Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that affects the entire body. Those who suffer from it feel pain in their muscles, tendons, ligaments and the tender regions called pressure points. The weather, stress, high-impact physical activity and time of day also affect the symptoms people experience. Several treatments and methods can improve the symptoms of fibromyalgia, and your overall health.
Pressure Points
Doctors diagnose patients with fibromyalgia by identifying the presence of sharp pain at 18 "tender points." These points are found near the base of the skull, the lower vertebrae of the neck, the midpoint of the neck, shoulder blades and upper back muscles, the medial border of the scapula spine, the second rib's insertion point, the funny bone of the elbow, the upper and outer muscles of the buttocks, the upper thigh and the middle knee joint. According to the American College of Rheumatology, two criteria determine the diagnosis of fibromyalgia: widespread pain that lasts for at least three months and pain identified in 11 of the 18 specified tender points.
Symptoms
Fibromyalgia patients suffer from fatigue, digestive disorders causing diarrhea, constipation and irritable bowel syndrome, inconsistent sleep patterns, chronic headaches and migraines, muscle and joint pain and stiffness, dizziness, anxiety, depression and hypersensitivity to heat and cold. These symptoms impair patients' abilities to perform tasks at home or work. Consult your doctor, ask for help and educate yourself on the condition. Fibromyalgia requires patience to understand and manage.
Exercises and Alternatives
Low-stress exercises such as yoga and meditation prove beneficial to fibromyalgia victims. These exercises safely reduce pain and stress and are gaining more acceptance in the medical field. Massage therapy is an alternative for those not comfortable with performing yoga or meditation. These exercises improve blood circulation through the muscles while removing waste products and increase nutrient movement to your muscles. Acupuncture, osteopathy and chiropractic treatments are other considerations. Consult your health-care provider for the appropriate recommendation and always see licensed specialists before receiving treatment.
Risk Factors
Those who have a family history of fibromyalgia are more likely to suffer from it. Disturbed sleep patterns can also result in the development of fibromyalgia and occurs more in those who suffer from sleep disorders such as restless leg syndrome or sleep apnea.
Theories/Speculation
The exact causes of fibromyalgia are unknown. The medical community relates the disease to a theory known as central sensitization, which states that persons with fibromyalgia have increased sensitivity with a low threshold for pain. This speculation explains that chemicals in the brain known as neurotransmitters and pain receptors emit and receive signals that might change pathways. The increase in sensitivity causes the neurons to overreact and send pain signals to the tender points of the body, according to Disabled-World.com.
