Fibromyalgia Pain Treatments – What Can I Do to Relieve Fibromyalgia Pain?

 

Click Here to Find Out the Holistic Guide to Combat Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia

New Insight-Transformation of Migraines Causes Fibromyalgia

 

Migraines are thought of as normal neurological functions interspersed with episodes of headaches.  At least 20% of migraineurs meeting the International Headache Society criteria have changed the pattern from episodes of migraine into patterns of chronic headache.

 

Chronic headache often does not return to normal neurological function.  This evolving process from episodic headache to chronic headache is called transformation.  In the population segment of chronic daily headache, migraine appears to be a progressive neurological disease.  The decline of normal neurological function between episodes of migraine greatly exacerbates the migraine syndrome.

 

Transformation is a process that occurs usually over years.  Usually the migraineur starts off having acute episodic migraines.  As someone continues to have migraines over time, the pain can occur more often and start merging together with a mixed headache pattern of lower severity migraines intermingled with more severe episodes.

 

The mixed headache pattern can further transform into chronic daily headache.  These transformed headaches can be caused by rebound phenomenon or can happen by reasons that are not fully understood at the present time.

 

A threshold can refer to a horizontal piece of building material beneath a doorway or window, but the meaning is different in medical jargon.  Threshold refers to the point at which stimulus or stimuli are of sufficient intensity to produce an effect.  The threshold for migraines can be lowered (migraines may happen more easily) by having repeated migraines.  Facilitation or kindling describe this phenomenon.

 

Migraines make the sensitive body more sensitive.  In other words, migraines breed migraines.  The lower threshold for migraines is made easier as though kindling were put on a fire.  Uncontrolled migraines not only cause more migraines but eventually cause transformed migraines.  A severe stimulus, injury, illness, or stress can provoke the nervous system to generate uncontrolled migraines.  The migraine pain changes over time.  This change is called transformation.

 

You can imagine one of your kid’s transformers changing from a robot to a plane or car, but can you imagine your migraines changing from a more classic presentation to chronic neck pain, sinus pain, or constant headache.  Well believe it or not, over time migraines do transform.  Usually a decade or more is necessary for transformation of episodic to chronic migraine.

 

One of the sincere goals of my new book, Doctor, “Why Do I Feel This Way?”, is to prevent transformation in migraineurs who have not reached this stage.

 

An example of severe stimulus is smoking.  The trigeminal nerve (sensation of the face) and the cervical (neck) nerves are adjacent to each other in the brain stem (the base of the brain).  What affects one affects the other.  Migraineurs who smoke usually will develop neck problems.  It is absolutely essential for the migraineur who smokes to abstain!  Smoke is a smell.  The sensitivity to the smell is the problem!

 

Also, second-hand smoke, perfumes, and severe allergies are major problems.  Neck pain can be debilitating and frustrating.  The migraineur with neckaches can develop extreme sensitivity to stress and after years will frequently develop fibromyalgia.  To find out more, go to migrainesyndrome.net

 

Pain Relief - Fibromyalgia Pain Treatments for Pain

 

If you hurt all over your body, and frequently feel exhausted, gone through numerous tests to find out what is wrong with you and even then, your doctor can't find anything specifically wrong with you; your pain may very well be a result of Fibromyalgia.

 

If you experience tender points on places on places like your neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms or legs that hurt when touched you may have Fibromyalgia. If you have other symptoms, such as trouble sleeping, morning stiffness, headaches, and problems with thinking and memory, sometimes called "fibro fog," you may have Fibromyalgia.

 

Well, not that this is a comforting thought, but you are not alone. Over ten million Americans suffer from the symptoms of Fibromyalgia pain.

 

This condition overall is characterized by chronic pain felt throughout your entire body, mainly in the muscles and ligaments. Pain is typically felt in your neck, back, shoulders, hands, and pelvic area; but anywhere in the body can be affected with pain.

 

Fibromyalgia sufferers also endure general fatigue and sleep disturbances. So, it is easy to understand why most sufferers seek Fibromyalgia pain treatments that work for them. Thankfully, various Fibromyalgia pain treatments for pain relief exist.

