Fibromyalgia Help 4 Us

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) - Change Your World! Self-Help for Fibromyalgia & Other Chronic Pain Sufferers

2008-10-16T14:14:00.003-05:00

Neuro-Linguistic Programming - What a mouthful! As complicated as it might sound, the concept is pretty simple.

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) may help Fibromyalgia symptoms. It is a self-help approach that assists patients in understanding the way we think and feel. It is said that NLP can be a helpful fibromyalgia treatment by helping the sufferer find freedom from underlying emotional issues that contribute to chronic pain and other symptoms. NLP is described as "the study of the structure of subjective experience".

“Neuro” refers to how the brain works. “Linguistic” is defined as how language interacts with the brain. The word “Programming” describes how we use this interaction to get the results we want for ourselves and others. NLP a blend of cognitive and behavioral science.

It is said that NLP can be used to help people with quitting smoking, weight loss, performance, confidence, anxiety, anger management, stress relief, chronic pain, addiction, phobias, negative self-perception, insomnia and depression.

The basic principle of NLP is that the words we use reflect our inner, subconscious perception of our problems. If we allow our negative perceptions and words to fester, the underlying problem will continue. These negative words and attitudes can actually become who we are - even if they are inaccurate. Reality is processed by our five senses and nervous system which translates into experience. Our experience is then given meaning by language and non-verbal communication.

Looking at premise behind NLP, that language and non-verbal communication gives meaning to our experience, it does make sense that if we are made aware of our own negative communication patterns, experience can be modified into more positive ways of thinking and communicating.

Neuro-Linguistic Programming is designed to change unwanted behaviors and beliefs, to help us achieve personal acceptance and improve our lives. NLP systematically explores, illustrates, and teaches patterns of human perception and information processing, behavior, and communication. The goal is to help eliminate the things that block your abilities to function and strengthen those that help you achieve excellence and overall wellness.

Language & words have a powerful effect on altering perceptions. It is suggested that NLP offers a flexible approach which brings about positive, fast change in individuals, empowering them to adapt to an ever-shifting inner world. NLP shows us how to understand and model our own successes in a realistic way, so that we can reproduce them.

NLP experts say that positive self-talk is a must, no negatives. You do get what you focus on, so focus on what you want. Basically, its an attitude adjustment.

NLP is new to me and maybe to you as well. I have not experienced this therapy myself, but I feel it is important to present it as an option for FM and chronic pain. Since we are all so different when it comes to our pain perception, severity and emotional status, what might work for some, may not work for others. Discuss NLP with your healthcare provider to decide if NLP is worth a try.

Fibromyalgia Help 4 Us

Fibromyalgia Syndrome FACT: Food Combining Can Help Relieve Chronic Pain!

2008-10-16T14:10:00.002-05:00

There are a lot of diets out there that claim to help fibromyalgia syndrome sufferers. Some of them are great and some are not so great. In fact, a lot of them are pure fiction. There are people out there that try to take advantage of the fact that we’re in pain and looking for something - anything, that will help!

I am doing my best to weed through the bad to get to the good! Food Combining has been shown to truly be effective for many FM sufferers! I call it one of the “good” ones.

Everyone needs to be aware that stimulants (sugar, salt, caffeine, MSG), overcooked meats, highly processed foods, hydrogenated fats, saturated fats, food additives and preservatives, and bad food combinations fill the body with toxic substances that it has to process. Toxicity build-up can intensify fibromyalgia symptoms and even cause some of them.

Food combining is a way of eating foods so that they do not work against each other. There are three categories that food falls into when combining: proteins, neutral foods and starchy foods. Fruits are treated separately. Starchy foods and proteins cannot be eaten together, but both can be eaten with neutral foods, promoting more efficient digestion.

Combining the wrong foods can cause gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, headaches, and other problems. It can even lead to symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcers, arthritis, hypoglycemia, eczema, colon cancer and more.

Moderation is the key to proper digestion. Don’t overeat. You cannot avoid all bad combinations, but if the good combinations are greater than the bad ones you will see results.

Proteins can be divided into three groups: heavy proteins (beef, pork, lamb), lighter proteins (poultry, fish, shellfish, game, tofu, eggs), and other proteins (cheese, peanuts, nuts, seeds, lentils, beans, peas).

Neutral and low-starch foods: all vegetables (except potatoes), salads, herbs, cold-pressed oils, mushrooms, avocados, honey, maple syrup.

Starches can be divided into two groups: slightly starchy (carrots, beets, parsnip, turnips, radishes) and high starches (potatoes, bread, wheat, oats, flour, pasta, corn, barley, rye, bananas, ripe peas, sweet grapes, peanuts, beer, dried beans).

Remember, starchy foods and protein should not be eaten together, but you can eat starchy foods with neutral and low-starch foods OR you can eat protein with neutral and low-starch foods. I repeat this only to prevent confusion.

If you just can’t take it, you can try a combination of a whole-grain like brown rice with light proteins, or whole-grain bread with eggs.

Papaya and pineapple have a plentiful amount of enzymes that aid digestion, so they can be eaten with any food group. They will especially help protein digestion. Depending on your digestive system, fruits may or may not be combined with seeds and nuts, grains or milk products. You will have to test them and see.

Do not combine raw fruit or fruit juices with slightly starchy vegetables - lemon juice is the only exception, otherwise it is best to keep to a separate meal or allow at least half an hour before eating fruit after a meal. Also, avoid combining fruits with other foods, sugary deserts after meals, melons (ferment quickly and cause gas), and milk with other foods.

If you eat your food in a systematic way, your digestive system will work more smoothly. Your food will digest in less time and absorb more nutrients. You can start with foods that digest quicker and easier and work your way up to foods that are more difficult and take longer to digest. This helps you keep the foods that digest more easily flowing through your system and prevent your digestive system from stalling. If you eat foods that take a lot of time to digest first, it slows the digestion of everything that follows.

Digestive Timing and Order: Liquids like juice and water digest the fastest (about 20-30 minutes). Soups and fruit take about 30-40 minutes to digest. Vegetables take approximately 30-45 minutes to digest. Grains and other starches can take 2-3 HOURS to make their way through the digestive tract and beans, poultry, red meat, pork and fish can take 3 or MORE hours to digest.

