Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas of the neck, spine, shoulders, and hips called "tender points." People with this syndrome may also experience sleep disturbances, morning stiffness, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, and other symptoms. Available data suggest that the number of persons aged 18 and older in the United States with fibromyalgia is approximately 3.7 million. It primarily occurs in women of childbearing age, but children, the elderly, and men may also be affected.

Although the cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, researchers have several theories about what triggers the disease. Some scientists believe that the syndrome may result from an injury or trauma. This injury may affect the central nervous system. Fibromyalgia may be associated with changes in muscle metabolism, such as decreased blood flow, causing fatigue and decreased strength. Others believe the syndrome may be triggered by an infectious agent such as a virus in susceptible people, but no such agent has been identified.

Fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose because many of the symptoms mimic those of other diseases. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has developed criteria for fibromyalgia that physicians can use in diagnosing the disease. According to ACR criteria, a person is considered to have fibromyalgia if he or she has widespread pain for at least 3 months in combination with tenderness in at least 11 of 18 specific tender point sites.

Treatment of fibromyalgia requires a comprehensive approach. The physician, physical therapist, and others in the medical support system, as well as the patient, may all play an active role in the management of fibromyalgia. Studies have shown that aerobic exercise, such as swimming and walking, improves muscle fitness and reduces muscle pain and tenderness. Heat and massage may also give short-term relief. Antidepressant medications may help elevate mood, improve quality of sleep, and relax muscles. People with fibromyalgia may benefit from a combination of exercise, medication, physical therapy, and relaxation.

Get In Tune With Your Body

Do you listen to your body? Do you know that your body speaks? Get in tune with your body; listen to what it has to say to you. The body has the capacity to heal itself.
You have seen scars and small wounds heal by themselves. The body has far greater power to heal itself provided you listen to it and act on time.
The body gives signals when it is not well. Most people ignore it and see them only when they fall ill. This does not happen overnight.
The body keeps sending distress signals over long periods of time, if you react in time the body can heal itself before any damage is done. Distress signals like discomfort or sudden pain, insomnia and excessive anxiety are the one we commonly ignore.
Much damage is caused to the body due to the stress and strain of the modern life we live every day. Everybody is so busy that they don’t have the time to tune into their body.
People seem to ignore the signals the body keeps sending them. How many of us focus on the body’s call for food or water or even rest, especially when they are busy with their work?
Listening to the body is helping it heal itself. Starting with small things like satisfying hunger (with nutritious food), thirst (with water and juices), resting and stretching it even when seems there is no time for it helps us get connected with our interior life mechanism. Taking care of it will help us prevent the body from having reasons to sound distress signals.