. Luckily, there are more well-rounded treatments for those who wish to avoid drugs.

There are a number of ways to manage the pain of fibromyalgia naturally. Capsaicin, for example, which is the active ingredient in chili peppers, has been shown to deplete levels of Substance P while administered topically in the form of creams. The reduction of Substance P means a reduction of pain. Eating foods containing cayenne pepper may have the same effect on an internal level.

Massage therapy is an option for those whose muscles are tight, possibly due to their diminished ability to relax. A massage therapist can locate tense muscles and work them out with a variety of tissue manipulation techniques.

The compound SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) assists in a variety of neurotransmitter processes, including the production of serotonin. Taking SAMe in supplement form may reduce pain in people with fibromyalgia.

Acupuncture, a traditional form of Chinese medicine, involves the use of small needles to stimulant specific points of the body. It operates on the premise that energy meridians run throughout the body, and, in cases of illness or pain, need to be opened up to allow for proper energy flow. It has shown effective in a number of pain management trials.

Chiropractic care is performed to realign the spine and increase range of motion of the facet joints that link vertebrae together. If weak core muscles have allowed your spine to come out of alignment, a chiropractor may be able to reverse this damage. Even so, preventing the recurrence of misalignment will entail finding a workout plan to strengthen the core group.

Unfortunately, a health system largely funded by pharmaceutical industries has not allowed for a wealth of research into alternative medicines. Still, these alternative options exist with a little evidence and a lot of sound reason behind them. A review of studies on alternative pain management treatments for fibromyalgia with a list of references can be found at http://nccam.nih.gov/health/pain/fibromyalgia.htm.

Managing pain makes physical activity possible. Exercise and stretching can increase strength, flexibility, endorphin levels and help to maintain cardiovascular health. Exercise also increases the number of stem cells available to the body. Stem cells can become any cell in the body, which means they help to repair damaged tissues, such as muscles, tendons and ligaments effected by fibromyalgia.

Slow, focused movement programs like yoga, tai chi and qi gong may be the best options for those with fibromyalgia. These techniques activate both mental and physical resources to overcome pain and strengthen the body. Each program emphasizes focus, breathing and awareness of movement. Since stress management is an important part of coping with this condition, exercise programs that incorporate calming and centering the mind can be most helpful. Meditation and breathing exercises have been shown to modulate the physical experience of pain. Keeping active is easier when pain is kept in check, so the best types of exercise programs for those with fibromyalgia are those that ease the immediate experience of pain.

While the book on fibromyalgia is certainly not closed, there is enough information to empower you to make safe, effective choices for yourself. Covering up the pain with drugs is an inferior treatment method to addressing the biochemical abnormalities more directly. By learning techniques to modulate your experience of pain and supplementing your diet, you may be able to impact your biochemistry directly and safely.

Education in back pain is the cheapest form of self preservation. Learn about what causes back pain and four other things that cause sciatic nerve pain.

Symptoms, Conventional and Alternative Treatment Options, Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia or FMS (Fibromyalgia Syndrome)

FMS occurs eigthy percent of the time in women between the ages of 25-60. It’s a common disorder affecting tens of millions of people worldwide, but is very complex and not well understood. The cause of FMS is not known.

All people with fibromyalgia have widespread, significant pain. Other symptoms that may accompany FMS are:

Unrestoring sleep Body Stiffness Headache Dysmenorrhea (Painful menstrual periods) Irritable bowel, with bouts of diarrhea and/or constipation Decreased ability to concentrate Mood disorders Restless leg syndrome Bladder and urinary issues Numbness and/or tingling (parathesias) in different parts of the body Varying degrees of sexual dysfunction

The other intriguing subject dealing with this area of interest. Some studies have shown that 50% of people suffering with FMS and take no medications will go into full remission within two years. Though theories abound as to the cause(s) of FMS none have been proven. While discussion of the theories is interesting, it’s not definitive, therefore I would prefer to discuss treatment options that have shown success in some sufferers.

Conventional treatments:

Non-Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help with the pain but aren’t good long-term solutions.

Antidepressants — Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor drugs (SSRI’s) like Prozac or Paxil as well as tricylic antidepressants like Elavil help some people treat the pain as well as, the low energy and sleeping problems. Many people however experience side-effects such as constipation, dry mouth, low libido, weight gain, etc. And do not like the way they feel when using these drugs.

