The first step towards treatment of fibromyalgia is the diagnosis. The person suffering from this condition usually presents with a range of symptoms including aching pain and pulling down or . . . → Read More: Treatment for Fibromyalgia]]> Fibromyalgia syndrome is a condition where pain occurs in muscles, tissues joints and ligaments without any obvious tissue damage. The pain is often accompanied by extreme fatigue.

The first step towards treatment of fibromyalgia is the diagnosis. The person suffering from this condition usually presents with a range of symptoms including aching pain and pulling down or worn out sensation in the joints. It is also accompanied by fatigue that is aggravated by hard labor. This may result in sleep disturbances and headaches. Diagnosis is made on the basis of excluding all the other conditions with the help of blood tests, urine tests and ultrasound or other medical procedures. The person usually comes with a history of aching pains and fatigue that is present for three months and longer.

Treatment for fibromyalgia

Educating the patient about his condition

This is the most important aspect of the treatment. Once the patient fully understands his condition and accepts it, then the health care professional can discuss the best line of treatment that is suitable for his lifestyle and medical condition. There are many self-management courses that can teach new skills to help people with fibromyalgia manage their condition.

Gentle low impact exercise regimen

The patient is also taught some gentle exercises such as low impact water based exercises. Tai chi and yoga can also have beneficial effects in this condition. Water aerobics can also help in reducing the intensity of symptoms like joint pains, muscular pains and fatigue. Practicing some stretching exercises regularly can also help in relieving the stiffness of the joints. The person suffering from this syndrome must keep in mind that they need to avoid any hard physical labor and strenuous exercises and these lead to the worsening of the existing symptoms. These people are taught to strike a balance between rest and activity.

Medication used in the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome

The cause of fibromyalgia is not yet known. Hence the treatment is mainly targeted at symptom relief. The person may be prescribed pain killers in episodes of intense muscular pain. Medication can also be used in order to relieve symptoms like migraines and headaches. Some people with this syndrome may also have other associated symptoms such as irritable bowel syndrome and cystitis. Medicines can be used to treat these symptoms.

Stress management and relaxation techniques

People suffering from fibromyalgia syndrome often show symptoms of anxiety, nervousness and stress that are associated with this condition. As a result they may report sleep disturbances as well. Stress is also known to bring on the onset of fibromyalgia symptoms and worsen the existing symptoms. So the physician may refer these people to a psychotherapist or professional counselors. Alternative therapies like yoga and meditation may also help in relieving the stress and calming the mind thereby resulting in an improved sleep. Deep breathing exercises and relaxation techniques when practiced regularly are known to have a calming effect on the mind.

Body massage

Massage can be helpful as it helps to relax the muscles.

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Fibromyalgia is a syndrome in which the central nervous system of the body changes its response to pain. As a result of this . . . → Read More: Foods Related to Fibromyalgia]]> Fibromyalgia syndrome is a chronic condition characterized by intense pain in the muscles, tendons, ligaments, connective tissues and joints along with a range of other associated symptoms. This is disorder of the musculoskeletal system.

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome in which the central nervous system of the body changes its response to pain. As a result of this the body interprets even small things as being painful. In other words the person’s ability to withstand even the smallest of pain is considerably decreased. This is not something that a person has conscious control over.

Diet of a person suffering from Fibromyalgia syndrome

• Avoid stimulants like alcohol and caffeine

Fibromyalgia is a condition in which the affected person complains of sleep disorders as a result of muscle pains and anxiety associated with illness. As a result it is important to cut down on alcohol intake and avoid alcohol consumption before going to bed as it will only lead to worsening of sleep problems thereby leading to other symptoms like migraines, headaches, irritability and extreme fatigue.

• Avoid foods causing allergies

The onset of fibromyalgia syndrome is often triggered by food allergies. An allergic attack also leads to aggravation of the existing symptoms like muscle pain and fatigue. Hence it is extremely important to choose the right kinds of foods and identify potential allergens like eggs, soy , gluten and dairy products and avoid them.

• Avoid refined foods, such as white breads, pastas, and sugar

These foods are high in calories and should be avoided or consumes occasionally and in moderation. One should also avoid fried food like chips and junk food like pizzas and burgers as they tend to load up the body with calories thereby contributing to the problem of obesity.

• Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily

It is important to drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water regularly. Water helps to cleanse the system and eliminate toxins from the body. Replace the sugary drinks, juices and fizzy colas with water as these drinks are high in their sugar content and provide empty calories.

