Fibromyalgia causes symptoms and treatment

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Fibromyalgia is a psychosomatic condition characterized by diffuse muscles and joint pains, fatigue, insomnia and associated psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety and frequent mood alterations. It’s also known as fibrositis syndrome and chronic widespread pain (CWP). ^[1]

1 Introduction to fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS)
2 Possible causes behind FMS
3 Fibromyalgia tender points
4 Symptoms of fibromyalgia
5 Possible treatments of fibromyalgia
6 Homeopathy for fibromyalgia
- 6.1 Does homeopathy actually work for fibromyalgia?
7 Home remedies for fibromyalgia
8 Anecdotal evidence and personal experiences
- 8.1 Written success stories
- 8.2 Video success stories
9 References

[edit] Introduction to fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS)

Fibromyalgia or FMS is a functional disorder and an instance of diagnosis of exclusion. Latter means that this disease can’t be confirmed with medical examination or laboratory tests. Such disorders are too difficult to handle in the clinic as every patient enters with different set of symptoms and treatment consists of a mutual agreement between psychotherapies and physical treatments.

Research has shown that there’s a change in the normal central nervous system activity or even some brain diseases are precipitating factors. In the USA one to four percent of the population suffers from fibromyalgia syndrome. The controversial condition is known to overlap with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) which is another similar functional disorder characterized by constant fatigue and muscle pain.

Fibromyalgia is more common in women between the ages of 40 to 65 years.

[edit] Possible causes behind FMS

Though there have been controversies over this functional disease there are some diagnostic criteria indication towards occurrence of fibromyalgia. ^[2]

Causation factors can be classified into three sub categories:

[edit] The predisposing factors

The predisposing factors are medical background conditions which seem to increase the likelihood of FMS.

Individuals who suffered from childhood traumas like sexual and physical abuses
Hereditary factors when there’s occurrence of similar diseases in close relatives
Persons who are perfectionists and introspective have more chances

[edit] The triggering factors

The ailment is precipitated by these causes.

Chronic infections especially viral infections
Physical injuries that have mental impact
Long term sickness with late recovery
Psychological trauma
Long standing stress and anxiety
Instances where patient blames other people are responsible

[edit] The maintaining factors

Fibromyalgia is perpetuated with these causes.

Lack of treatment and attention
Disturbed sleep
Use of stimulants and excessive drugs
Viral diseases
Suppressed anger
Mood Upsets
Diseases of CNS like myalgic encephalitis
Food allergies and chemical sensitivities
Rheumatoid arthritis
Psychological diseases
Neuromuscular and neurological diseases

[edit] Fibromyalgia tender points

Tender Points

There's a total of 11 tender points that are prone to pain contributed by fibromyalgia. These tender points can be associated with the widespread pain complained about by fibromyalgia sufferers.^[3] These tender points are located in areas on the body that includes:

Back
Legs
Neck
Shoulders
Thighs

Having a patient point out where their pain is felt used to be an important part of diagnosing fibromyalgia. However, it has since been discovered to be associated more with psychological distress.

[edit] Symptoms of fibromyalgia

The most common symptoms associated with fibromyalgia includes but is not limited to:

Anxiety
Depression
Increased sensitivity to foods
Increased stress levels
Insomnia
Lack of concentration
Palpitations, numbness and tingling in the regions associated with chronic pain.
Reduced capability of exertion
Weak memory

[edit] Possible treatments of fibromyalgia

Doctors use a variety of treatment methods for patients with fibromyalgia. Each treatment that's prescribed is done based upon the patient's severity of fibromyalgia as well as certain symptoms that they might be experiencing. Each treatment works differently for each person, so it's not possible to pinpoint one treatment method that will work for everyone the same.