 

If you are one of five to seven percent of the population who suffer from Fibromyalgia, the following Fibromyalgia pain treatment information may help you find and get pain relief.

 

Medications Used for Fibromyalgia Pain Treatments for Pain Relief.

 

Pain treatment is generally in the form of a pill. Many people agree that the best Fibromyalgia pain treatments for pain relief come in pill form. There are many medications that are used as Fibromyalgia pain treatments for pain relief, but it is necessary for you to visit your doctor to determine the extent of and devise a treatment plan for your specific condition with your doctor and receive a prescription, as over-the-counter drugs are not usually strong enough to alleviate the pain associated with Fibromyalgia.

 

Antidepressant's (Paxil, Prozac), sleep medications (Lunesta, Ambien), anti-epileptics (Neurontin), and muscle relaxants (Flexeril) can all be used as Fibromyalgia pain treatments for pain relief. Many of these medications relieve sufferer pain so you can sleep at night, therefore allowing for the deep-level sleep needed for tissue repair and other body functions specific to your condition and level of pain.

 

Additional Methods of Fibromyalgia Pain Treatments for Pain Relief.

 

There are also other methods of Fibromyalgia pain treatments for pain relief. Sufferers may use these alternative methods along with medication, or by themselves. Alternative methods of Fibromyalgia pain treatments for pain relief include:

 

  Physical therapy

  Acupressure and acupuncture

  Massage   Exercise

  Chiropractic care

  Osteopathic manipulation

  Occupational therapy

  Biofeedback

 

It is completely up to you the patient as to type of Fibromyalgia pain treatment you want to pursue. However, talking to your doctor is highly recommended so your doctor can steer you in the right direction.

 

Although, the symptoms of Fibromyalgia may never completely disappear, it is comforting to know that Fibromyalgia pain treatments for pain relief exist and are only a doctor's visit away.

 

For more information about Fibromyalgia pain treatments for pain relief, visit the website for The National Fibromyalgia Association. There is no need to live in pain a minute longer.

 

For more ideas on fibromyalgia pain treatments, watch these 2 videos:

 

Fibromyalgia Pain Relief Stretching Program: Gentle but Effective

 

What Foods Trigger Fibromyalgia Pain?

 

This article is from the Get Your Health Back – Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Freedom. It consists of a strategy filled with guides on sleep, pain, depression, anxiety, diet, exercise and fitness plans, diet plans and packed with 369 healthy and delicious recipes

 

To find out more about this program, visit the website - Get Your Health Back – Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Freedom

Understanding Fibromyalgia- What It Feels Like to Have Fibromyalgia?

Click Here to Find Out the Holistic Guide to Combat Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia

Understanding Fibromyalgia - Fibromyalgia - The Mysterious Condition

Fibromyalgia is also known as "chronic fatigue syndrome".  CFS is also called "Epstein-Barr Syndrome".  Although fibromyalgia and Epstein-Barr have since been diagnosed and recognized as two different illnesses, the CFS name is still attached to both.  We will cover fibromyalgia in this post and leave Epstein-Barr for another.

Signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia can include wide-spread body aches, sensitivity and pain when touched (even gently), fatigue, sleep disruptions, irritable bowel syndrome, headaches, facial pain, tenderness in the back and shoulders, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, painful menstruation, irritable bladder and dry eyes, skin, and mouth.

There has not, at the time of this article, been a specific cause cited for fibromyalgia.  However, many doctors believe that the following are contributing factors:

- Chemical changes in the brain

- Sleep disturbances

- Injury or trauma, especially to the upper spine

- Changes in muscular metabolism

- Abnormalities of the autonomic (sympathetic) nervous system.

Risk of developing fibromyalgia seems to be higher in women and the age groups most affected tend to be those in their early and middle adulthood.  It has, however, been diagnosed in children, men, and teens.

No conclusive evidence has been found as to whether sleep disorders are a cause, or a result, of fibromyalgia.  But those who suffer from restless leg syndrome, night-time muscle spasms in one's legs, or sleep apnea frequently develop fibromyalgia.  Family history may also be a contributing factor.  If one has a relative with this condition, one may be a higher risk for having it.

Further, if one has a rheumatic disease such as ankylosing spondilitis, rheumatic arthritis, or lupus, the likelihood of fibromyalgia increases.

Currently, there are no specific tests for diagnosing the disease.  One may be tested for numerous other illnesses and diseases, and have those ruled out, before a physician decides to check further using the guidelines set forth by the American College of Rheumatology.  For further information on those guidelines.  go to:

http://www.rheumatology.org/public/factsheets/fibromya_new.asp

Once diagnosed, there are many ways that the disease can be treated, BUT there is no cure for fibromyalgia yet.  One's physician may prescribe medications to treat the symptoms and could recommend that one seek out alternative, non-medical treatments for relief from the chronic pain associated with it.  In the meantime, medical scientists continue to search for answers about this mysterious disease.  With symptomatic treatment, along with some possible and achievable lifestyle adjustments, one can cope. 

Fibromyalgia is not a progressive illness and there are no indications that it will lead to other diseases or conditions.  One must be prepared, however, to experience the chronic pain, sleeplessness, depression, and anxiety which accompany it.  This in turn can cause problems with one's ability to work and maintain healthy familial and friendly relationships.  And frustration from coping with this frequently misunderstood illness can add more complications to the conditions.

Stress can be a major factor in the intensity of one's pain, due the further tensing of already-stressed muscles, tendons, and ligaments.  It is important to help in educating those around you so that they have a better concept about what you are experiencing.  Their understanding and coping when one has a particularly bad day can help to reduce your stress and, perhaps, help to alleviate your pain.  Taking time out to relax, calm, and soothe one's body and mind can also be beneficial to keeping the pain to a minimum.

In conclusion, if you suffer any of the symptoms, discuss it with your health care provider or doctor.  After ruling out any other possible reasons for your suffering, he or she can help you with controlling your symptoms with pain relievers (over the counter or prescription), stress reduction (by medication and/or alternative treatments), and lifestyle adjustments.

One can also join a support group.  Check with your doctor to find one in your local area.  Or go online at:

http://www.fmnews.com or http://www.fmaware.org

These sites can provide you with excellent information, updated reports on the latest research, where to find support groups in your area, and free information with many topics on the subject of fibromyalgia. 

If you are diagnosed with FM, know that you are not alone.  There's an incredible network of support out there which is helping to educate others about the illness. 

See your physician or health care provider then join in with others who are suffering, or know someone who suffers, from this sometimes-overwhelming illness.  Together, let's teach more people to understand and cope.

Fibromyalgia Q&A: Understanding Fibromyalgia

* What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia also sometimes called Fibromyalgia Syndrome, Fibromyositis, Fibrositis, or Myofascial pain syndrome, is a continual disorder characterized by extensive musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, tenderness in contained areas of the neck, spine, shoulders, and hips sometimes referred to as multiple tender points or pressure points. It may cause sleep disorders, morning firmness, irritable bowel syndrome and nervousness.

* What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?

Though the symptoms of fibromyalgia can be unbearable, they are not serious. Symptoms may differ, depending on stress level, physical action, time of day, and the weather.

Pain is the main symptom, found in almost 100 percent of cases, particularly, pain and tenderness in some areas of the body when pressure is applied.

Fibromyalgia is a constant condition and symptoms may be continuous or irregular for years. Some of the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia consist of:

·         Sleep problems

·         Gastrointestinal such as abdominal pain, bloating and constipation

·         Lack of feeling or irritations

·         Unrelieved headaches

·         Sharp sensitivity to odours, noises, bright lights, different foods, medication and

·         Dysmenorrhea and painful sexual contact

·         Repeated urination, strong urge to urinate, and painful urination

·         Fast or irregular heart rate, and breathlessness

·         Bulging sensation in the hands and feet, although swelling is not visible

* Are there different forms of fibromyalgia?

Yes, there are actually different forms of fibromyalgia. These forms are categorized according to the symptoms a person experience. They are:

·         Post traumatic – there is a record of a single incident such as a car accident the pre-dates the pain syndrome. The accident commonly is an effect of an intense tremor and wounding of spinal muscles. Patients first complain of headaches and afterwards complain of arm or leg stiffness or itchiness or pain.