• Avoid spicy foods

Fibromyalgia is often accompanied by associated disorders like irritable bowel syndrome. Hence it is important to avoid spicy foods that lead to aggravation of the symptoms.

• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables

The condition of fibromyalgia is aggravated by hard labor and extreme physical exercise. So these people may be forced to lead a comparatively sedentary lifestyle. So it is important to include fruits and vegetables in the diet in order to overcome other associated problems like obesity that results due to the lack of exercise. Fruits and vegetables are high in soluble and tend to keep you fuller for longer. They also provide the body with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

• Eat protein rich foods

It is important to eat foods high in protein content. These foods include lean meats like chicken and fish and wholegrain cereals, pulses and legumes. Proteins are necessary for the repair of muscle and tissue and provide the body with the much needed energy.

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Fibromyalgia is a musculoskeletal disorder. In this disorder the central nervous system of the body changes its . . . → Read More: Symptoms of Fibromyalgia]]> Fibromyalgia is a syndrome in which the affected person complains of muscular and joint pains that may vary in intensity and duration. This is a chronic condition and it is associated with other symptoms like fatigue, nervousness, anxiety and headaches.

Fibromyalgia is a musculoskeletal disorder. In this disorder the central nervous system of the body changes its response to pain. As a result of this the person’s ability to withstand even the smallest of pain is considerably decreased. This is not something that a person has conscious control over.

The causes of fibromyalgia are not known but experts believe that the onset is triggered by some factors. These factors are events of physical trauma like accidents, emotional stress, bacterial and viral infections or even development of other disorders like hypothyroidism and rheumatoid arthritis. Some of the characteristic symptoms of fibromyalgia are as follows:

• Intense pain in the joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments

People suffering from fibromyalgia syndrome complain of intense pain in the joints, muscles and the surrounding structures. This pain can often be described as an aching in the bones. Some people complain of a pulling sensation in the ligaments. People affected by this condition often report a worn down feeling as if the joints are overworked. In some cases burning pain may be present in the joints.

The pain varies in intensity in different individuals. The muscle pain is aggravated by hard physical labor and strenuous exercises. Hence these people need to avoid any extreme exercises.

The symptoms may also be aggravated in case of allergic attacks or acute infections like fever, cough and cold.

• Stiffness of the joints

The pain is often associated with the stiffness of joints. The stiffness is usually worse in the morning just after waking up or when the person just gets out of the bed.

• Extreme fatigue

One of the major symptoms of this syndrome is extreme fatigue. Even minimal physical exertion may lead to extreme fatigue and the person usually has to rest for a while before he can resume his other activities. Hence these people should never undertake hard labor which may lead to aggravation of fatigue.

• Tingling sensation in the arms and legs

Some people suffering from fibromyalgia may report a tingling sensation or numbness in the arms and the legs.

• Anxiety and depression may be associated symptoms

Living with ongoing pain and fatigue can also often lead to secondary problems such as anxiety and depression. These symptoms are aggravated by situations involving emotional stress like divorce, death of a loved one and unemployment.

• Migraines and headaches

People suffering from fibromyalgia may also complain of other problems like migraine and headaches. The intense pain and fatigue may lead to difficulty in falling asleep and difficulty in staying asleep for a long time. This may lead to other complaints like migraines and headaches.

• Other associated symptoms

Some people with this syndrome may also have other associated symptoms such as irritable bowel syndrome and cystitis.

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Causes of fibromyalgia are not yet known. Fibromyalgia . . . → Read More: Causes of Fibromyalgia]]> Fibromyalgia syndrome is a chronic condition in which there is disorder of the musculoskeletal system. This condition characterized by intense pain in the muscles, tendons, ligaments, connective tissues and joints along with a range of other associated symptoms. Extreme fatigue and exhaustion are the associated symptoms of this condition.

Causes of fibromyalgia are not yet known. Fibromyalgia is more common in women than in men. It is common in the age group of 35 to 45 years. In a person suffering from fibromyalgia syndrome the central nervous system is affected. As a result of this person’s ability to withstand even the smallest of pain is considerably decreased. Certain factors that trigger the onset of fibromyalgia symptoms have been identified.

These triggering factors probably do not cause fibromyalgia. Some studies indicate that these factors may awaken an underlying physiological abnormality in the affected person.