[edit] Analgesics

Analgesics includes medicines which contain acetaminophen (Tylenol, Advil, Bayer, Ibuprofen, etc.) and are usually used in combination with other medications. The effect of analgesics is thought to ease the pain and stiffness that many fibromyalgia sufferers are subject to. ^[4]

[edit] Antidepressants

There are two ways that antidepressants are used for treating fibromyalgia. The first way is to use an antidepressant such as Prozac to help one sleep better at night. The second way is to use antidepressants such as Savella and Cymbalta in an effort to reduce fatigue and pain associated with this syndrome.

[edit] Anti seizure medications

Lyrica is the first drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat fibromyalgia. Certain anti-seizure medications are known to reduce the pain that one has within their body.

[edit] Cognitive behavior therapy

Cognitive behavior therapy is usually prescribed to fibromyalgia patients in combination with medications and home remedies. The purpose of this in fibromyalgia treatment is to reduce depression and help the patient cope with stress in a safe and efficient manner.

[edit] Muscle relaxants

Muscle relaxants such as Flexeril are prescribed to patients to reduce muscle pain. This treatment is most effective when the medicine is taken at night prior to going to sleep. ^[5]

[edit] Steroid injections

This is a last resort when it comes to treating fibromyalgia. It's done by making a steroid injection into the trigger point of the patient. Other forms of steroids have been ineffective in fibromyalgia treatment.

[edit] Homeopathy for fibromyalgia

Homeopathic medicine

Homeopathy (which is also referred to as homeopathic medicine) is a medical system that's been used in the United States since the 19th century.^[6] It was originally developed and used in Germany over 200 years ago. It's mainly used to promote wellness and prevent ailments from occurring.

Simply put, homeopathy refers to treating various medical conditions by implementing lifestyle changes and natural supplements to help one overcome their condition. It helps with fibromyalgia by taking various herbs and using them to combat the multiple symptoms that this syndrome is known to cause. Since fibromyalgia treatment has been known to vary from person to person, this is a more efficient way to go about treating it.

[edit] Does homeopathy actually work for fibromyalgia?

In order to answer this accurately, a study done by the University of Arizona Program in Integrative Medicine on how fibromyalgia was affected by homeopathic measures shows exactly what to expect.^[7] The results showed that under homeopathy, patients had great improvement in pain, depression, quality of life, and various other symptoms commonly associated with fibromyalgia.

[edit] Home remedies for fibromyalgia

There are certain things that can be done at home to help one relieve themselves of the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. This ranges from eating a diet recommended for those who suffer from fibromyalgia to incorporating certain exercises and activities into one's lifestyle.

[edit] How what you eat affects fibromyalgia

A common misconception is that a certain diet can eliminate the symptoms of fibromyalgia. However, eating a healthy diet can help treat any secondary ailments that may have not been diagnosed in conjunction with Fibromyalgia.^[8] When one eats healthy foods their body will be able to function properly as well as adapt to any changes that one might make when dealing with fibromyalgia.^[9]

[edit] Herbs & supplements for fibromyalgia

[edit] 5-HTP

5-HTP formally known as 5-hydroxytryptophan is known for increasing the levels of serotonin. In studies those who have taken 5-HTP for fibromyalgia experienced relief from pain, fatigue, anxiety, and stiffness that this syndrome is known to cause.^[10]

[edit] Bromelain

The recommended dosage of Bromelain for fibromyalgia is 40 milligrams three times daily.^[11] This supplement targets pain and swelling that's often associated with fibromyalgia.

[edit] Capsicum

Capsicum which is also referred to as capsaicin and Zostrix is a topical cream that contains the main ingredient of chili peppers can be used to help reduce the amount of pain that one's in. Studies done on fibromyalgia patients show a decrease in their pain in as little as a month. ^[12]

[edit] Cat's claw

The dosage of w:cat's claw is 20 millgrams 3 times per day. This supplement is used to fight infections, reduce swelling, and to help boost the immune system.

[edit] Fish oil

Fish oil contains Omega-3 fatty acids which is known to provide a natural way to boost the immune system while reducing inflammation. The dosage of fish oil is either 1-2 tablespoons per day or 1-2 capsules.