·         Repetitive Traumatic - The idea of this is that a repeated injury can add up to the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

·         Mood related fibromyalgia - usually, most fibromyalgics suffer this syndrome especially if they are suffering from extreme anxiety and pain. As a result, to this, fibromyalgics develop mood disorders such as depression.

·         Hormonal abnormalities such as hyperthyroidism – this commonly cause enlarged muscle tension, anxiety and sleep disorder (a perfect ingredient indicative of fibromyalgia).

* What causes fibromyalgia?

The causes for fibromyalgia are not identified. The condition creates unclear signs and symptoms connected with reduced blood flow to some parts of the brain and improved amounts of substance P believed to be a sensory neurotransmitter included in the message of pain, touch and temperature from the body to brain.

However, researchers have found some other potential causes, includes the:

• Autonomic malfunctioning of the nervous system

• Constant sleep problems

• Psychological strain or distress

• Malfunctioning of the immune or endocrine system

• Upper spinal cord damage

• Viral or bacterial infection underwent

* Is fibromyalgia a real disease or just in my head?

Patients with fibromyalgia know that the pain is real and not just a fake. Fibromyalgia specialist also know their patients are experiencing real symptoms.

In addition, there is now evidence that fibromyalgia patients’ intense feeling of pain is not just an illusion or imagination.

It is now probable to look at the brain and see accurately where it is active. This thorough brain scan is referred to as functional magnetic resonance imaging. There is no escaping the fact that there is malfunctioning sensory activity going on in the brain when Fibromyalgics undergo this series of brain scans.

Watch this video - Understanding Fibromyalgia: Mayo Clinic Radio

This article is from the Get Your Health Back – Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Freedom. It consists of a strategy filled with guides on sleep, pain, depression, anxiety, diet, exercise and fitness plans, diet plans and packed with 369 healthy and delicious recipes

To find out more about this program, visit the website - Get Your Health Back – Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Freedom

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Causes Symptoms and Treatment – Is CFS a Disability?

Click Here to Find Out the Holistic Guide to Combat Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Causes Symptoms and Treatment – Chronic Fatigue -- The Facts You Should Know

There is significant concern about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, also known as CFS. In fact, there are criteria patients must meet in order to be diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Receiving the diagnosis may be difficult for some patients because the guidelines for diagnosing are very specific.

The fatigue must have been present at least six consecutive months and the corresponding symptoms must have developed after the fatigue. A clear definition of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, its symptoms, and treatment options will help sufferers get a clearer understanding of the syndrome.

What is Chronic Fatigue?

The basic definition of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome does not make sufferers feel much better. The syndrome is unexplained and is marked by weakness, fatigue, muscle pain, lethargy, trouble sleeping, and even fever and swollen lymph nodes. There is no known cause for the fatigue that is present in an individual that has no relation to over-exertion and is not rectified by rest.

Symptoms

Some of the symptoms associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome have been discussed. However, there is a very long list. There are a variety of symptoms that patients are very aware of and then there are other symptoms only doctors seem to notice. Regardless, when the symptoms are present for a period of time for no apparent cause and seem to have no remedy then Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a frequent diagnosis.

Some of the frequent symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome include:

- Muscle Aches  

- Persistent Fatigue

- Intermittent Fatigue

- Depression

- Tiredness

- Headache

- Swollen Lymph nodes

- Depression

- Memory Loss

- Weakness

- Difficulty Concentrating

- Achy Joints

Frequently Chronic Fatigue Syndrome begins during periods when individuals have been sick, under a tremendous amount of stress, or for no apparent reason at all. Many individuals have noted that after bouts with the flu, mono, a cold, bronchitis, hepatitis, and other similar illnesses CFS arises.

Unfortunately, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome persists for months, sometimes coming and going and other times constantly affecting the patient. Other illnesses begin to clear up after a few days or weeks, but Chronic Fatigue Syndrome sticks around with no clear cause.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Causes Symptoms and Treatment – Diagnosing Chronic Fatigue

Doctors find it very difficult to diagnose Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The reason why is because so many of its symptoms are symptoms of other illnesses. This is why many doctors like to see patients with the same symptoms that began after the fatigue for at least six months before giving a diagnosis.