A list of the triggering factors is as follows:

• Infections may lead to the development of fibromyalgia

Many individuals develop the symptoms of fibromyalgia after an episode of viral or bacterial infections.

• Physical trauma may lead to the onset of fibromyalgia

The onset of fibromyalgia in many individuals has been linked to a history of a major physical trauma as in involvement in an accident causing serious injuries and multiple fractures.

• Fibromyalgia is often an associated symptom or an accompanying symptom of other disorders

Fibromyalgia may develop in association with other disorders like hypothyroidism or rheumatoid arthritis.

• Situations involving emotional trauma may lead to the onset of this condition.

Emotional trauma like the death of a loved one, divorce or any major life changing situation, financial stress is also identified as one of the trigger factors in the development of this condition

• Hereditary factors may play a role in the development of fibromyalgia

According to some studies, family history and genetic predisposition may be associated with the onset of this condition in some individuals.

In many individuals the symptoms vary greatly according to the intensity and duration. In some individuals the symptoms may come and go and last for several months. In some cases the symptoms may be present on a daily basis while in others they may be present for several years before they disappear.

Factors that aggravate the existing symptoms of fibromyalgia

In a person suffering from fibromyalgia, the condition may be aggravated by a number of factors. A list of them is as follows:

• Physical stress aggravates the muscular pain and fatigue

Physical stress involving intense physical labor or even strenuous exercise may lead to worsening of the aching pain in the muscles and joints. It also leads to intense fatigue and exhaustion. Hence hard physical labor and strenuous exercises must be avoided.

• Mental stress also leads to worsening of the symptoms

Persons affected by this condition are already under emotional stress related to the illness. Any other emotional stress leads to worsening of the associated symptoms like headache, migraine and sleep disturbances.

• Allergies and infections

Allergies and infections also lead to aggravation of the existing symptoms.

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Fibromyalgia is a syndrome in which the central nervous system of the body changes its response to pain. As a result of this . . . → Read More: What is Fibromyalgia]]> Fibromyalgia syndrome is a chronic condition characterized by intense pain in the muscles, tendons, ligaments, connective tissues and joints along with a range of other associated symptoms. This is disorder of the musculoskeletal system.

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome in which the central nervous system of the body changes its response to pain. As a result of this the body interprets even small things as being painful. In other words the person’s ability to withstand even the smallest of pain is considerably decreased. This is not something that a person has conscious control over.

What causes fibromyalgia is not yet known

The cause of fibromyalgia is yet to be determined. There is no cure for this condition. However certain trigger factors have been identified. These include prior physical trauma as in a major accident, emotional trauma, viral infections and hereditary factors.

Fibromyalgia commonly affects women

Fibromyalgia is more common in women than in men. It is common in the age group of 35 to 45 years. This does not mean it cannot affect children and young adults. It can affect people from all aces, nationalities and ethnic backgrounds.

Fibromyalgia is characterized by intense muscle pain

People suffering from fibromyalgia syndrome complain of intense pain in the joints, muscles and the surrounding structures. This pain can often be described as an aching in the bones. Some people complain of a pulling sensation in the ligaments. People affected by this condition often report a worn down feeling as if the joints are overworked. In some cases burning pain may be present in the joints. The pain is usually worse in the morning just after waking up or when the person just gets out of the bed. This pain may affect all parts of the body or may be present in a particular body part.

The pain is often associated with the stiffness of joints. Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include fatigue and sleep disturbances due to the muscular pain. Some people with this syndrome may also have other associated symptoms such as irritable bowel syndrome, cystitis, swelling and numbness or tingling in the arms and legs.

Duration of symptoms of fibromyalgia may vary

The symptoms of fibromyalgia can last for several months to several years and may vary in intensity and severity in different individuals.

Treatment for fibromyalgia is mainly targeted at symptomatic relief

Treatment is mainly symptomatic. The goal of the treatment is to reduce the intensity of the pain and improve the quality of the person’s life. Treatment is mainly focused on educating the affected person about his condition. Low impact exercises like water based aerobic exercises, yoga and tai chi are recommended. Before starting any new exercise regimen the person suffering from fibromyalgia must consult his physician. Any strenuous exercise may only worsen the existing symptoms. Medication can be used to treat the associated symptoms like headaches, migraines and sleep disturbances. Stress management techniques like deep breathing exercises can also be helpful to relieve the associated stress and anxiety.

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