Often misdiagnosed, Fibromyalgia is an extremely common but painful health condition which manifests a set of symptoms. Anyone suffering from this condition is likely to experience widespread pain and overwhelming fatigue with tender spots located throughout the body. Alongside this, feelings of anxiousness or depression often become the norm. In the US, there are currently more than 12 million sufferers which highlights the extent and severity of this condition. Most of these sufferers are women and the typical age range of those affected is between 25 and 60 years of age.
Although fibromyalgia causes aches and pains all over, there will be varying levels of discomfort and pain and often, the effects are debilitating. Symptoms include deep stabbing pains and the muscles may feel as if overworked – similar to the sensation of over-exercising. Some people report pains in the neck, shoulders and hips and also, chronic headaches, dry mouth, nose or eyes and intense abdominal pain. IBS and stiffness may occur throughout the body.
If you suspect you may have fibromyalgia, it is important to seek medical advice. Although there is no actual cure for this condition, there is a collective array of alternative and traditional treatments which should be considered. In the main, each individual should take an intuitive approach to the condition ascertaining any potential triggers while exercising aerobically and strengthening the body. Any exercise should happen when not in the grip of pain.
There are a variety of medicines which can help combat depression and provide pain relief. Prescribed medicine to help alleviate depression serve to alter the chemistry of the brain. Research indicates that low levels of serotonin will lead to an increased sensitivity to pain and that it lowers the thresholds of pain too. Any trauma to the brain and spinal cord could also have a direct impact on fibromyalgia too.
Fibromyalgia self-help techniques include:
Exercising when not in pain – try yoga or walking
Resting when possible
Meditating – healing meditation or for stress management
Probiotics – may help with digestive problems and even irritable bowel syndrome
St. John’s Wort – useful in treating depressive symptoms (check suitability if taking prescribed medicines)
In addition, some sufferers state that deep tissue massage is extremely useful as they help to ease and release muscular tension knotted deep within the layers of muscle. Massage benefits health and well-being generally but it can also elevate mood and reduce pain. Acupressure and shiatsu may also be useful as they work with chronic muscle or myofascial pain.
Many people are turning to chiropractors for treatment for this condition as it can help to alleviate much of the pain experienced. Chiropractors look at the body as a whole knowing that if any bones, muscles, ligaments, joints or tendons are not working effectively then balance must be restored by adjusting and manipulating the body. Some sufferers of fibromyalgia may also have upper cervical spinal stenosis, which compresses the meninges and leads to pain throughout the body. By making adjustments to the head and neck, the spine will not be compressed and this serves to lessen or alleviate pain as a result.
Although fibromyalgia is a severe and painful condition, treatment is possible, so it is important to consider all options so that this condition has less impact on life generally.