While you are deciding what combinations you will incorporate in your meals, you must also eat your meals in the proper order for this method to be effective. Let’s face it, this isn’t easy! It requires planning and thinking through everything you eat and drink. If is was easy, everybody would be doing it already, but it’s worth it to give it a try if it means getting some pain relief, being healthier and happier! Talk to your doctor about how this system might benefit you. What might be good for some, may not be for others, so it is always best to discuss your options with your healthcare provider.

Fibromyalgia Help 4 Us

Stretching for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Chronic Myofascial Pain - Do it Right!

2008-10-16T14:02:00.004-05:00

Stretching seems like a "no-brainer" and easy to implement, but chronic pain sufferers have to be careful or we can seriously injure ourselves! This blog will teach you how to stretch in a way that is designed for people with Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue & Chronic Myofascial Pain.

Gentle stretching can be performed by physical therapists and/or practiced by patients at home. Several programs have been fashioned for Fibromyalgia (FM), Chronic Myofascial Pain (CMP), and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) patients for this purpose. Stretching is important because it helps to relieve muscle tension and spasm. In difficult-to-treat areas, "spray and stretch" techniques can be used by applying a spray coolant to sore muscles, which deadens pain while the muscles are stretched. Many therapists prefer to ice the muscle, since the spray is a prescription, is flammable, and causes pollution. Ice works just as effectively.

Stretching, as it relates to physical health and fitness, is the process of placing particular parts of the body into a position that will lengthen the muscles and associated soft tissues. Stretching is a simple and effective activity that helps to minimize muscle and joint soreness in FM and other musculoskeletal conditions.

There is a right way to stretch and a wrong way to stretch. So, you must be careful. Stretching can be damaging if done incorrectly. You don’t want to do more harm than good! It is important that the following guidelines be followed, both for safety and for maximizing the potential benefits of stretching.

The most important things you need to know about stretching:

Warm up the muscles FIRST: Cold muscles can injure very easily and so it is very important to warm up the body before any significant stretching or exercise. The body's core temperature needs to be brought up during your warm-up. This will increase the temperature of the muscles, making them more pliable and loose. A warm-up will also increase the heart rate, blood flow and nutrients getting to the muscles. As your breathing rate increases, the amount of essential oxygen reaching the muscles rises. A safe warm-up for a FM, CMP or CFS patient might be a brisk walk or a short swim. The warm up should not last more than 10 minutes and it shouldn't be too taxing. If your level of fitness is somewhat low or severe pain is experienced, you need to ease up.

Stretch slowly and gently: Slow gentle stretching helps to relax the muscles of the body. FM & other chronic pain sufferers who use sudden or jerky movements or over-stretch can find themselves in increased pain, muscle strain and even muscle tears. All stretches should be done as if in slow motion and as smoothly as possible.

Don‘t stretch further than is comfortable: Over-stretching is one of the main causes of muscle strains and tears and so it is important that each muscle is only stretched as far as is comfortable. If you overdo it you can cause the tendons and ligaments attached to the muscle to spontaneously contract which can be painful, to say the least and can cause permanent damage. Stretching should never be painful.

Practice breath control while stretching: Many people tend to hold their breath when stretching and don't even realize it. Holding your breath can cause the muscles to tense and stretching a tight muscle can lead to injury, especially in FM, CMP & CFS sufferers who already have tense and painful muscles. The amount of oxygen and nutrients needed will be greatly depleted if you hold your breath and the muscles will develop excessive lactic acid which is very painful. So make sure you BREATHE!

Doing it Right: Each stretch should be held for around 30 seconds for the maximum effect. Anything less than this will not provide a sufficient length of time for the muscle to relax and lengthen. Each muscle group needs to be stretched a minimum of two or three times in rotation as well. Chronic pain sufferers may have trouble stretching to this extent in the beginning. You should only stretch until you start to feel uncomfortable. Even if you can only handle a few minutes at first, it will be worth it. You will gradually be able to increase the time and hopefully even the rotations. Do a LITTLE every day so you don’t end up in so much pain, you that you can’t stretch the next day.

I believe you will be amazed at the benefits of stretching when done properly! I sure was! I can do more and I feel better after a good stretch in the morning. It also helps me relax at night.

Fibromyalgia Help 4 Us

Stressed Out and Depressed! Counseling Can Help You Cope With Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain

2008-10-16T13:58:00.002-05:00

Stress, anxiety and depression plague sufferers of chronic pain and fatigue! We can get help in managing the mental and emotional issues that make our pain worse. All it takes is the willingness to take first step and ask for help!

I cannot stress enough how important it is to get the right coping skills and help in order to keep from giving up or giving in. People with Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FM), Chronic Myofascial Pain (CMP) and any other chronic pain conditions, can benefit from counseling by a certified therapist for: stressful life conditions, depression and/or anxiety, abuse histories, adjustment issue to chronic illness, poor support system and many other challenges we face.

There is a connection between FM, CMP and depression. The stress from constant pain and fatigue can cause anxiety, depression, inactivity and social isolation. It is also possible that anxiety and depression are part of FM and CMP, just like the pain. Depression and chronic pain can greatly interfere with the way you cope with activities at home or at work. As a sufferer myself, I know exactly what that’s like.

Chronic pain sufferers most often need a combination of medications (I am on an anti-depressant and several other meds), alternative therapies, cognitive behavioral therapy, and a change in lifestyle habits. So it is important to openly discuss any symptoms of depression you have with our doctors. Medication is not enough by itself and some prescription drugs make our depression and anxiety worse.

Some people with fibromyalgia and chronic pain may be aware they are depressed. Others may not realize they are depressed, but they know something is just is not right.

Researchers have found that fibromyalgia patients have an inability to process and handle stress. Studies have shown that the breakdown in the adrenals, hypothalamus, pituitary and thyroid glands play a key role in FM patients’ lack of coping mechanisms. Not only does chronic pain cause enormous stress in our lives, but we are unable to manage it.

All people have stress in their lives which may be unavoidable. FM and other chronic pain sufferers have even more. Counseling and/or stress management can help us cope with our symptoms and improve our overall reactions to stress.

I have been seeing a certified therapist that has really helped me discover some of the issues that may contribute to my pain. It’s also not just about the here and now, but past experiences that we think are in the past, are really still simmering in our sub-conscious, affecting our emotional state and our inability to cope with the stress that’s right in front of us. I resisted therapy for years! I did not want to go to yet another doctor that I would have to convince that my pain is real and not “all in my head”. It took seeing several different counselors before I found one that REALLY GOT IT! It feels like a GREAT weigh has been lifted off my shoulders. My stress and anxiety are becoming manageable and I feel less and less depressed.

Counselors trained in treating FM and other chronic pain patients can be very helpful, but we have to put in some work ourselves. Its not easy to make the changes required to make therapy successful, but we need to correct the self-defeating thoughts and actions that have led us to seek help from a professional in the first place.

Research shows that a combined multidisciplinary treatment approach is the most effective way to achieve symptom relief. There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but there is hope if we seek and get the right help! Counseling can really make a difference along with the other treatments you may be receiving!

Fibromyalgia Help 4 Us

Hypnosis: Control Your Fibromyalgia Pain Instead of it Controlling You!

2008-10-16T13:54:00.004-05:00

Are you a skeptic? I was, but the truth is many FM patients are turning to hynosis to gain control of their pain and its working! It can also help sufferers of Chronic Myofascial Pain, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Restless Legs Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & more!

Hypnosis is emerging as a fibromyalgia (FM) treatment. Some FM sufferers use hypnosis to master their minds, and their debilitating chronic pain. Hypnosis, according to research on hypnotherapy for FM, has been proven to be a successful new treatment for pain management. Measurable psychological and physiological changes can occur in hypnosis.

Hypnosis is a method by which any person may be guided into a state of receptiveness. It focuses on psychological and physical changes that are normally outside our conscious natural ability. In other words, hypnotic trance is basically a state of hyper-suggestibility. Anyone can be hypnotized, if you can relax and follow simple instructions you can enjoy hypnosis. Hypnotherapy is basically any therapy done in conjunction with hypnosis. It is often classed as a form of complementary medicine (CAM).

The hypnosis results and experience is different for each individual, but it is typically associated with a pleasant state of deep inner calm and physical relaxation. Deep hypnotic relaxation is similar in some ways to yoga or meditation done by true experts.

There is speculation that the body's production of stress hormones make fibromyalgia pain worse since cortisol (a stress hormone) can increase sensitivity to pain. The deep relaxation felt during hypnosis is said to help in decreasing your body's pain and raising overall levels of comfort in your body.

Since the 1850’s hypnosis has been used to generate anesthesia. It is said that the mind is capable of blocking pain sufficiently to allow complex surgical procedures. It was once even used for amputations. This skill offers many opportunities to improve the control of many forms of pain.

The European Journal of Pain (July 2008 issue) details a study which involved hypnosis and pain management in fibromyalgia patients. Using fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging), the researchers compared two groups of FM sufferers. One group was hypnotized and the other was not.

Then researchers did brain scans on each group, and asked each group about their levels of pain. Both groups reported less pain after suggestion, but those who had been hypnotized reported more feelings of personal control of their pain. They felt more empowered to manage their pain levels. The brain scans in the hypnotized group showed more activity compared to the non-hypnotized group.

Based on this, the researchers concluded that hypnosis intensifies the efficiency of fibromyalgia pain management. It is said that hypnosis can be an important element for people who are looking for alternative methods for managing FM pain.

The idea is that with hypnosis, chronic pain sufferers’ quality of life can be bettered. Irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia are two examples of common, chronic conditions that respond very well to hypnosis.

Many people, including me, have a pre-conceived notion about hypnosis and the idea of “letting someone into your head” can be a little scary. The fact is, no one is actually taking control of your conscious state, the therapist is actually empowering you to take control! If other methods of treatment have failed, one might consider this alternative therapy. It can’t hurt and you may gain some freedom from your pain! To me, that’s a plus!

Fibromyalgia Help 4 Us

Food and Fibromyalgia Syndrome: It's Time To Help Ourselves!

2008-10-16T13:32:00.002-05:00

Give up my carbs? Are you kidding me? That was my first response when I started researching diets that can benefit fibromyalgia patients! I decided that I had to get over it and take control of what I put in my mouth in order to be healthier and feel better! Yes, you can even reduce your pain! Nutrition is vitally important to chronic pain sufferers, even more than you probably think.

Nutritional therapy for Fibromyalgia can help reduce stress, free the body of toxins, and restore nutrients which have been stripped away. Supplements can be helpful, but right now, I want to focus on diet.

FM patients need to watch what we eat because there are many foods that exacerbate our symptoms. I know how hard it is - especially in the carbohydrate category, because I LOVE pasta, potatoes and chocolate. Unfortunately, one of the first things recommended in a nutrition program for FM sufferers is reduction of carbohydrates and adding more protein. I can handle adding protein, but take away my carbs? UGH! Maybe you can identify. The fact is, if we want to feel better and restore our mental and physical function, it is a necessity.

Since we (FM sufferers) already have a compromised immune system, a diet that includes the list of “no-no’s” can cause your body even more suffering. Also, certain foods have been found to cause fatigue. So, to avoid further destruction we need to follow the “fibro nutrition rules”.

Some Fibromyalgia sufferers have a low carbohydrate tolerance or reactive hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) that strikes after eating carbs. This can cause problems with carbohydrate metabolism, which in turn creates the inability to lose weight, fatigue, worsening symptoms and carbohydrate cravings. Carbohydrates stimulate insulin production. Excess insulin can cause an increased absorption of sugar into our muscles and liver, which can be stored as fatty acids in fat cells, and prevent carbs from being metabolized.

We need to lessen our consumption of unsaturated fats. It is recommended that we increase our intake of vegetables, whole grains, fruits and essential fatty acids found in cold-water fish, nuts and seeds.

Saturated fats should be reduced. You can do this by choosing fat-free dairy products, increasing vegetables or trying soy products. Also, red meat, in particular, is hard to digest and increases cholesterol. So, we should exercise caution when it comes to the amount of red meat we consume.

It is important to avoid alcohol, caffeine, and limit our sugar, salt, fat and the intake of specific additives like monosodium glutamate (MSG).

Eating foods rich in antioxidants like vitamins A, C, E may be used to combat stress and support the immune system. Foods rich in magnesium help support your muscles and vitamin B-rich foods can help with stress, energy/metabolism and mental clarity. The best food sources of magnesium are legumes, tofu, seeds, nuts, whole grains, and green leafy vegetables.

Some “fibromytes” find that foods high in acids like citric acid, trigger more muscle pain. Some examples are tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, eggplant, red meat, cow milk products, brown and white wheat flour products, sugary foods, coffee, and yes, chocolate.

Acidophilus and associated "good" bacteria can help balance the flora in your intestine. Some plain yogurts have active cultures that can help. You can also find other sources of "good" bacteria at health food stores like Kefir.

Fibromyalgia patients are more sensitive to food, drugs, chemicals and pollutants. With the myriad of common issues such as allergies, gastrointestinal issues and migraines we tend to have, there are foods that can trigger these symptoms or make them worse. It might require a little detective work to figure out what foods are a problem for you.

Use the process of elimination when you suspect that a certain food might be a triggering factor for you. Remove it from your diet for a couple of weeks and see if you start to feel better or the frequency of your negative responses decrease. Known foods that aggravate FM symptoms are the same as listed above but we need to also consider processed foods, fried foods, artificial sweeteners, bottled juices and diet soda. Processed foods are full of additives, preservatives, colorings, salt and sugar. These foods are what I like to call a “death trap”. I know, it sounds over-dramatic, but if we can think of them this way, we might be able to train our brains to reject them. We know our bodies already do because of the pain, fatigue and unhappiness that comes with a bad diet.

If your detective work doesn’t provide results, you might want to try a hypoallergenic or gluten-free diet. With a hypoallergenic diet, you eliminate one food group at a time. You can start with removing a single item each week and see how you feel. If nothing happens, remove another food the next week.

A gluten-free diet isn’t easy because it requires you to completely eliminate all wheat products. Since wheat is so common in a variety of foods, you will have to plan your diet it and follow it carefully. You can find wheat replacement products at health food stores. It is suggested that you don’t drink any liquids with your meals, avoid smoking, and avoid long periods of direct sun. You need to drink eight glasses of water each day between meals.

Just like medications and therapies, each FM sufferer will respond differently to specific foods than another. Some have certain food allergies that others do not. Food allergies can interfere with your nutrient intake. It is recommended that we keep a food diary to help identify our triggers. Write down everything you eat and at the same time track your FM pain. Comparing the two might help you determine what foods may trigger allergies or pain.

There is another diet method that has proved helpful for FM patients called Food Combining. The theory is that certain foods should not be combined because they work against each other. This diet is definitely worth looking into!

It is my hope that by changing our nutritional life-style, we can begin to feel better and regain as much of our mental, emotional and physical function as possible.

Fibromyalgia Help 4 Us

What In The World Is Physiatry? - A Guide To Physiatry & How It Can Help Fibromyalgia & Chronic Myofascial Pain Sufferers

2008-10-16T13:29:00.002-05:00

As an FM & CMP sufferer myself, I thought I knew just about all there was about alternative therapies for my chronic pain, but I had never heard of physiatry!

What in the world is physiatry? Simply put, it is a specialized therapy that involves physical medicine and rehabilitation of the musculoskeletal system. This is why fibromyalgia syndrome, chronic myofascial pain, and other chronic pain sufferers can benefit from this therapy. The focus of physiatry is on restoring function to patients.

Physiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat acute and chronic pain and musculoskeletal disorders. They work to restore function lost due to injury, illness or a disabling condition and provide non-surgical treatments and prevention. Rehabilitation physicians are nerve, muscle, and bone specialists who treat injuries or illnesses that affect how you move. They have completed training in the medical specialty physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R).

Fibromyalgia Syndrome is characterized by tight, tender muscles, usually sore points in the neck, shoulders, chest, back, knees and hips. Insomnia, depression, migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, restless legs syndrome, interstitial cystitis, mitral valve prolapse, cognitive dysfunction and more, are often associated with this condition. Fibromyalgia is chronic. Myofascial pain, though somewhat different, often accompanies FM. Myofascial trigger points are taut bands or knots in the fascia that surrounds the muscle and every organ of the body. Chronic myofascial pain is a debilitating disease (once also identified as a syndrome).

Physiatrists may prescribe drugs or devices, such as a brace. They also use a variety of therapies such as heat and cold, biofeedback, electrotherapies, trigger point injections, massage, traction, and therapeutic exercise. Physiatrists do not perform surgery.

The Physical Medicine, Physiatrist, or Fibromyalgia Rehabilitation specialist’s goal is to arm the patient with techniques to improve their quality of life, even if the condition is chronic. Each patient needs distinctive care and each patient needs to identify their own specific rehabilitation treatment goals.

Physiatrists use a combination treatment methods that are individualized for every patient. A treatment plan will most likely include several of the following: education on fibromyalgia and/or chronic myofascial pain; medication; nutritional supplements; a pain management program (i.e., moist heat, bioelectric therapy, ultrasound, and more); exercise (only after pain is decreased) which consists of postural stretches, light aerobic conditioning, and toning exercises; manual therapy which includes therapeutic massage, myofascial release, soft tissue mobilization, and adjustments; relaxation (deep breathing exercises, guided imagery, biofeedback, Yoga, Tai Chi); home program - once what works best is discovered, the patient will need to follow through with a home program on a regular basis.

Always talk to your doctor before starting a new therapy or treatment regimen! Together, you can decide what will work best for you. Ask your primary caregiver about physiatry and how it might benefit you! It’s time to start feeling better and living again!

Fibromyalgia Help 4 Us

Pain Relief With Occupational Therapy and Postural Training for Fibromyalgia & Other Pain Conditions

2008-10-16T13:23:00.003-05:00

Occupational therapy and postural training can benefit many chronic pain conditions! If you have muscle pain, tension and weakness - depression, anxiety and stress, occupational therapy and postural training can help you at work and at home! You can learn how to make your everyday tasks easier to do and less painful in the process!

Occupational Therapy (OT), helps people regain, develop and build skills that are important for independent living, health and happiness. Fibromyalgia sufferers can experience physical, emotional, or other challenges that prevent them from living the life they once led. Chronic pain and depression can make it difficult for FM patients to do everyday tasks or be as active and as independent as they’d like. If you have trouble performing daily activities because of these limitations OT may be able to help you.

Most FM patients find there are certain things they do on a daily basis that seem to make their pain worse. These activities frequently involve the repetitive use of muscles or continued tensing of a muscle, such as the muscles of the upper back while looking at a computer screen. You need to note these associations and determine how you can modify or eliminate them. That’s where occupational therapy can help. OT is designed to help Fibromyalgia Syndrome and other chronic pain patients regain the independent lifestyle they once knew before the onset of their illness. Occupational therapists are trained in both physical and psychiatric rehabilitation.

An occupational therapy program is customized for the patient by combining an evaluation of medical history, environmental issues and personal goals. Therapy includes solutions for pain due to repetitive movements in the work place or elsewhere. Job modifications, changes in ergonomics, and a reduction in work hours may be necessary. Sometimes an occupational therapist can work with the patient's employer or supervisors, educating them about FM and discussing contributing factors in the workplace. You might be taught to conserve your energy, use appropriate splints if needed, and minimize tissue trauma.

Occupational therapy should help you maximize function through strengthening activities, retraining cognitive and visual-perceptual skills and helping prevent misalignment of the vertebrae. If you have had a back injury, ergonomics encourages the use of proper equipment and lifting techniques. For muscle pain, the proper positioning of body and equipment can help prevent everything from mild soreness to serious tears and strains. For eyestrain, headache and fatigue, you might need adjustments in lighting, noise levels, posture and work positions can help relieve physical and mental stress.

An occupational therapist can help you identify what aspects of the way you carry out your daily routine is helping or hindering your healing. Patients are also taught stress management, how to assert themselves, time management, and planning/pacing skills, in order to help to reduce stress, anxiety, and fatigue. Occupational therapy can help you discover what job or home activities could be increasing your neck, back, or arm pain. Your therapist can watch you at work and make specific recommendations for reducing the strain on your body and provide specific therapy and exercises to help improve range of motion and reduce pain.

Here are a few tips to optimize your workspace for comfort: Allow enough leg room under your workstation and use a document holder so that your documents are at the same height and distance as your computer screen. Your feet should be flat on the floor, your knees should be level with your hips, and good lower back support is a must. Avoid positions in which your body is twisted. Sit about an arm’s length away from your screen and tilt the screen back a little. Your arms should rest at your sides with your elbows at a right angle and your wrists need to be straight. Cushioned grips and ergonomically-designed tools to reduce vibration, pressure and relieve stress are beneficial and something as simple as a pillow behind your lower back or a stool to raise your feet can provide relief.

Posture or movement training is often required for FM sufferers to undo lifelong bad habits which can cause or increase pain and to re-educate muscles and joints that have become misaligned. The muscles in the back of your neck, between your shoulder blades and your upper and mid back experience chronic tension. Stretches and strengthening are crucial. Lumbar (lower & mid back) support is even more so. Fibromyalgia patients who have significant problems with foot pain resulting from poor posture or body mechanics may also benefit from special shoe inserts (orthotics) prescribed by a podiatrist.

If there are techniques we can use to better our quality of life by lessening our pain, why not do it? We need to take advantage of every opportunity to make our lives better! If we don’t, who will?

Fibromyalgia Help 4 Us

Osteopathy for Fibromyalgia Syndrome & Other Chronic Pain Conditions

2008-10-16T13:18:00.001-05:00

What is osteopathy? Does it Work? How can it help me? Find the answers to these questions and more. If you have fibromyalgia, chronic myofascial pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome or any other type of chronic pain, you need to explore what osteopathy can do for you!

Osteopathy (known as OMM osteopathic manipulative medicine in the U.S.), stresses the connection between all organ systems of the body, specifically focusing on the Musculoskeletal System, and its function throughout the entire body to unify the circulatory, nervous, endocrine, immune, and musculoskeletal systems to function one cohesive unit. This, combined with good dietary and /or exercise prescription can enhance a fibromyalgia (FM) patient's well being. It is also said to be helpful in treating FM’s over-lapping conditions as well (i.e., CFS, CMP or MPS, IBS & others). In most countries osteopathy uses a more holistic approach and the use of a range of manual and physical treatment interventions.

Early intervention by an osteopath allows probable sources of referred pain to be identified, making it possible for you to change to your lifestyle now to avoid the inevitable pain later on. Osteopaths can offer prevention advice such as stretching exercises, lifting techniques, posture, breathing and stress reduction, so that individuals can maintain their own health.

OMM can be helpful in treating anterior knee pain, asthma, epicondylitis, tendonitis, impingement syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other gastrointestinal disorders, thoracic outlet syndrome, temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ), headaches, back and neck pain, heel/ foot pain, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome and vertigo. It can also be an effective complementary treatment for anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia (FM), osteoarthritis, shin splints, tennis elbow, repetitive strain injury, degenerative disc disease, sinusitis, herniated disc, chronic obstructive lung disease, pneumonia, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, Bell's palsy, pregnancy and childbirth, and premenstrual syndrome.

Osteopaths are thoroughly educated about the placement of bones and muscles and how they perform in relation to each other. Touch is used to locate any misalignments in your muscles, ligaments, or joints. Techniques such as deep tissue massage and joint manipulation are then used to rectify misalignments in order to recover the patient’s function and mobility. Your body has a natural healing ability that is impaired when your musculoskeletal system is not functioning properly. Once identified and alignment problems are treated, your body will be able to heal itself more efficiently. FM patients need to make sure that the therapist has an understanding of fibromyalgia because each therapy is specifically designed for the individual. Certain therapies may aggravate your symptoms where the same therapy may be tolerable or beneficial for someone else.

Poor posture can be a key element in FM and CMP symptoms. Your osteopath will show you how to improve your posture in order to avoid putting as much strain on your muscles and joints as possible. If you have bad posture, it can generate new trigger points in CMP patients and they are easily irritated once they are developed. The trigger point needs to be released and stopped from coming back.

Joint manipulation can relieve pressure on nerve endings, release muscle tension and loosen up the joints for ease of movement. The key to joint manipulation is that you (the patient) relax as much as possible. The more tense you are, the less likely it is that your joints can be manipulated.

