Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by:

-Wide-spread chronic muscle pain
-Tenderness at specified sites (trigger points)
-Fatigue
-Non-restorative sleep
-Abnormally high pain
-Sensitivity
-Low stamina
-Stiffness after rest
-Low pain tolerance

What Causes Fibromyalgia?

This is an unknown. It is classified as a syndrome rather than a disease because there seems to be no clear causative agent. It is, thus far, not classified as viral, bacterial or fungal.

There are theories to it's cause, however, which include:

-Sleep disorder (sleep deprivation)
-Traumatic Injury
-Stress and Emotional State
-Chemical Imbalance
-Poor Diet
-Immune System Dysfunction

What are the Common Medical Treatments?

With Fibromyalgia there are no viral, bacterial or fungal entities in the body that can be taken care of with antibiotic medications. There is nothing known, so far, that can medically eliminate the CAUSE of Fibromyalgia. Therefore medical treatment usually involves prescription drugs that can alleviate the SYMPTOMS. These include, sleep aids, muscle relaxants and pain killers.

What works best, and is often "prescribed" is a course of therapy that gives the patient control of the healing process. This therapy has three main parts.

1. Education about Fibromyalgia and its effects on the body.

2. Responsibility for the patient's own healing is theirs, and begins with:

-proper nutrition
-improved sleep habits
-exercise
-stretching
-reducing emotional stress

3. Learning to move and work in ways that don't create new injury.

Is Therapeutic Massage Indicated for Fibromyalgia?

Yes. Fibromyalgia patients live in pain. Sometimes the pain is more severe than other times, but constant, uninterrupted pain is something the Fibromyalgia patient deals with daily. A gentle massage with attention to trigger points is indicated. Care must be taken by the therapist not to over-treat. The frequency should be once each week or every two weeks. Regular Therapeutic Massage, along with a good diet, exercise, stretching, and adequate sleep can help the fibromyalgia patient to live with significantly reduced pain and possibly even be pain-free!

Finding the Right Doctor

Like any other chronic ailment, Fibromyalgia requires attention from a medical professional. If you feel you may be suffering from Fibromyalgia, consult your family physician. It is likely that you will be referred to a Rheumatologist for diagnosis and treatment.

Everybody's differentEvery BODY's different! Each person reacts differently to the pain of Fibromyalgia. Work with your doctor to find which treatments best serve you. Having suffered with Fibromyalgia for the past 15+ years the four things I have discovered are essential to fighting its effects, and overcoming the strain it produces on everyday life are:

-restful sleep
-nutritious diet
-exercise/stretching
-regular massage

Hope this helps!

Recommended Reading
Reversing Fibromyalgia: Treat and Overcome Fibromyalgia and Other Arthritis-Related Diseases, by Dr. Joe M. Elrod, ISBN 1-58054-005-8
Fibromyalgia: A Comprehensive Approach, by Miryam Ehrlich Williamson, ISBN 0-8027-7484-9
Helpful Websites
National Fibromyalgia Association:
www.fmaware.org/index.htm
American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Association:
www.afsafund.org

Learn more about this author, Jenamarie Tuntas.
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