Herbal Remedies for Arthritis – What Helps to Relieve You from the Pain of Arthritis?

 

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

Herbal Remedies for Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Spondylosis, Muscular Ache

 

Arthritis is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. According to Ayurveda arthritis is primarily a vata (air) disease which is due to accumulation of toxins in the joints and is known as amavata.

 

This can be caused by poor digestion and a weakened colon, resulting in the accumulation of undigested food and the build-up of waste matter. Poor digestion allows toxins to accumulate in the body, and problems with the colon allow the toxins to reach the joints.

 

Symptoms

 

Fever; Immense pain & stiffness in affected muscles in case of chronic muscular rheumatism; Pain or tenderness in a joint which is aggravated by any movement or activity, such as walking, getting up from a chair, writing, typing, holding an object, throwing a ball, turning a key; Excruciating pain and stiffness in the joints in case of chronic articular rheumatism.

 

Home Remedies for Arthritis

 

The following are a few simple cures that might just help relieve you from the pain of arthritis. Try any of them to see what works for you.

 

Two teaspoons of lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey mixed in a cup of warm water taken twice a day is good for curing arthritis;

 

Two teaspoons of juice from fresh leaves of bathua, drink every day on an empty stomach for 2-3 months;

 

Half a teaspoon of turmeric powder with warm water helps cure arthritis; Taking alfalfa tea twice a day makes a good cure;

 

Two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and 2 teaspoons of honey dissolved in a small glass of warm water taken once or twice a day brings relief;

 

Rub the aching joints with hot vinegar to get some relief from pain;

 

Two parts pure olive oil and one-part kerosene makes a wonderful liniment to bathe afflicted joints;

 

Add one tablespoon cod liver oil to the juice of one orange, whip and drink before sleeping;

 

One raw clove of garlic every day is very beneficial. This clove can be fried in ghee (clarified butter) or castor oil. Take for 2 months;

 

Guggulu is very helpful in curing arthritis. Eat half a teaspoon twice a day after meals with warm water;

 

Exercise the afflicted joints in a tub full of hot water;

 

Drink carrot juice, cucumber juice, eat cooked vegetables and/or vegetable soups, and drink coconut water for a healthy body & massage your joints daily to cure arthritis;

 

On an empty stomach eat 2-3 walnuts or some coconut;

 

Avoid mental tensions that lead to stress. Lose weight, if necessary, to get close to your ideal weight. If you weigh less, there is less weight on your joints and less pain;

 

Effective and Proven Results For - Arthcare Oil (Anti Inflammatory and Muscle Relaxant Herbal Massage Oil):

 

Arthcare Oil is the best natural solution for your problem, manufactured under the guidance of renowned MD Ayurveda Specialist doctor. Arthcare is an anti-arthritic herbal oil which not only gives a sure relief in rheumatic arthritis but also strengthens the bone tissues, the skeletal and the neuromuscular systems, giving a comfortable movement of joints and muscles. It is a powerful antioxidant and increases the energy level.

 

Arthcare penetrates the body tissue faster than any other ointment because of its strong anti-inflammatory action. It removes stiffness and improves mobility of limbs. It brings relief from backaches, muscular strains, rheumatic pains, joint pains etc. Body massage with Arthcare oil, relaxes an asthmatic person.

 

Arthcare is scientifically proven Ayurvedic formulation containing the herbal combination of well-known traditional herbs described above. Within few minutes of application, you will feel relaxed from pain. For Best Results Take 2 Arthcare Capsules twice a day and massage the affected area with Arthcare Oil 2-3 times a day.

 

 

Herbal Remedies for Arthritis

 

The use of herbs is a time-honoured approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. The following have been used traditionally to treat rheumatoid arthritis:

 

Shallaki also known as boswellia (Boswellia serrata), comes from a tree that yields gum when its bark is peeled away. In clinical trials, promising results were observed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, chronic colitis, Crohn's disease. Researchers found that standardized Boswellia extract significantly reduced swelling and pain and usually reduced morning stiffness for people with rheumatoid arthritis.