Osteopathy treatment may also include therapies such as acupuncture, laser therapy, and relaxation training.

Osteopathy is a university course, which includes a degree and masters qualification. An osteopath is licensed to prescribe medication and also perform surgery. You can find an osteopath in local hospitals, private practices, community health clinics, academic medical centers, and military hospitals. Basically, anywhere one would expect to find a doctor.

Talk to your primary physician about any therapy you might be considering. Your doctor can help you decide what therapies/treatment options are best for you.

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Fibromyalgia & Relaxation Therapy - Let's Just Relax!

2008-10-16T13:13:00.003-05:00

As a Fibromyalgia or Other Chronic Pain sufferer, do you ever really feel relaxed and care-free? I seriously doubt the answer is “yes”. Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic Myofascial Pain and other chronic pain symptoms are made worse by stress, and the pain of the condition can increase depression and anxiety. It is that vicious cycle we all know about. Relaxation Therapy can help!

Some relaxation techniques that have proven successful are meditation, breathing exercises, progressive relaxation, guided imagery, and autogenic training.

The pain and related symptoms of Fibromyalgia cause significant stress to the body. Recent research suggests that, physiologically, FM patients simply do not process stress well. I am one of those people.

Relaxation therapy techniques focus on relaxing the body and the mind. When the body is relaxed, pain and physical problems may be reduced. When the mind is relaxed, anxiety, stress and emotional disorders can be treated.

Relaxation therapies can help Fibromyalgia patients remain calm and relaxed. Relaxation therapies such as meditation, are used to manage the symptoms, rather than treating the disease. The goal is to remove the focus of the mind on pain and problems in order to realize a state of calmness. It should decrease feelings of depression and anxiety that may occur in people with FM.

After practicing relaxation therapy for about 6 - 8 weeks you may find that you have become more calm and that you recover from stress more quickly. It will also make it easier for you to learn other relaxation therapy techniques for FM symptoms and other conditions.

Deep muscle relaxation is one of the most effective pain and stress management techniques available. Diaphragmatic breathing is a wonderful method. The diaphragm is the most efficient muscle for breathing. It is a large, dome-shaped muscle located at the base of the lungs. Combining diaphragmatic breathing with relaxation techniques helps to achieve greater deep muscle relaxation. Guided imagery is a technique where the person uses visual imagery as a tool to achieve relaxation.

Stress management programs are so important: Biofeedback, Watsu (body massage performed while lying in warm water), meditation, breathing exercises, yoga, Tai Chi, progressive relaxation, guided imagery, and autogenic training (technique that teaches your body to respond to your verbal commands). Patients need to receive initial training for many of these but can often continue practicing what they have learned on their own. There are many books, CD's, DVD's and classes you can utilize.

Another technique is to systematically train groups of muscles by tensing and relaxing. This technique is best learned with the aid of a trained practitioner. It is suggested that you can develop the ability put yourself in a relaxed state at will, even when face with a very stressful situation.

Relaxation Therapy is said to be beneficial for: asthma, anxiety, hypertension, angina, back pain, cancer treatment support, chronic pain, congestive heart failure, fibromyalgia, interstitial cystitis, irritable bowel syndrome, insomnia, menopause, osteoarthritis, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, stress in general, stroke rehabilitation, surgery support (primarily reducing pain and stress before or after surgery), tension headaches, ulcerative colitis, depression, anxiety, stress.

It is best to use relaxation techniques that you feel comfortable with in order for the maximum benefit to be achieved. Any thing that inspires the body to become more relaxed may be used for relaxation therapy. I love a relaxing bath and relaxing music. Imagining a peaceful or enjoyable activity or setting helps a lot of people. You need to find a method of relaxation that works for you. What do you think of when you imagine peace, quiet and comfort? That’s where your mind should take you.

Although relaxation therapists can be helpful, you can use relaxation techniques at home. In order to learn relaxation techniques, you can find books, DVDs, CDs and magazines that will teach you the basics. You can also join a group that will teach you the techniques to use and can then be practiced at home.

Always consult your doctor about any new therapy or program you are considering! Only you and your doctor can determine what’s right for you. Let’s just relax!

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Can Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Really Help Fibromyalgia Sufferers?

2008-10-16T13:06:00.002-05:00

Yes! CBT can help with FM and other chronic pain conditions' symptoms. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is designed to help us cope with our pain, stress, depression & self-perception. It helps override the negative thoughts and emotions that can make our pain worse & instill a sense of power and self-esteem. We really can manage our pain & depression, & possibly reduce the amount of medications we are taking!

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often used to teach Fibromyalgia and other chronic pain sufferers how to cope with their illnesses. It is said to help treat many conditions and diseases like FM, back pain, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. It helps determine how well a patient manages their pain and teaches them how to take control of it. Depression plays a key role in the inability to be proactive in our treatment. So, our state of mind is very important when it comes to getting better.

Studies show that when FM patients effectively deal with the particular symptoms and over-lapping conditions of their illness and of their lives, they feel better. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) increases a patients' belief in their own power to cope with the things they face and helps them develop ways for dealing with depression and stressful situations.

The goal of CBT is to make patients aware of self-defeating behaviors and emotions so that they can be changed consciously. Healthy, positive thoughts and emotions supersede the negative, resulting in a powerful influence on your life and lessening your pain. Over time, the idea that you are helpless against the pain goes away and, instead, you learn that you can manage the pain. Many studies show an improved quality of life and overall reduction in average pain scores.

Cognitive behavioral therapy has shown to be as beneficial as anti-depressant medications for patients with depression. In one large study there were considerably higher results of reaction and remission from depression when cognitive behavior therapy was used in addition to anti-depressant medications than when either method was used alone. CBT is used to change the patients negative feelings and social withdrawal.

Cognitive therapy is very helpful in defining and setting limits (something I know I have a problem with) and is vitally important for FM patients. Many “Fibromytes” live their lives in extremes. We push ourselves too far and suddenly we break-down. This reverses the way we view ourselves, we become demoralized, feel worthless, and give up our power to cope with the simplest tasks. One important goal of cognitive therapy is to help us find a middle ground. Patients learn to prioritize their responsibilities, and drop some of the less important tasks or delegate them to others. My biggest problem is just saying “NO”. I want to please everyone and prove to them and myself that I can do whatever is asked of me. When I reach my limits and cannot complete a task, I tend to go through a period of self-loathing. Learning to say “NO” and other coping skills can ultimately lead to a more manageable life. We can learn to view ourselves and others in a better light.

