Fibromyalgia Relief
By Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN
updated on 09/18/2007 at 04:41PM
Fibromyalgia is a very common syndrome that affects millions of Americans each year. It is a condition characterized by continuous and widespread pain in varying intensities throughout the body. Sufferers often describe the condition as a being similar to the flu. And while doctors are still unsure about exactly what causes fibromyalgia to develop, there are still plenty of things you can do to alleviate the symptoms and relieve the pain of fibromyalgia.
What Is Pain?
Pain is your body's way of telling you that something is wrong. When a part of your body becomes injured, the nerves in that area release chemical signals to the brain that are recognized as pain. The brain then releases endorphins to naturally alleviate the pain.
The chronic pain of fibromyalgia is sending a signal to your brain as well. Although since the pain is widespread, the signal may be more difficult to interpret. Regardless, you can manage the pain of fibromyalgia by incorporating several key strategies into your daily routine. These include diet, exercise, supplements, and rest.
How Can I Relieve The Pain of Fibromyalgia?
Proper care of fibromyalgia syndrome involves strengthening the body's immune system, restoring restful sleep, and gradually reconditioning the muscles through exercise. Your health care provider will work with you to develop a course of treatment that will specifically fit your condition. The most important elements for recovery involve diet, exercise, rest, and immune strengthening supplements such as Fibro-Balance®.
Diet
A healthy diet is very important for relieving the symptoms of fibromyalgia syndrome. A diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, lean sources of protein like chicken, fish, and tofu, and a moderate amount of grains will strengthen the immune system and provide the body with the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients it needs to relieve the pain associated with fibromyalgia.
Exercise
Exercise is a critical component to the pain management of fibromyalgia as it can strengthen sore muscles and ease movement of tender joints. And lessen the symptoms of fatigue. Start slow with your exercise program and avoid high-impact exercises that place a great deal of stress on joints. Focus on low-impact muscle-strengthening exercises like brisk walking, biking, swimming, and water aerobics. Exercise a little bit each day and begin your daily exercises with a gentle stretching routine. Choose the time of day when you have the least pain and stiffness to begin exercising. Keep your exercise programs slow and steady, allowing your muscles plenty of time to recuperate between repetitions. Keep breathing in a slow, normal rhythm. This focused breathing helps move oxygen through the body and into the tender areas, boosting its healing properties.
Physical therapy with a licensed professional can also help to reduce the symptoms of fibromyalgia syndrome. This is especially true for people who experience such severe symptoms that home exercise is not an option. Physical therapists may use a combination of heat, ice, massage, GHC’s “NutraCool®”, whirlpool, ultrasound, and biofeedback to gain results.
Supplements
There is a long list of over-the-counter conventional medications that are sometimes used in the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome. But be very careful about the possible side effects and reactions these medications may cause in your body. Talk with your health care provider about the possibility of side effects such as weight gain, mood swings, drowsiness, constipation, and dry mouth. I recommend the product Fibro-Balance®.
Alternative remedies, on the other hand, rely on the body's natural healing abilities and may be a better fit for the treatment of your fibromyalgia symptoms. Natural medicines focus on diet and health and returning the body to a state at which in can heal itself. I recommend the natural product Fibro-Balance®.
Rest
Rest and relaxation are critical for relieving the symptoms of fibromyalgia syndrome. They give the body a chance to recuperate from activity and to heal itself. This may help to break the cycle of pain, stress, depression, and tension associated with fibromyalgia.
Other Tips
Applying either hot or cold to the affected area is a good way to temporarily relieve the pain of fibromyalgia. Cold packs are helpful for acute pain to numb the area and decease swelling. Heat treatment, on the other hand, relaxes muscles and stimulates circulation.
Massaging the affected area may help to reduce muscle spasm and relieve the pain associated with them. It will also improve circulation and bring warmth to the area.
Practicing good posture will place the least amount of stress on muscles and joints, protecting the neck, back, hips, and knees. Poor posture will aggravate the pain of fibromyalgia.
Stay positive! Laughter may truly be the best medicine. This is especially true in managing the pain of fibromyalgia. A good belly laugh may not alleviate all of the symptoms and pain of the condition, but it will go a long way towards improving your mental outlook and allowing you to stay focused on continuing to live your life. A negative attitude, on the other hand, may lead to a tendency to decrease activities, eat unhealthy foods, abuse pain medication, and further aggravate the pain of fibromyalgia.
DISCLAIMER: The statements enclosed herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information mentioned on this site are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information and statements made are for education purposes only and are not intended to replace the advice of your treating doctor. Global Healing Center does not dispense medical advice, prescribe, or diagnose illness. We design and recommend individual nutritional programs and supplements that allow the body to rebuild and heal itself naturally. The views and nutritional advice expressed by www.fibromyalgia-support.org are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition, see your physician of choice. This web site contains links to web sites operated by other parties. Such links are provided for your convenience and reference only. We are not responsible for the content or products of any linked site or any link contained in a linked site.
