Fibromyalgia Pain

By: Jennifer Henry

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic disease. It affects the musculoskeletal system. The exact cause is unknown. Symptoms vary among sufferers, in intensity and type.

General symptiom list:

• Tenderness in many of eighteen specific areas on the body.
• Muscle and joint aches
• Chronic fatigue
• Headaches
• Irritable bowel syndrome

Fibromyalgia is often overlooked by sufferers, they think it is a normal result of their busy lifestyle. Fibromyalgia is often misdiagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, or another musculoskeletal condition.

Fibromyalgia affects women far more often than men (a ratio of 10:1)

The first stepin treating fibromyalgia pain relief is being properly diagnosed. The condition is not totally understood by the medical community, and therefore there is no specific course of treatment.

Typical treatment options:

• Low-intensity exercise
• Drink lots of water
• Reduce mental and physical stresses (such as those caused by saturated fats, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, meat and sugar)
• Anti-depressants help, they elevate the mood of the patient.
• Muscle relaxants
• Sleep aids may also be recommended.
• Nutritional supplements (Many fibromyalgia sufferers are often found to be low in manganese and magnesium, both of which help balance thyroid function)

Physical therapy is essential or fibromyalgia pain relief. It teaches patients methods of walking, stretching, and exercise that reduce muscle tension and fatigue.

A physical therapist will also teach patients how to make use of ergonomic tools in their daily life, like padded chairs and special keyboards designed to minimize muscle strain.