CBT is also a useful treatment for anxiety disorders, including phobias, panic attacks, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. In CBT, patients learn to be aware of and change negative thinking patterns. It is a way to gain conscious control over unwanted thoughts or feelings which are, as a rule, connected to anxiety. Those of us who suffer from panic attacks learn our bodies’ negative responses and actions during an attack and CBT helps us find ways to counteract the reason for the attacks. CBT can also help improve quality of sleep so we can hopefully reduce some of our medications.

Cognitive therapy requires approximately six to twenty sessions that last one hour. The cognitive therapy program may involve keeping a diary to look at all aspects of your daily activities, coping skills and mind-set. This helps you learn what changes need to be made, limits that need to be set and a way to organize and prioritize activities. Many of these things contribute to stress and can make your pain better or worse. Setting limits keeps us from getting discouraged and helps us learn to take each task one step at a time. CBT also helps us confront negative thoughts and emotions and we are taught how to reverse them. It all boils down to self-perception: self-loathing, worthlessness, helplessness, hopelessness, negative self-talk, believing that other people view us the same way. CBT helps us reverse those thought processes so we can pick ourselves up and keep going. Patients will learn to find things we once enjoyed doing and make the time to do them with the help of learning how to schedule activities without being overwhelmed.

As we know accomplishing too much too soon can often cause a relapse of symptoms. We should respect these relapses and slow down. We should not consider them a sign of failure. That’s just how Fibromyalgia works. Don’t be so hard on yourself!

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Biofeedback & Flexyx Neurotherapy System (FNS) - Alternatives That Can Help Fibromyalgai Pain

2008-10-16T13:02:00.004-05:00

Chronic pain sufferers - get on the right path to relief from pain, fatigue and the emotional issues that overwhelm even the toughest of patients! Find out if biofeedback or Flexyx Neurotherapy System (FNS) is right for you!

Biofeedback studies have shown that Fibromyalgia patients who received treatments had fewer tender points, lower pain intensity and morning stiffness. Biofeedback is a technique in which patients are trained to improve their health by learning to control certain internal bodily processes such as muscle tension causing pain, blood pressure, or anxiety. It is a basic way of learning self-control tools that will be used throughout life. Recent biofeedback developments now provide a tool for improving functioning of the central nervous system.

Biofeedback is non-invasive and painless. It can expose the sources of physical pain, like headache or back pain, and gives us the information we need to reduce or eliminate the pain. It can help people with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue by eliminating pain and improving energy.

The most frequently used types of biofeedback therapy: Electromyography (EMG) - measures muscle tension, Thermal biofeedback - measures skin temperature, and Neurofeedback or electroencephalography (EEG) - measures brain wave activity.

During a biofeedback session electrodes are attached to the skin. The electrodes feed information into devices that measure one’s internal involuntary responses. The patient is then given mental exercises by the practitioner. This allows the mental activities that cause the physiologic responses to be identified, which make it possible to teach the patient how to gain control over them. When a person has learned how to control his/her symptoms, the feedback displays the positive changes.

Biofeedback has been proven to be an effective therapy for many conditions. It is primarily used to treat high blood pressure, chronic pain, tension headache, migraine headache, and urinary incontinence. Studies have shown that most patients who respond best from biofeedback have conditions that are brought on by or made worse by stress. This would imply that relaxation is the most important factor for success.

The FM treatment using electro-encephalogram (EEG) is based on the research of Mary Lee Esty, Ph.D.; Stuart Donaldson, Ph.D.; and Len Ochs, Ph.D. Technology is used to detect and treat brain dysfunction that has been caused by a mild traumatic brain injury such as in an automobile accident. Patients first have a brain mapping performed to identify areas of the brain which have been injured and are functioning abnormally in terms of brain-wave activity. Electrical activity produced by the brain reflects a person's level of functioning and can be monitored by EEG. A condition known as "EEG slowing" is present in people who have suffered damage to the brain and nervous system as a result of trauma and go on to develop Fibromyalgia or other chronic conditions.

The Flexyx Neurotherapy System (FNS) is both a brainwave biofeedback and treatment system, as well as an evaluation system. It is for patients with central nervous system dysfunctions, cognitive dysfunction (memory, etc.), mood disorders, low energy, movement difficulties, trouble with balance, and pain problems. FNS is an advanced form of biofeedback which, returns a feedback signal to the patient connected to the EEG. This form of EEG uses electrodes connected to the skin. Researchers have found that FM patients concentrate better when they close their eyes, which lessens sensory stimulation.

Flexyx Neurofeedback System is also non-invasive and painless. The patient sits in a comfortable chair and wears dark glasses that generate feedback. The patient need only relax. The treatment measures brain waves, and directs the brain waves back to the person as a reflection (mirrored). FNS resets the natural, self-regulation skills we are unaware of in our brain and nervous system so they can function normally. This makes it possible to implement the best treatment plan.

After the treatments are completed, surface Electromyography (sEMG) therapy is usually conducted to help retrain muscles, and Myofascial Release Therapy is used to restore proper muscle balance, obtain optimum posture, and address other neuromuscular problems. There may be other treatment options discussed and utilized depending on the findings and your therapist.

The hope is to help chronic pain sufferers develop greater awareness and deliberate control over the physiological processes that are outside conscious awareness.

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Fibromyalgia Syndrome: Acupuncture & EFT Offers Pain Relief

2008-10-16T12:57:00.004-05:00

Have you run out of treatment options for your Fibromyalgia symptoms? If chronic pain, fatigue, headaches & other similar conditions are controlling your life Acupuncture or Energy Therapy/Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) could be just what you're looking for!

In our pursuit of pain relief, Fibromyalgia & other Chronic Pain patients are always looking for something better when it comes to treatment. Most of the time, medications are not enough and we look to alternative ways to treat our pain. Acupuncture and Energy Therapy (Emotional Freedom Techniques) are two methods that have shown to have some benefit for chronic pain sufferers.