Sleeping Aides — Drugs like Ambien can help with the insomnia but patients can feel drowsy in the morning and many develop tolerances to these drugs.

Prescription drugs approved for the treatment of FMS — Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Savella. Lyrica may improve daily function in some FMS patients.

The most common side-effects of Lyrica are:

Dizziness — in up to fourty-five percent of people Drowsiness — up to twenty-eight percent Coordination problems — up to twenty percent Significant weight gain — up to sixteen percent Dry mouth — up to fifteen percent Infections — up to fourteen percent Headaches — up to fourteen percent Accidental injury — up to eleven percent Shakiness (tremors) — up to eleven percent.

Alternative treatment options for Fibromyalgia

It’s important to note that the following alternative treatment options for FMS have been studied in only small groups of patients. While some have shown success, it’s difficult to know in what percentage of people they’ll work with out larger studies being done.

1. Oxidative stress is elevated in FMS sufferers. – Taking supplemental antioxidants vitamin C, E and herbal supplements like grape seed extract, curcumin, and resveratrol help to decrease damage done by free radicals. High levels of oxidative stress markers are found in FMS patients.

2. Omega-3 fish oils — May help to reduce inflammation associated with FMS. 1500-3000 mg/day of combined EPA and DHA found in these oils is a reasonable dose.

3. Magnesium and malic acid — Found in several, small human studies to reduce the pain and several other symptoms of FMS. Five hundred mg/day of magnesium and 1500 mg/day of Malic acid (malate) are the recommended doses.

4. D-Ribose — Some human studies have shown the D-Ribose a five carbon-sugar that’s structurally related to ATP the energy forming molecule in our cells, helps with re-establishing energy and reducing pain. It can be purchased as a powder and mixed into liquids. It’s also very effective for energizing the heart as well. Three grams per day is the recommended dose.

5. 5-hydroxytrytophan (5-HTP) — A precursor to serotonin and has been found in human studies to help with the symptoms of FMS at a dose of one hundred mg 3X per day. 5-HTP has also been shown to help with sleep, migraine headaches and weight loss. Some people react negatively with headaches to 5-HTP so pay attention to how you feel while taking it. Results could take several weeks. (don’t use 5-HTP is you’re taking anti-depressants).

6. Melatonin — Some FMS sufferers have been found to be low in melatonin a brain hormone that helps with sleep. Start with one mg per night of melatonin to see if your FMS related insomnia improves as well as other symptoms. If tolerated and more is necessary, increase to 6mg per night.

7. Acetyl-L-carnitine — five hundred mg/day for 10 weeks was found to decrease muscle pain and improve over-all health and well being in FMS sufferers.

8. Mild Exercise — 30-45 minutes of walking everyday has been shown to reduce the symptoms of FMS.

Combining these options? There are pros and cons to combining these options all at one time. The pro would be that you have more mechanisms working for you that might generate results more quickly and powerfully.

The con is that they could interact with one another and cause minor side-effects. Also, if they work, you will not know which one worked or if they were all actually necessary.

Here is what I suggest: Unless there is a specific one that you want to try by itself to see how it works for you, I would combine #1,2,3,4, 7, and 8. Give them 1-2 months to see if they help you to improve.

If they really help, don’t change a thing. It you get partial help but sleep continues to be a problem then add 1mg of melatonin at night. If it helps you sleep better then stay with that dose.

If it did not help you to sleep better but you did not feel any adverse effects, increase to two mg and go up to six mg if you need to. Discontinue if you get headaches or dreams that upset you.

Good luck, I hope you found this fibromyalgia review to be helpful.

Curt Hendrix, M.S. C.C.N. C.N.S

Your anti-aging scientist, Curt Hendrix, M.S., CCN, CNS Helping you to get well, stay well, and stay young and vibrant well into the later years of life!

For more information, please feel free to visit his blog at http://www.curthendrix.com or his Facebook page http://bit.ly/ci2lqh

While he continues his research and development of safer, more effective medications and supplements, Curt is dedicated to helping others achieve and maintain optimal health.

Dealing With the Reality of the Pain & the Cost – Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a disorder known for chronic pain and extreme sensitivity to pressure. Most people that get a diagnosis are women. And it affects up to 4 percent of the population in the United States. What are the symptoms for this disorder? The biggest ones are fatigue, widespread pain that doesn’t go away, and painful response to pressure. Some people show progressively worse symptoms as time progresses. Today, there are treatments available for the symptoms, but no cure yet. Dealing with this chronic disorder means you’re facing higher than normal medical costs. You need health insurance to help pay the bills.