Obviously, sufferers of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome find the lack of an early diagnosis difficult to bear on top of their symptoms. However, doctors like to rule out diseases like Lupus and Multiple Sclerosis, as well as other diseases, before diagnosing Chronic Fatigue.

Additionally, researchers and doctors are becoming more aware of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and are more likely to make an earlier diagnosis based on fewer symptoms than ever before. That is not to say that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is easy to diagnose, because it is not. However increased awareness and new definitions are helping doctors and patients of Chronic Fatigue each and every day.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - What Causes This Mysterious Illness?

For the thousands of individuals who currently suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), the causes of this mysterious illness remain a mystery.  Reputable medical institutions, including the Centers for Disease Control have launched research efforts into discovering the reasons why some individuals contract CFS and what can be done to alleviate the symptoms.

Originally termed “yuppie flu” by the media, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome was thought to be caused by the Epstein Barr virus, or mononucleosis.  In the late 1980's, it appeared that the only individuals who suffered from yuppie flu were the young, upwardly mobile, urban professionals who, because of their busy lifestyles, of course were tired! 

With further investigation, medical professionals discovered that many other individuals were suffering from the unexplained symptoms of this illness.  Even though the medical community has published studies that bolster the reality of this illness, sufferers continue to find that the “yuppie flu” designation still prevails.

Many individuals who suffer from CFS have reported that they became ill with a virus before later noticing the symptoms now attributed to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  Researchers now believe that a virus, although not responsible for CFS, may cause damage to the neurological system of the individual who later suffers from symptoms of CFS. 

During the course of what may well be a relatively harmless virus, areas of the brain may sustain damage which then results in the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  For some reason, this damage may be permanent or transient - or at least the symptoms caused by the damage may be. 

Some individuals who suffer from CFS find that their symptoms may lessen or completely disappear in time, and still others find that they may experience a “remission” of sorts, only to have the symptoms reappear at a later time.

This “Brain Injury” theory is the most prevalent at this time and appears to provide the most rational explanation for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome to date.  As the control center of the body, the brain, when unable to function normally, can cause a host of mysterious symptoms that are unexplained by any known medical illness. 

Further research into the causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome should provide the answers to why some individuals suffer from this brain injury and others do not.

Treatment Options

The treatment options for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are varied and include alternative as well as prescription alternatives.

Some of the alternative care management options for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome include avoiding stress and undertaking light exercise. Other treatment options that work for some individuals include massage, aquatic therapy, chiropractic therapy, yoga, self-hypnosis, tai chi, and even acupuncture.

Psychotherapy has also proven helpful to sufferers of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome because it helps sufferers learn to cope with their symptoms.

Prescription treatment options for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome have not been approved by the FDA. There are however other prescription medications that are used to treat the symptoms presented with Chronic Fatigue. Frequently, the primary use of the medicine is secondary, and its side effects are what benefit Chronic Fatigue sufferers.

Medicines like antifungals, antidepressants, antivirals, cardiac drugs, antihistamines, immunoglobulins, corticoids, anti-inflammatories, and anti-convulsants among others are frequently prescribed to CFS sufferers.

Do You Have CFS?

If you are worried you have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or have some of the above stated symptoms for months on end, then you should make an appointment with your physician. It is a good idea to keep a journal of your symptoms, when they began, and if new ones appear. This will help your doctor make the proper diagnosis and help receive some relief from your symptoms sooner.

To understand more about chronic fatigue syndrome causes symptoms and treatment, watch these 2 following videos:

Stanford Unravels the Mysteries of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Unexplained Health Issues, Chronic Fatigue, Pain, Fibromyalgia, Anxiety, MS, Lyme Disease

This article is from the Get Your Health Back – Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Freedom. It consists of a strategy filled with guides on sleep, pain, depression, anxiety, diet, exercise and fitness plans, diet plans and packed with 369 healthy and delicious recipes

To find out more about this program, visit the website - Get Your Health Back – Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Freedom