Fibromyalgia: What is it, really?

Most Americans are familiar with the condition, “Fibromyalgia.” However, many Americans are not clear on the symptoms, or even the experience of it.

There are some who consider it an illusive illness, and there are those who will tell you having the symptoms is quite tangible. Either way, fibromyalgia can be a daily challenge.

There are many opinions on fibromyalgia, we sought out some reputable sources for theirs. You can read and see if the symptoms are familiar to you or perhaps someone you care about. If so, Miracle Stretch® recommends consulting with your physician.

The definition of fibromyalgia according to WebMD:

Fibromyalgia Syndrome is a syndrome with a set of symptoms. When they exist together, they imply the presence of a specific disease or a greater chance of developing the disease:

·      - Anxiety or depression

·      - Decreased pain threshold or tender points

·     -  Incapacitating fatigue

·      - Widespread pain

Your muscles may feel like they have been overworked or pulled. They'll feel that way even without exercise or another cause. Sometimes, your muscles twitch, burn, or have deep stabbing pain.

Some patients with fibromyalgia have pain and achiness around the joints in the neck, shoulder, back, and hips. This makes it difficult for them to sleep or exercise.

And one more very interesting point according to WebMD:

More than 12 million Americans have fibromyalgia. Most of them are women between ages 25 and 60. Women are 10 times more likely than men.

Causes of Fibromyalgia per EverydayHealth.com are:

While the exact cause of fibromyalgia remains a mystery, doctors do know that patients with the disorder experience an increased sensation of pain due to a glitch in the central nervous system's processing of pain information. Studies have shown that people with fibromyalgia also have certain physiological abnormalities, such as elevated levels of certain chemicals called nuerotransmitters that help transmit pain signals (thus amplifying, or "turning up," the signals in the brain's pain-processing areas).

In some cases, an injury or trauma, especially to the cervical spine, or a bacterial or viral illness, may precede a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. This has caused researchers to speculate that infections may be triggers as well.

Fibromyalgia Risk Factors

A number of factors can increase the odds that you may develop fibromyalgia. These include:

Gender. Fibromyalgia is more common among women than men.

Age. Symptoms usually appear during middle age, but can also manifest in children and older adults.

History of rheumatic disease. People who have been diagnosed with a rheumatic disorder — chronic inflammatory conditions — such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus are at increased risk of also developing fibromyalgia.

Family history. Having a relative who suffers from fibromyalgia puts you at increased risk.

Sleep problems. Doctors aren't sure whether sleep disturbances are a cause or a symptom of fibromyalgia — but sleep disorders, including restless legs syndrome and sleep apnea have been cited as possible fibromyalgia triggers.

Options for Treatment per Mayo Clinic:

In general, treatments for fibromyalgia include both medication and self-care. The emphasis is on minimizing symptoms and improving general health. No one treatment works for all symptoms.

Medications

Medications can help reduce the pain of fibromyalgia and improve sleep. Common choices include pain relievers, antidepressants, or anti-seizure drugs.

Therapy

Talking with a counselor can help strengthen your belief in your abilities and teach strategies for dealing with stressful situations.

Alternative and additional treatments for fibromyalgia, according to Healthline.com:

Yoga: Research from Oregon Health & Science University found that fibromyalgia patients who participated in yoga classes experienced less pain, reduced fatigue, and improved mood. The classes included gentle stretching poses, meditation, breathing exercises, and group discussions.  Other studies have found similar results. 

Some Miracle Stretch® customers who suffer from symptoms of Fibromyalgia and Piriformis Syndrome or associated Sciatica have found relief using the Piri-Stretcher® exercise tool to help gently stretch at home and relieve low back, buttocks, and leg pain.

Accupuncture: A study published in the Journal of Rehabilitative Medicine showed that fibromyalgia patients that received acupuncture benefited from pain relief compared to those who didn’t.

Vitamin D: Fibromyalgia patients often have low levels of this vitamin. According to research, supplements could help with pain.  In a 2013 study, researchers tested to see if supplements would make a difference in symptoms. The researchers found that patients felt much better physically and experienced less fatigue when they were given vitamin D supplements.

Physical and Cognitive Therapies: A 2011 study found that using ultrasound and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation twice a week reduced muscle aches and improved disturbed sleep.

An earlier 2000 study reviewed treatment options for fibromyalgia patients. Researchers found that physical therapy techniques could help reduce pain. 

Fibromyalgia pain can take an emotional toll on your health. Therapy sessions focused on the mind-body connection, meditation, and movement can help improve pain, fatigue, mood, and sleeplessness. Ask your doctor if they can recommend a cognitive behavioral therapist.

We hope this answers some of your questions and offers a few helpful solutions. At the very least this blog can start a conversation and provide understanding of what people with fibromyalgia are dealing with on a daily basis.

Please feel free to pass this along to anyone you know who may benefit from learning more.