 

Ashvagandha (Withania somniferum) is an Asian plant of the potato family. Its roots have long been used to treat "rheumatism," high blood pressure, immune dysfunctions, erection problems and also to ease inflammation. Because of all this, it's sometimes called the "Indian ginseng."

 

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) may be among the best-studied of the four. Research suggests ginger root inhibits production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which are involved in pain and inflammation. In an uncontrolled 1992 Danish study, 56 patients who had either RA, OA or muscular discomfort took powdered ginger. All of those with musculoskeletal pain and three-fourths of those with OA or RA reported varying degrees of pain relief and no side effects, even among those who took the ginger for more than two years.

 

Herbal oils are applied to the arthritis to loosen stiff joints, restore mobility, remove pain, inflammation or swelling, nourish tissues and relieve pain. The experienced hands dipped in the pleasantly warmed oil will travel all over the body with pressure.

 

Arthcare not only increases blood circulation but also gives a sure relief for rheumatic arthritis, spondylosis, paralysis, muscular disorder, slipped disc, asthma and tuberculosis. Brings in relief from stress, strain and tensions. It is also very good for toning of one's muscles and nerves. Get instant relief within minutes of application of oil.

 

Advice:

 

Epsom Salt (magnesium sulfate): Magnesium has both anti-inflammatory and anti- arthritic properties and it can be absorbed through the skin. Magnesium is one of the most important of the essential minerals in the body, and it is commonly deficient in the American diet. A New England remedy for arthritis is a hot bath of Epsom salts. The heat of the bath can increase circulation and reduce the swelling of arthritis.

 

Dosage and Directions: Fill a bathtub with water as hot as you can stand. Add 2 cups of Epsom salts. Bathe for thirty minutes, adding hot water as necessary to keep the temperature warm. Do this daily as often as you'd like.

 

Watch this video - Herbal Remedies for Arthritis: Arthritis Relief Home Remedy

 

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

 

Fibromyalgia Alternative Therapies - Can Fibromyalgia be Treated Without Medication?

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

Fibromyalgia Alternative Therapies - Get Well: Exercise Tips for Fibromyalgia Sufferers

 

If you suffer from fibromyalgia, it is possible that you will benefit from a carefully constructed exercise program. However, those who have fibromyalgia are often not in the best of shape, so it is important to implement the exercise carefully and with a plan in mind. Here are some exercise tips for fibromyalgia sufferers that can help you to feel better and get your active lifestyle back again.

 

If you have fibromyalgia, you may not feel like exercising. So, then, why do it? Part of implementing exercise to cope with fibromyalgia is understanding why you would do that.

 

Exercise can lessen your pain and prevent weakness of your muscles. Endurance exercise, like walking and cycling, can help you become stronger overall and give you additional energy. In a nutshell, exercise will help you feel better overall. As long as you do it the right way, exercise can be one of the most effective treatments for those who suffer from fibromyalgia.

 

Start Slowly

 

If you suffer from fibromyalgia, you know that you are not usually energetic and that your body has likely become somewhat stagnant. Because of the blow to your overall physical fitness, you should make sure you start slowly. With that in mind, one of the best exercise tips or fibromyalgia suffers is to go from low amounts and intensities in your workouts and work up to the higher ones and longer sessions.

 

Helpful exercises for those with fibromyalgia include low impact exercises, walking, and anything that may be designed for those with arthritis. Water exercise classes and programs, in fact, are as good as any for those with fibromyalgia.

 

Stretch First

 

No matter what exercise you choose to help you with your fibromyalgia, you have to stretch first. No matter what, one of the top exercise tips for fibromyalgia sufferers you will get is to stretch.

 

Stretching helps your body warm up before activity begins. Additionally, it is its own type of exercise and can improve blood flow. You will also greatly reduce the risk of injury as you exercise if you remember to stretch first.

