Is Fibromyalgia A REAL Health Concern?
By Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN
updated on 03/24/2008 at 02:17PM
Sometimes, people ask if Fibromyalgia is a real health condition, with genuine concerns associated with it. The answer is YES! Fibromyalgia is real and is a type of soft-tissue rheumatism.
The symptoms of fibromyalgia have been evident in scientific literature since the early twentieth century. But it wasn't until the 1980s that doctors began researching treatments for the condition. Fibromyalgia is a puzzling, painful, and chronic condition that affects roughly four million Americans.
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a type of soft-tissue rheumatism (possibly caused by a invading organism), which is a broad classification used to describe conditions that cause pain and stiffness in the joints as well as the muscles and bones. The most prominent symptom of this condition is widespread pain that occurs all over the body and lasts for several months to years. This pain may be specifically felt on the body's tender points: areas around the head, neck, shoulders, buttocks, elbows, and knees. Fibromyalgia is usually accompanied by fatigue, and even depression. It is a commonly misunderstood and misdiagnosed disease that requires special care and lifestyle changes for treatment.
What Are the Complications Associated with Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia usually doesn't lead to any other conditions or diseases. However the pain, exhaustion, and depression that are common symptoms of fibromyalgia may affect other areas of your life such as work, daily activities, relationships, and driving.
Risk Factors Associated with Fibromyalgia
Gender: Women are ten times more likely to develop fibromyalgia than men.
Age: Although fibromyalgia can affect people of all ages, it tends to strike most frequently in early to middle adulthood (30s-40s)
Genetics: Fibromyalgia may run in the family. So if you have a relative that previously developed the condition, the chances are higher that you will..
Other conditions: If you have a related disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis or a sleep disorder, you may be more likely to develop fibromyalgia.
What Are The Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?
Pain: Muscle pain is the most common symptom of this condition. The pain is usually widespread throughout the body although it may start in one general location and radiate to other parts over time.
Fatigue: Chronic fatigue is a common side effect of fibromyalgia as the pain and restlessness of fibromyalgia also makes it difficult to sleep. Research has shown that fibromyalgia causes abnormal sleep patterns, such as the inability to fall asleep and stay asleep. This condition is often associated with a sleep disorder called alpha wave interrupted sleep pattern, where deep sleep is frequently interrupted by bursts of brain activity similar to wakefulness. Therefore, people who suffer from fibromyalgia rarely get a restful night's sleep.
Depression and Anxiety: It is easy to become anxious and depressed when you are exhausted and in pain all of the time. Roughly one quarter of all fibromyalgia sufferers require treatment for clinical depression.
Other Symptoms associated with fibromyalgia include muscle stiffness, headaches, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, vertigo, digestive disorders, difficulty with balance, chest pain, short term memory loss or difficulty with cognitive function, and difficulty concentrating.
Can Fibromyalgia Be Treated? YES!!
The first step to getting treatment for fibromyalgia is to seek the help of a health care professional. He or she will evaluate your medical history, symptoms, and current medications to determine the best method to treating your condition. At home, it's important for you to begin making lifestyle changes to strengthen your body's immune system, improve your sleeping conditions, and slowly recondition your muscles through exercise. Your health care provider should prescribe a alternative natural remedy to help reduce pain and alleviate your additional symptoms.
You can also lessen the painful episodes of fibromyalgia by placing heat or ice on sore joints, practicing gentle stretching methods, and using relaxation techniques. A few relaxation techniques that may work for you, are Deep-Breathing Exercises or Acupuncture, but by no means are these the "only" treatments for fibromyalgia. Eating a healthy diet, without too much salt or fat, can help restore your immunity. Obviously, avoid unhealthy substances like drugs and alcohol that could worsen your fibromyalgia symptoms over time.
Coping With Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia can be painful and exhausting, but it is also frustrating. It is often misunderstood, and misdiagnosed. But it is important for you to realize that you are not alone. In the US alone, about six million people in America alone suffer from fibromyalgia. Connecting with other people who understand fibromyalgia will help you to learn more about your condition. You should also be prepared to educate your family and friends about fibromyalgia so that they can be better able to help you recover.
Fibromyalgia Education & Resources
Research is still underway to discover the causes and better treatments for fibromyalgia. Be your own patient advocate and take the time to educate yourself about the condition and new treatment methods and products that may be helpful to you.
Fibromyalgia CAN be eliminated with the proper care. After studying fibromyalgia for years, I have reason to believe fibromyalgia is caused by lack of oxygen in the tissue caused by many different factors. Recent studies suggest 90% or more of fibromyalgia sufferers have Lyme disease. You can call the Bowen Institute for more information and take the QRiBb test to check for the lyme disease bacteria.
One great tip for connecting with others whom also have Fibromyalgia, is to join a Health Forum, where you can ask and receive answers from others who share in your pain.
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