Explore Natural Ways To Cope With Fibromyalgia
by Sheila McCormick on June 16th, 2007
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On any given day, hundreds of thousands of people in this country in the prime of their lives are sidelined by the chronic pain, stiffness and extreme fatigue that are hallmarks of fibromyalgia. For some the symptoms are so severe that just getting out of bed is difficult, if not impossible. Although thousands of studies have been conducted about fibromyalgia, the exact causes have yet to be determined and there is no known cure.
Fibromyalgia is a condition that results in muscle pain as well as pain in the tissues of the body. Flu-like achiness is frequently the most prominent symptom. With a condition such as fibromyalgia, symptoms may not be present all the time. They can come and go, with flare-ups that may be followed by periods of lesser intensity.
A state of central sensitization exists in fibromyalgia sufferers. This means that your central nervous system may be unusually sensitive to pain (hyperalgesia) and you also may find certain sounds, vibrations, light, and other sensations (even smells) to be translated by your body into discomfort or pain. Many patients also suffer from “fibro fog,” which is an inability to concentrate. Some medical experts believe that fibro fog may actually be brought on by the sleep deprivation that often accompanies fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is more common in women than in men.
Once a person is diagnosed with fibromyalgia, they are prone to intermittent bouts with the painful symptoms throughout their lives. Since there is no cure, treatment is aimed at controlling the symptoms. Because the condition is chronic, sufferers need to find a drug-free way of coping with the pain to avoid becoming dependent on habit-forming prescription medications. Lifestyle changes, acupuncture, massage, yoga and herbal remedies are among the drug-free methods often used to ease the symptoms.
Studies funded by the National Institutes for Health show that fibromyalgia patients who have regular massages report less pain, more energy and fewer episodes of depression. Massage relieves soreness and stiffness in muscles and joints and strengthens connective tissue. Massages cause the body to produce endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller. Muscles which have been in a state of contracture, or constant tension, do not allow a healthy flow of fresh blood and lymph to enter the tissue. Fluids locked within the tissue become stagnant and filled with toxins and waste products which would normally be carried away by healthy circulation.
Massage techniques of compression and kneading push these waste products from the muscle, allowing fresh blood and lymph fluid back into the tissues bringing vital oxygen and nutrition. Fibromyalgia sufferers see strong benefits from deep tissue massage which is focused on deep muscle and connective tissues.
Fibromyalgia can be diagnosed in one of two ways. When a person experiences pain that is widespread on both sides of the body, the doctor or holistic practitioner may suspect the presence of fibromyalgia. The presence of at least eleven or more points on the body that are sore or tender when pressed may also indicate a diagnosis of fibromyalgia.
Treatment methods will vary from person to person. Almost all fibromyalgia sufferers can benefit from mild to moderate exercise, especially those like Pilates that involve gentle stretching. Swimming is also an appropriate exercise because water allows patients to move freely without putting stress on painful joints. Regular exercise helps reduce the aches and pains and improves sleep. Exercise also helps reduce the anxiety and depression, which often accompany chronic illnesses.
Some patients benefit from counseling and stress-reduction techniques. Many fibromyalgia sufferers have to make significant lifestyle adjustments such as working only part-time, taking frequent breaks and avoiding extreme heat or cold. Talk to your holistic practitioner about the treatment and lifestyle changes that will work best for you.
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