 

Soreness is Okay

 

Another one of the exercise tips for fibromyalgia sufferers is to expect some soreness. Listen to your body and make sure you don’t overdo things, but when you start a new exercise program, you are going to feel some soreness. As you continue your program and become stronger, though, the soreness will likely begin to subside. If, though, the pain gets worse or is intense, then it is time to cut back on the exercise.

 

Additionally, talk to your doctor before you start an exercise program to make sure your fibromyalgia will cause no complications. If he or she gives you the okay, then you will be on your way to feeling better and being happier.

 

With the help of these exercise tips for fibromyalgia sufferers, you can aid in your own treatment. Exercise will help you feel stronger and increase your stamina. Before you know it, if you plan it right, you will be exercising more and feeling your fibromyalgia less. In the end, isn’t that the only goal you really have?

 

Improve Your Health by Following Fibromyalgia Alternative Therapies

 

Fibromyalgia is a terrible condition and people affected by it are often overwhelmed by its symptoms and effects. A disturbing fact is that although several million people suffer from fibromyalgia in the United States alone, modern medicine isn’t able to produce an efficient specific cure. Despite the fact that in present some fibromyalgia medical treatments and therapies can ameliorate and ease some of its symptoms, the causes of fibromyalgia can neither be prevented, nor overcome.

 

Fibromyalgia alternative therapies have been successfully used in the last decades for improving and correcting the major symptoms of the disorder. Although fibromyalgia alternative therapies and remedies can’t be a substitute for modern medicine and can neither completely overcome fibromyalgia, it is a healthier, better way of improving one’s physical and mental health. Some drugs prescribed in modern medicine to patients with fibromyalgia have lots of secondary effects and sometimes can even cause more harm rather than good.

 

Considering the fact that fibromyalgia is a chronic neurological disorder, the symptoms reoccur on a regular time basis and ongoing treatment is necessary. By following fibromyalgia alternative therapies, people who suffer from the disorder will quickly begin to feel better and with time they will see an amelioration of their symptoms.

 

Fibromyalgia alternative therapies are a healthier, safer way of dealing with the malign effects of the disorder. Fibromyalgia alternative therapies and remedies are based on the knowledge and wisdom of the ancestors and consist of many practices that were secretly performed in the past.

 

Alternative therapies are known to considerably improve the health of patients with neurological disorders such, helping them to regain control over their bodies and lives by achieving mental and physical balance.

 

Most remedies used in alternative medicine have been used in curing all kinds of diseases for thousands of years. They have considerably less side-effects than synthetic drugs and sometimes they are even more efficient.

 

A very good remedy for neurological disorders such as fibromyalgia is produced from the herb Echinacea. This remedy is renowned for its healing effects and its capacities of stimulating the regeneration of the nervous system. Other remedies can improve the activity of the musculoskeletal system by supplementing the intake of vitamin D and calcium (remedies produced from coral).

 

Some fibromyalgia alternative therapies are more popular than others. However, these ancient complementary medicine practices all have beneficial results on the organism. Popular fibromyalgia alternative therapies are acupuncture, acupressure, Reiki, aromatherapy and hydrotherapy.

 

Among these fibromyalgia alternative therapies, the most commonly used are acupuncture, acupressure and Reiki. Acupuncture is an ancient oriental therapy that stimulates and corrects the activity of the entire organism by activating certain points on the body.

 

A very effective fibromyalgia alternative therapy is Reiki. This is a form of massage therapy and it has an important role in re-establishing the balance inside the organism. Also, it is a good way to relax and ease the sensation of fatigue characteristic to all fibromyalgia patients.

 

Other interesting fibromyalgia alternative therapies are aromatherapy and hydrotherapy. They are both good ways of refreshing and stimulating the body and they can also help in easing the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

 

Other less common fibromyalgia alternative therapies are Rehab Approach and biofeedback, both encouraging the patients to actively participate in the process of their treatment.

 

By following fibromyalgia alternative therapies, people confronted with the disorder are able to ameliorate their constant pain, fatigue and discomfort. Fibromyalgia alternative therapies are very good means of relaxation, helping people to achieve physical and mental balance.

 

Watch these 3 videos –

 

Fibromyalgia Alternative Therapies

 

The Best Natural Treatments for Fibromyalgia - What No One Reveals

 

The Best Natural Remedies for Fibromyalgia

 

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 Syndrome – How Does a Person Get Fibromyalgia?

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

Understanding Fibromyalgia Syndrome - Fibromyalgia Syndrome, Treatment and Symptoms

 

Introduction

 

Fibromyalgia is a complex chronic condition which predominantly affects women.  The latest statistics show us that 9 out of every 10 sufferers are women.  Fibromyalgia used to be known as fibrositis, however, as more is learnt about this condition, it was re-named to Fibromyalgia.

 

While this condition does not affect the sufferer’s life span, full recovery from Fibromyalgia is very uncommon and where this happens, the likelihood of a recurrence is very high.

 

What are the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

 

The main symptom of Fibromyalgia is that of pain, tender areas of the body and tiredness.  However, the symptoms which each patient suffers from vary in both number and degree.  The severity of the symptoms can vary due to the level of stress or sometimes the weather.  None of the most common symptoms are visible outwardly.  All this can make diagnosis of Fibromyalgia very difficult.

 

There is a big list of the most common symptoms which includes

 

- Fatigue, severe tiredness and a significant lack of stamina

- Headaches and facial pain, often as a result of neck, shoulder and jaw muscle stiffness

- General pain and stiffness especially in the trunk and abdomen.

- Specific soreness and tenderness

- An itching or burning pain accompanied occasionally with a muscle spasm

- Irritable bowels or bladed, also a need or urgency to pass urine.

- Anxiety and depression

- Poor concentration

- Restlessness in legs.

 

What is the cause of Fibromyalgia?

 

We don’t know what the cause of Fibromyalgia is yet.  There appear to be a number of factors which are common in a significant number of the sufferers of Fibromyalgia though.

 

They include

 

- change in sleep pattern

- serotonin deficiency (the mood and sleep regulating hormone)

- some kind of viral infection

- a psychological disturbance

- a lack of exercise

 

How to treat Fibromyalgia?

 

Due to the fact that we don’t know what causes Fibromyalgia, the treatment generally consists of relieving the symptoms of Fibromyalgia.  As with most conditions, there are two sides to treatment which are not necessarily exclusive but should be done in tandem.  They are via a variety of medical methods, plus there are a number of things which you can do to help relieve the symptoms.

 

The self-help methods include

 

- Increase your level of exercise. It has been shown that those patients with high levels of aerobic fitness generally suffer less from Fibromyalgia

- Regular stretching or yoga

- Avoid using nasal decongestants and also reduce your consumption of coffee and alcohol

- Sometimes more easily said than done, but by controlling your emotions and behaviour, hopefully this will reduce your stress levels.

 

On top of these self-help methods, your doctor will probably be able to reduce your symptoms by

 

- prescribing low dose tricyclic anti-depressants to deal with the serotonin deficiency.  This will help to promote better sleep and hopefully reduce the pain

- Local anaesthetic mixed with corticosteroids for local pain relief

- Pain killers e.g. paracetamol or ibuprofen

- In some cases, stronger narcotic painkillers may be used.

 

Understanding Fibromyalgia Syndrome - Fibromyalgia Syndrome Explained

 

Fibromyalgia syndrome is a disorder of the musculoskeletal system. The cause is unknown, but the name actually means pain in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and soft fibrous in the human body.

 

Those with fibromyalgia often say that they literally hurt all over their body. They feel like all of their muscles have been strained, their bones ache, and tendons feel stretched and achy. The disorder can be found in people of most any age but is more common in women than it is in men. Overall, someone with fibromyalgia will feel like they have a bad flue with the achy muscles and body. The only problem is that this doesn’t go away in 24 hours.