After a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia, many patients get an overwhelmed feeling with the many opinions on the disease. Some doctors treat the disorder as something completely mental. Other doctors see it as a combination of mental and physical issues. Each doctor will recommend different treatments. The best bet for anyone that receives a diagnosis for this disorder is to educate himself or herself. They need to understand what the disease actually is and what the treatment options are. And if their doctor does not want to try a treatment plan, they need to find specialists that can help them. Long-term treatment is the only option for dealing with this chronic condition.

Another beneficial idea with reference to this matter. All of these medical interventions for Fibromyalgia require medical resources that many people don’t have the money to cover. Getting good health insurance in place is crucial. If you have insurance in place already, you must maintain coverage for the best results. One way to do this is to replace employer coverage with an individual policy. An individual policy will give you constant coverage even if you change jobs. It’ll give you the freedom to make choices in life where an employer-based coverage might not.

What causes Fibromyalgia is unknown. Some ponder it’s a genetic disorder that might be aggravated by environment. Others say it’s a hormonal imbalance. Stress may be a factor under some theories. Still others think it’s a psychological response to past traumas. No matter what actually causes it, for those that deal with it every day, it’s reality. Finding good treatment is their best hope for dealing with the constant pain. That means having access to the right specialists and the right hospitals. Getting health care coverage is essential for people who live in the United States and are dealing with a chronic condition like this one.

If you need assistance in locating particular coverages at a pre-determined price, we can help you find a Free health insurance quote and save up to 50% on your monthly premium

Sean L Johnson is a journalist for Health Insurance Buyer a referral service that refers consumers to the insurance carriers that can best fit their wants and needs. Get a free reduce quote today at www.health-insurance-buyer.com

How Insurance Can Help You Manage the Cost of Your Disease | Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a controversial disease. It’s classified as a medically unexplained syndrome because patients display symptoms that do not seem to have any medical basis. This makes some medical professionals skeptical that it’s a real disease. That being said, people who suffer from this disease report a variety of very real symptoms such as chronic pain that’s spread out throughout the body, debilitating fatigue, insomnia, oversleeping, joint pain, numbness and tingling, and cognitive dysfunction. It’s frequently connected to depression, anxiety, and post traumatic stress disorder. Depending on the doctor, it’s categorized as either a neuropsychiatric disorder or a musculoskeletal disease.

There is no cure for Fibromyalgia mainly because the underlying cause of the disease remains unknown. Treatment, then, focuses on managing symptoms through the use of medication and a variety of psychological therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. The types of medications you can expect to be prescribed include antidepressants, anti-seizure medication, dopamine agonists, and muscle relaxants. Some doctors focus on psychological issues as being the cause of the disease and have successfully treated patients with the disease using psychiatric solutions. Either way, as a sufferer of this disease, it’s important that you have insurance to help you manage the costs of your treatment.

Now this is a very important piece of this specific subject matter. Individual health insurance can help you manage the cost of your medication. The United States has some of the most expensive pharmaceutical drugs in the world. Having an insurance plan that pays even 50% of the cost can save you a ton of money on your prescriptions. If you doctor recommends that you participate in psychiatric therapy to treat your fibromyalgia, many insurance plans will pay for a set number of visits per year. At 200-300 per hour or more, having this option could save you several thousand dollars.

If you do not have insurance, then you should definitely start looking for a good plan. Be aware, though, that because you have a preexisting condition it may a little more difficult to be approved for health insurance. Another challenge you may run into is that you’ll have to agree to a waiting period before the insurance company will cover medical bills associated with the treatment of your fibromyalgia. For those of you who aren’t sure where to start looking for insurance should try a health insurance quote website. You’ll have access to a database full of insurance providers and plans that you can search through to find the right plan for you. Do not set yourself up for financial failure. Manage your medical costs with a good insurance plan.

If you have this condition and are facing difficulty finding insurance, we can help. Please visit our website at http://www.health-insurance-buyer.com and provide your contact information so we may respond to your request.

Luis Rosales is a journalist for Health Insurance Buyer, a health insurance agency that provides coverages from major medical insurance carriers at prices normally or usually not offered in the health marketplace, www.health-insurance-buyer.com.

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