[edit] Green tea

The recommended dosage of green tea is 250 milligrams to 500 milligrams per day. Green tea helps by providing one's body with needed antioxidants and helping boost the state of one's immune system. It's essential for one to steer away from green teas that contain caffeine when it's being used to help with fibromyalgia.

[edit] L-carnitine

L-carnitine is known to help those suffering from fibromyalgia reduce pain, improve their state of mind, and benefit one's health in other ways. There is still a need for further research in order to truly understand that these effects can be relied upon.^[13]

[edit] Melatonin

One common problem among those with fibromyalgia is the lack of sleep that it's known to cause. Melatonin is a natural hormone which can be purchased over-the-counter without a prescription. It's known to help one improve their sleep schedule while making it easier to fall asleep. There's no reason to think that Melatonin is unsafe to take. ^[14]

[edit] Probiotics

Fibromyalgia is known to cause problems when it comes to one digesting their food problem. Other symptoms such as diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome are also common among those suffering from fibromyalgia. Using probiotics is one way to help treat these symptoms while making it possible for one to digest their food properly. Common side effects are mild and include gas and bloating.

[edit] Rhodiola

Rhodiola is taken in the dosage of 100 milligrams to 600 milligrams per day. This particular supplement is used to help boost the immune system and reduce stress which are two problems commonly associated with fibromyalgia.

[edit] St. john's wort

St. John's wort is used to help treat depression which is a common symptom that's associated with fibromyalgia.

[edit] Turmeric

This is a supplement that's used to thin one's blood in an effort to improve the flow of the blood within the immune system. Tumeric can also be used to help make other blood thinning medications work more effectively.

[edit] Using cold packs

At first, using a cold pack may not be as comfortable as one would hope for. However, it does reduce swelling and it can help reduce the pain from fibromyalgia in certain cases. It's able to do this by replacing the pain with numbness.

[edit] Fibromyalgia friendly exercises

[edit] Walking

Swimming is a great Fibromyalgia friendly exercise.

Walking is a very simple exercise that many implement in their lives just to stay healthy.^[15] It can also provide those affected by fibromyalgia with the opportunity to strengthen their legs and keep their body in shape. Walking on a daily basis is a great routine for one to start getting into and it requires very little effort, no matter where you live.

[edit] Swimming

Swimming is an exercise that defies gravity as it's done in the water. This makes it an exercise that many people with fibromyalgia have found useful. Not only does it help one get in shape, but it can help build one's muscles which will help overcome many symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Dr. Fine says “Swimming is great for people who have osteoarthritis, who have musculoskeletal issues or any joint disease where any kind of impact may exacerbate an underlying problem.” ^[16]

Tai Chi

[edit] Tai Chi

Tai Chi is a very simple form of martial arts that's not as intensive as some exercises. Tai Chi has a focus on meditation techniques while implementing various martial arts techniques.

Many people with fibromyalgia find it difficult to perform certain exercises in order to alleviate themselves from the pain and mind-numbing effects that it's known to cause. This led to a study conducted by Chenchen Wang, M.D., M.P.H. et al about how Yang-style Tai Chi could help those suffering from fibromyalgia.^[17] This research led to half of the participants experiencing an improved quality of life while minimizing the symptoms of fibromyalgia. This has warranted a study done on a larger population in order to accurately prove this as a true fibromyalgia treatment method, but it does show that it does have the ability to help which makes it a great attempt for anyone wanting to naturally treat their symptoms.

Pilates

[edit] Pilates

Lale Altan, MD et al completed a study that looked into how Pilates could help those suffering from fibromyalgia.^[18] This study took one group and put them into a regimen that involved implementing Pilates into their lifestyle while the second group participated in stretching exercises at home. The result is that the study showed that those in the first group experienced less pain that was associated with their fibromyalgia while the second group didn't experience positive results like the ones produced by the first group.^[19]

[edit] Yoga

Yoga is known to produce those with fibromyalgia the ability to develop a mindset that will make it easier for them to cope with the syndrome while reducing pain.^[20] A study done by the Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, Oregon has shed some light on using Yoga to fight the symptoms of fibromyalgia.^[21] The end result of this study backs up the claim that Yoga does have the potential to naturally alleviate the pain associated with fibromyalgia.

