FIBROMYALGIA

 

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by muscle pain, exhaustion, decreased quality of life, and in some cases, significant disability. It is often described as a syndrome, due to its cluster of symptoms.

According to data from the AmericanCollege of Rheumatology (ACR), fibromyalgia affects an estimated 2-4% of the US population, or about 5-10 million Americans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that patients with fibromyalgia have an average of one hospitalization every three years. And, the diagnostic code that includes fibromyalgia is listed in thousands of hospitalizations each year. For years, many doctors did not recognize fibromyalgia as an actual syndrome, and Fibbromyalgia sufferers could spend years going from doctor to doctor, trying find out what was wrong only to find nothing.

Diagnosis Practices

Diagnosis is made by physical examination, assessment of tender points, and the person’s medical history, such as reports of pain and fatigue, as there are no specific laboratory tests, X-rays or other diagnostic tests to confirm a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. . Criteria states that fibromyalgia is diagnosed when pain is present in at least 11 of the 18 tender points when pressure is applied, and the person has widespread pain throughout the body lasting at least 3 months.

Treatment of Fibromyalgia

Treatment of Fibromyalgia typically involves use of medication, complementary therapies, and lifestyle changes. Because the symptoms of fibromyalgia can vary greatly from person to person, treatment plans must be individualized to address specific needs.

Medications for Fibromyalgia

Medications used for fibromyalgia may include antidepressants, sleep medication, muscle relaxants, and/or pain medication. Injections of analgesic medication or cortisone into the tender points may also be used, to relieve pain and muscle spasms.

Complementary Therapies for Fibromyalgia

A variety of treatments and activities can be very helpful in relieving fibromyalgia symptoms. These may include physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, acupressure, aromatherapy, yoga, biofeedback, relaxation techniques, guided imagery, stretching, and chiropractic treatment.

Lifestyle Changes

Healthy lifestyle habits are very important to effectively control fibromyalgia symptoms. These include adequate sleep, effective management of stress and anxiety, regular exercise, and good nutrition.

The symptoms from ingesting excitotoxins causes Fibromyalgia and chronic pain.   Once these toxins are eliminated from your diet, your pain will start diminishing in just 24 hours!  These chemicals and excitotoxins are directly linked to the symptoms of Fibromyalgia (FM) and to the chronic pain you’re experiencing. Did you know that ten new chemical additives hit our shores this year? Our investigations will expose the chemical toxins being added to our food supply. Excitotoxins are in 90% of our processed foods. They have 65 hidden names and more are on the way. As soon as you stop eating these excitotoxins watch a number of other painful symptoms including irritable bowel, weight gain and depression disappear. Your headaches, racing heartbeats and back pain are coming from what you are putting into your body. Your body is reacting to the toxins that are being put into it. Change your food and you change your life!

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Support for the Victim of Fibromyalgia

Good care can help to reduce or eliminate symptoms and greatly improve quality of life for victims of Fibromyalgia.

First and foremost,many people have struggled with symptoms for years before receiving an accurate diagnosis, so believing what the person says about how he/she is feeling that day is important for moral support. Symptoms can change in location and severity from day to day, without apparent reason.

Regular exercise and activity help not only the physical symptoms of fibromyalgia, but can also improve mood. Plan time for physical activity when the victim feels well-rested. Some feel better in the mornings, and some, because stiffness is often worse in the morning, may feel better in the afternoon or evening.

Promoting a good night’s sleep can also improve the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Promote good sleep by helping the patient to maintain regular times for sleeping and waking up, if possible. For those with insomnia, daytime naps should be avoided as much as possible, since these may worsen nighttime sleep problems. Drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea and cola, should be avoided in the evening.

To prevent frequent nighttime bathroom trips, limit fluids close to bedtime. Since stress and anxiety can worsen symptoms of fibromyalgia, help the patient with stress-reduction techniques to promote relaxation. Helpful measures include slow, deep breathing, listening to relaxing music, watching a funny movie on TV, or sitting in a sunny area.

Your understanding of people with fibromyalgia can help victims to control their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

To better understand Symptoms and Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia...