Thursday, August 25, 2011

Pain Relief For Fibromyalgia Syndrome

By Dana Cain


Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic disease that affects the musculoskeletal system. The symptoms, though they may vary widely among sufferers, would generally include chronic fatigue, muscle and joint aches, irritable bowel syndrome, headaches and tenderness in several of eighteen specific areas, or trigger points on the body. Often overlooked by sufferers because of the inevitable result of everyday stress and busy schedule is fibromyalgia. When the patient seeks treatment, fibromyalgia is often misdiagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, or another musculoskeletal condition. At a ration of about ten to one, if affects women far more often than men. More often the exact cause is unknown though some cases result from a specific trauma.

Being properly diagnosed is the first step to fibromyalgia pain relief. Besides the fact that the medical community doesn't completely understand the condition and there is also no specific course of treatment. Most advice given to patients reads like a weight-loss program, recommending low-intensity exercise, drinking lots of water, and reducing mental and physical stresses such as those caused by saturated fats, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, meat and sugar.

Anti-depressants are often prescribed as part of the treatment, which elevate the mood of the patient. Muscle relaxants and sleep aids may also be recommended. Nutritional supplements may also be beneficial since fibromyalgia sufferers are often found to be low in magnesium and manganese, both of which are helpful in balancing thyroid function.

Physical therapy teaches patients methods of walking, stretching, and exercise that reduce muscle tension and fatigue and because of this, it is considered as an essential component for fibromyalgia pain relief. Another lesson physical therapists would teach their patients is how to make use of ergonomic tools in their daily life such as padded chairs and special keyboards that help minimize muscle strain.

Some patients choose to incorporate alternative treatments such as acupuncture, chiropractic, and massage therapy into their treatment. Testimonials of fibromyalgia sufferers indicate that the symptoms of the disease may be alleviated with the help of all these alternative treatments even though the efficacy of these natural treatments has not been carefully studied and quantified. Keep in mind that whatever patients decide upon, there is no simple cure for fibromyalgia and the most direct method of obtaining fibromyalgia pain relief is having a comprehensive plan that addresses mental and psychological symptoms and promotes healthy lifestyle habits.




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