Keep in mind Viniyoga is the recommended form of Yoga for those suffering from fibromyalgia.^[22] This type of Yoga will concentrate on performing deep breathing exercises and gentle stretches. The reason that this is the recommended form of Yoga for fibromyalgia is that there are limitations that fibromyalgia poses and this makes it extremely important for one to exercise caution when doing Yoga or any other exercises in an effort to alleviate the symptoms. If one goes too intense in their exercises they could end up becoming injured.

[edit] Bicycling

Bicycling is a very simple exercise that requires little effort to use in one's exercise routine.^[23] Those suffering from fibromyalgia may find this to be useful since it can be done with a stationary bike which eliminates rough terrain or other environments that could make it difficult for one to perform this exercise.

[edit] Sex

Sex is one of the most unexpected fibromyalgia friendly exercises.

While one may not think of sex as a fibromyalgia friendly exercise it has been known to help one forget about any pain that they may be in. ^[24] Dr. Fine says "exercise and healthy sex (which is, after all, a form of exercise) are probably two of the most important panaceas against pain, (but) healthy sex is harder to prescribe than exercise."

[edit] Weight Training

This is one exercise that must be approached with caution. One that has fibromyalgia will need to start off slowly and assure that they're not overdoing this exercise. The most attractive way for fibromyalgia sufferers to approach this is to use dumbbells (weighing in the range of 1 ounce to 10 pounds)in order to proceed with weight training without posing a risk to their wellbeing.

[edit] Daily living

Activities that one does on a daily basis are known to help eliminate fibromyalgia symptoms while providing one with the opportunity to stay in shape.^[25] These activities range from daily household chores to playing with the kids. In order to effectively use this in order to make a change in one's life and how they manage fibromyalgia it's recommended to think about what is done on a daily basis and what additions would be good ones that not only help get things done, but also embrace fitness and mind-enriching activities.

[edit] Anecdotal evidence and personal experiences

[edit] Written success stories

Bobby Brown's experience taking supplements and life style changes that improved from feeling 10-20% of normal to 35-40% of normal.^[26]
Thomas Oat's experience of acceptance, discipline, and hope to recover after 8 years of CFIDS.^[27]
Jana Murrell-Maxfield's adaptation to fibromyalgia.^[28]
Patti Schmidt's story of "substantial recovery".^[29]
Kristin Scherger's balance of work and CFIDS.^[30]
Bianca Veness's story of defiance to discipline^[31] and lessons of going from hare to tortoise.^[32]
Yvonne Bond's journey to healing.^[33]
Joan Buchman's creation of a "good life" with fibromyalgia.^[34]
Geraldine Blackman's experience reaching a "sense of purpose and hope" for the first time.^[35]
Elena Rosen's methods of stress relief.^[36]
Denise Le Clair's management techniques for fibromyalgia.^[37]
Martha Kilcoyne's (author of Defeat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) 8 steps to recovery.^[38]
Kathy Gamble's way of eliminating stress in life.^[39]
JoWynn Johns's story of living within an "envelope" ^[40] and what recovery means.^[41]
Vicki Lockwood's simple changes that lead to dramatic results.^[42]
Margaret Fergusson's story of physical and psychological recovery from CFS.^[43]
Joan Buchman talks about the healing power of gratitude.^[44]
Rosemary Rowlands's experience on pacing yourself.^[45]
James Thomas's story of using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to find success.^[46]
Bruce Campbell's explanation of using self-help to recover from CFIDS.^[47]

[edit] Video success stories

Anna's fibromyalgia success story	Fibromyalgia success story	Glenda's fibromyalgia success story
Fibromyalgia success story	LJ's fibromyalgia success story	Shannon's fibromyalgia success story