Thursday, August 25, 2011

Fibromyalgia Syndrome - Which Pain Relief Is Effective

By Dana Cain


A chronic disease that affects the musculoskeletal system is fibromyalgia syndrome or FMS. Symptoms vary widely among sufferers, but generally include muscle and joint aches, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, headaches and tenderness in several of eighteen specific areas, or "trigger points" on the body. Fibromyalgia is often overlooked by sufferers as the inevitable result of a busy schedule and everyday stress. Doctors often misdiagnose fibromyalgia as rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, or other musculoskeletal condition when patients do seek treatment. Women are affected far more often than men and the ration is about 10 to one. Specific trauma is the result of some cases but more often no one knows the exact cause.

When it comes to fibromyalgia pain relief, the first step is to be properly diagnosed. There is no specific course of treatment and the condition is not completely understood by the medical community. Drinking lots of water, weight-loss program, recommending low-intensity exercise, and reducing mental and physical stresses such as those caused by saturated fats, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, meat and sugar are the advice that is usually given to patients.

Often prescribed as part of the treatment are anti-depressants which elevate the mood of the patient. Other things that are recommended may include muscle relaxants and sleep aids. Often, fibromyalgia sufferers are low in magnesium and manganese, both of which are helpful when it comes to balancing thyroid function, which is why it would be beneficial to add nutritional supplements.

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.

Incorporating alternative treatments such as chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage therapy into their treatment is what some patients choose to do. The efficacy of these natural treatments have not been carefully studied and quantified but even so, testimonials of fibromyalgia sufferers indicate that helping to alleviate the symptoms of these disease are all of these alternative treatments. Regardless of what the patients decide upon, it's important to remember that when it comes to fibromyalgia, there is no simple cure and in order to obtain fibromyalgia pain relief, a comprehensive plan that address mental and psychological symptoms and promotes healthy lifestyle habits is the most direct method.




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