 

Symptoms of fibromyalgia Syndrome Explained

 

Basically, there are three main symptoms to fibromyalgia (and a host of other symptoms from digestive to reproductive issues): pain, fatigue and sleep issues. Each individually is terrible, but combined they make fibromyalgia a crippling disorder.

 

The main symptom of fibromyalgia is the pain. It is a pain that really has no limits. Sufferers describe deep aching in the muscles, throbbing and stabbing pains in them as well. There is sometimes burning in the muscles as well. In most cases the pain is worse in the morning and often more intense with muscles that get more use.

 

Fatigue is another big symptom of fibromyalgia. It is usually a mental fatigue that leaves sufferers feeling lethargic and void of any energy or motivation. Concentration becomes difficult and the body may actually feel heavier and sluggish. Sufferers of fibromyalgia sometimes say they just feel like they are in a constant fog.

 

When sufferers of fibromyalgia syndrome explained symptoms, they rarely mentioned specific sleep problems. However, it has been found that most who have fibromyalgia do suffer a problem called the alpha-EEG anomaly. Basically, it means that while the person has no trouble going to sleep, their brain continually works from sleep to active mode through the night. Sleep is then disrupted and the person with fibromyalgia ends up more fatigued than before. It is a vicious cycle.

 

Treatment

 

Having fibromyalgia syndrome explained must include the treatments of the ailment. Though the cause is unknown, treatments are continually being developed to help overcome the problem, which can be crippling.

 

For the most part, treatments of fibromyalgia are set to help improve sleep quality and reduce pain. A sleep study may be performed since a sleep disorder is often the first thing treated. Getting better deep sleep does as much as anything to help quell the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

 

Next, the pain is generally treated. This is done with drugs that both fight pain and increase serotonin in the body. This added serotonin can also help with sleep sometimes as well.

 

Hopefully having fibromyalgia syndrome explained makes it a little easier to relate to those who have the problem. This disorder, with no known cause, can lead to other problems like depression and other psychological problems.

 

Though the treatments are limited at this time, new drugs and new ideas are continually hitting the market so that those who do suffer from fibromyalgia have a better chance of leading a more normal life.

 

Watch this video - Understanding Fibromyalgia Syndrome - What is fibromyalgia and how is it treated?

 

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

Fibromyalgia Symptom Management – Can Fibromyalgia be Controlled?

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

Fibromyalgia Symptom Management - The Importance of Pacing

Fibromyalgia is known for its disabling symptoms of widespread chronic pain and fatigue. If you have Fibromyalgia, then you know how severe these symptoms can be. However, the severity of your symptoms may vary greatly over time. Some days you feel okay, others you don’t.

Here is an effective strategy to help manage your symptoms so you have more good days than bad, and you may also find your bad days are more manageable. Striking this ‘balance’ is the goal of good symptom management.

A program of fibromyalgia symptom management should always include an element of “pacing”. This is extremely helpful in managing both pain and fatigue and is probably the single hardest thing you will need to learn how to do!

Pacing doesn’t mean waiting until you are worn out to stop what you are doing. It means setting a schedule of activity and rest. Sometimes only a few minutes each. Then you gradually increase your activity until you find the right balance between activity and rest. Most importantly, you do this for everything you do, even when you feel well.

Now, be honest. When you have a good day what do you do? You run around the house trying to catch up on all the housework. You stay a little extra longer at work to finish up that project. You go out with your family for a whole day in the park. Or maybe a big shopping trip. You just plain overdo it! Then what happens? You CRASH BIG TIME, right? You spend the next few days in bed or on a strictly reduced schedule.

STOP! This is not the way to manage your symptoms. Experts agree that learning to pace your activities by alternating between periods of rest and activity is the proper way. Now, this doesn’t mean just when you are feeling poorly. The key to this strategy is to pace yourself when you are feeling good! This way you won’t cause a flare-up by doing too much.

