Information on Fibromyalgia

By Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN
updated on 06/20/2007 at 11:06AM

Fibromyalgia is a poorly recognized and poorly understood condition. But doctors and researchers are working to remedy that. Today, millions of people worldwide are diagnosed by this disease. It is characterized by widespread pain and stiffness in the muscles and joints, stress, chronic fatigue, depression, suicidal thoughts and sleep disorders. Scientists are currently trying to understand more about each of these symptoms. Here is some important information on fibromyalgia. And a closer look at the research that is currently underway to understand and treat this disease.

The Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread pain throughout the body as well as a constellation of other symptoms. People who suffer from this condition also typically report fatigue and sleep disorders, as well as digestive disorders, headaches, restless legs syndrome, difficulty concentrating, skin sensitivities and rashes, dry eyes, vagina and mouth, anxiety, depression, tinnitus, vertigo, blurred vision, neurological symptoms, impaired coordination and more.

Diagnosing Fibromyalgia

Currently, there is no specific test for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Instead, patients usually must undergo a serious of blood tests, physical tests and x-rays to rule out other conditions. Patient histories and reported symptoms, a physical examination and a manual tender point examination, can be used to confirm the diagnosis of fibromyalgia once all other conditions have been ruled out.

Treating Fibromyalgia

Your local doctor will usually recommend an over the counter or prescription pain reliever to manage the pain of fibromyalgia on a daily basis (This rarely works by the way) but lifestyle changes are the most important tool you can utilize in the long-term treatment of fibromyalgia. Change can be difficult, but for those who suffer from fibromyalgia, a few small, simple changes can be well worth the effort. If you are diagnosed with fibromyalgia, make a commitment to learn everything you can about this disease and the methods you can use to reduce its symptoms (new technology is always available at www.fibromyalgia-support.org) like changes in your diet, exercise, and sleep routines can go a long way to helping you live a normal, productive, and pain-free life. Other treatments that may be helpful include physical therapy, therapeutic massage, water therapy, acupressure, application of heat or cold, acupuncture, Pilates, yoga, relaxation exercises, breathing techniques, aromatherapy, cognitive therapy, biofeedback, herbs, nutritional supplements, and osteopathic or chiropractic manipulation. Although these seem to lesson the pain, I still believe they do not address the root cause of the disease and fix the problem. I believe fibromyalgia is caused by a microbe or parasite which needs to be killed before the symptoms go away for good. Look for the product Fibro-Balance sometime in the latter part of 2005 to address the microbe and oxygen issue.

Current Fibromyalgia Research is still not addressing the Dr. Groups pathogen theory.

There are several avenues of research currently underway to help health care providers and health care authorities understand fibromyalgia and treat the condition.

Pain and Stiffness: Research suggests that fibromyalgia is caused by how the body responds to or processes pain. Reduced blood flow to parts of the brain that regulate pain may be the source of the problem.
Stress: The symptoms of fibromyalgia may be caused by a problem in the way the body responds to physical or emotional stress. Researchers are currently examining the chemical reactions between the nervous system and the endocrine system to determine if inadequate hormone production may cause or aggravate fibromyalgia.
Sleep Disturbances: Some people who suffer from fibromyalgia report a difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. Research has shown a correlation between the sleep disturbances associated with fibromyalgia, and those related to insomnia. Preliminary studies show that sleep education (teaching patients to practice good sleep habits) may reduce these sleep disturbances.
Genetics: Fibromyalgia appears to be hereditary, therefore a number of researchers are currently working to determine if there is a gene or group of genes that predisposes people to this condition. Researchers are also trying to understand if fibromyalgia is more common in people who have developed other conditions such as mood disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus.

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