So how do you do this? Here are some basics you can implement today and improve your fibromyalgia symptom management through pacing.

a.         Start Using a Stopwatch or Timer. Learn to pace your activities by the clock. To start, set your timer for five minutes or longer if you think you can do the activity that long. When the timer rings it’s time to change positions or rest. You can gradually increase the intervals of activity and rest as you learn what your endurance level is.

b.         Change positions: If you are sitting, stand for a few minutes and vice versa. 

c.         Stretch: At least twice an hour, do a little mild stretching. People with fibromyalgia need to be cautious about overdoing it with stretching. By this I mean “intensity” rather than frequency. Our muscles respond to extreme stretching by contracting even more. The way to avoid this is to stretch mildly – just until you feel the muscle extend. Easy does it is best. Ask your doctor or physiotherapist to recommend some good stretching exercises. (You can do a lot of stretching while sitting.)

d.         Set A Schedule: Plan out your activities for the next week. Don’t overbook your schedule. Plan time for rest, personal time, family time, as well as work – if you are still working. Remember, your schedule doesn’t have to be written in stone. You can always change it. Now that you have a schedule, try to stick to it. Some people find it best to make a schedule one day at a time. In this case, it may be best to create your schedule the night before or first thing in the morning.

e.         Prioritize: You may find your schedule was too much to follow. Don’t despair! This is a learning opportunity. Make a list of the things you want to accomplish and assign each task a number according to its importance. Then, when you make your schedule you can spread the tasks out over time. Don’t try to do all the important tasks all at once. Also, don’t put too many strenuous tasks together. Plan for rest breaks. Remember, you’re pacing yourself.

f.          Split tasks into smaller bits: Do you have to wash all the dishes at once? Do you have to put them all away right after washing? Same with vacuuming. Instead of doing the whole house, do one room each day! Learning to split these jobs up into smaller chunks is an important part of pacing.

g.         Learn to Delegate: This can be really challenging for some of you. Asking for help is not always easy. But for many people with fibro, it’s a necessary part of fibromyalgia symptom management. Try to enlist the help of family members. This might cause some friction at first, so it is vital that you first explain why you need their help. Get some information on Fibromyalgia  and print out some copies to hand out. Then go through it together. Once they more fully understand the situation, they may be more willing to help.

h.         Learn to say NO: This is tough to do, I know. We often feel bad when we have to refuse someone’s request. An easy way to say “no” gracefully is “I’m sorry, but my schedule is really full right now. I don’t like to say yes and then not be able to fulfil my obligation and let you down.” They’ll understand that your refusal is partly because you don’t want to disappoint them and it’s not against them personally.

Some of you may be asking, “Well how can I pace myself at work?” Granted, your boss may not like you taking a 5-minute break for every 5 minutes you work! It may just be that your symptoms are so severe you might have to reduce your work schedule or maybe even stop working all together! This can be a very difficult decision.

You may want to consider working from home as an alternative. Some employers now offer this option. As well, the Internet provides you with many work from home opportunities. This is not for everybody. You do need some computer skills and the self-discipline to stick with it. Some of you may not even be well enough to work from home. But it could be something to work towards. Learn to pace yourself using the strategies outlined above. You may just find you can handle one or two hours of work at your computer each day.

However, if you must work outside the home, then planning your pacing schedule and using the above strategies becomes even more important. You will definitely need to delegate more, learn to say “No” to many things, and not overcrowd your schedule.

Managing your symptoms of fibromyalgia through pacing is not always easy, but if done properly you will find that you will actually reduce the amount of “down” time and get more done.

Remember…easy does it!

For more topics about fibromyalgia symptom management, watch these 2 videos:

Detecting and treating fibromyalgia

Top 3 Things You Should Try If You Have Fibromyalgia (Based on Science)

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