Acupuncture is an important element of Traditional Oriental Medicine (TOM). Acupuncture is thought to have originated in China and is most commonly associated with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Different types of acupuncture (Japanese, Korean, and classical Chinese acupuncture) are also practiced world-wide.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles at specific points (acupoints) which are primarily located along meridians. Meridians are interconnected channels throughout the body and the theory is that these meridians hold vital energy (“Chi”) that circulates through the body. This energy flow is crucial to ones overall health and well-being. If the energy flow is blocked, it can lead to pain and health problems. There are twelve main meridians of energy and eight located in “inner pathways”. The use of Acupuncture stimulates certain points in the energy channels, restoring a healthy flow and balance.

TOM is becoming increasingly popular to treat Fibromyalgia in the U.S. to relieve chronic pain and FM symptoms along with the over-lapping conditions we face. It is also being used for a multitude of other conditions: sinusitis, common cold, bronchitis, asthma, conjunctivitis (pink eye), nearsightedness and cataracts, toothache, neurological and musculoskeletal disorders including paralysis following stroke, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, sciatica, osteoarthritis.

Theory suggests that numerous emotional and psychological disorders can be treated by acupuncture, which can help with addictions, phobias, obsessive behavior, eating disorders, and anxiety. Acupuncture can also be beneficial when used in conjunction with conventional medicine for both acute and chronic disease. It is also used as a form of preventative medicine.

The National Institutes of Health issued a statement indicating that acupuncture seems most beneficial for pain from musculoskeletal conditions and nausea. More research is being done to determine the effectiveness of acupuncture for treating and possibly preventing Fibromyalgia and other conditions. In a Mayo Clinic Proceedings (June edition) study, it says that acupuncture can relieve fatigue and anxiety in FM patients.

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a form of psychological acupressure. The basic theory of Energy Therapy or EFT is that all negative emotional and physiological issues are caused by a disruption to your energy system. This is the same energy flow involving meridians that is used in acupuncture. EFT can be used for pain relief, but in theory, you have to determine the main cause of the pain - the emotional side of the pain. There is an undeniable link between our emotions and our physical body.

FM patients have to deal with the stress and demands of everyday life just like anyone else, but sometimes our coping mechanisms are out of whack, so to speak. The pressure, stress and anxiety builds up and we are left feeling like everything is out of control. We feel helpless and overwhelmed. With some patients, there is often a traumatic event that has inflamed their inability to cope, whether it be a physical or emotional trauma, it can leave us with the feeling of hopelessness. EFT is a gentle and noninvasive tool to address and mitigate perception and the reality of stress.

The main goals of EFT are to remove negative emotions, lessen food cravings, decrease or eliminate pain and to instill positive goals. This is done by the practitioner tapping their fingertips on the meridians on your head and chest while you think about your emotional barriers along with verbalizing positive affirmation. In theory, the combination of these things helps remove the emotional barriers from your energy system and reestablishes your mind/body balance.

This does mean that Fibromyalgia is “all in your head”! No one can legitimately say that! It is simply a fact that our emotional health is absolutely essential to our physical health and healing. You can change your eating habits and lifestyle, but your body cannot completely heal without removing the emotional barriers that trip you up.

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Physical Therapy & TENS for Fibromyalgia Patients

2008-10-16T12:54:00.002-05:00

There are many aspects of Physical Therapy used to treat Fibromyalgia symptoms that many patients are not aware of. TENS is a part of it and can be quite effective in treating chronic pain. What is TENS? I'm glad you asked! In this blog, I'll tell you all about it & the different aspects of physical therapy that can benefit FM patients!

Physical Therapy (PT) and TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) are often used for treatment for Fibromyalgia patients. Though, they are considered to be conventional treatments, PT and TENS seem more like “alternative” treatments because they are not usually the first options doctors look at when they begin treating FM patients. They commonly load us up with medications before they do anything else. PT and TENS are just two options you and your doctor can consider exploring.

Physical Therapy for Fibromyalgia treatment combines passive modalities (treatment given by a physical therapist) with therapeutic exercise to rehabilitate the musculoskeletal parts of the body. Passive modalities can be heat/cold therapy, massage, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and joint mobilization. These modalities are an extension of your treatment and are usually used before or after exercise. Therapeutic exercise includes stretching, strengthening, and postural correction to rehabilitate the framework of the body.

Many doctors like to go with conventional therapies first and they will likely suggest physical therapy to start. I have found that some of the techniques are effective for me and others - Well, let's just say, I WON'T BE DOING THOSE AGAIN! Not every therapist is trained properly to deal with Fibromyalgia patients. Some don't seem to understand the type of pain we suffer and that we'd rather be poked with a thousand needles then let them touch us! I say that in good humor, but it is a fact that you may have to go to several different therapists before you find one that won't make you feel even worse than you did. That said, there are many fantastic physical therapists out there!

TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) is one modality that worked well for me. It uses low-voltage electrical current for pain relief and is usually done in physical therapy under the care of a physical therapist. TENS involves the use of a small battery-powered machine with electrodes that are connected from the machine to your skin. The electrodes are normally placed on the painful area or at a pressure point. This creates a circuit of electrical impulses that travel along nerve fibers.

The electricity from the electrodes stimulates the nerves in an affected area and sends signals to the brain that "scramble" normal pain signals. Another theory is that the electrical stimulation of the nerves may help the body to produce natural pain killers called endorphins, which may block the perception of pain. I have actually had this done for a knee injury I suffered about six years ago and I was surprised at its effectiveness! The therapist would give me a dial to slowly increase the intensity. She had me do it about every five minutes in small degrees. TENS can be done at home after a while if you have the equipment.

TENS is most often used to treat muscle, joint, or bone problems that occur with illnesses such as osteoarthritis or Fibromyalgia, or for conditions such as low back pain, neck pain, tendinitis, or bursitis. TENS has also been used to treat sudden (acute) pain, such as labor pain, and long-lasting chronic pain.

TENS is generally considered safe and it does not hurt, but it may not be for you. One of the most persuasive reasons for prescribing TENS for pain relief is that this therapy has few side effects. TENS can be used indefinitely without the problems associated with prolonged drug use. The most common reported side effect is skin irritation at the site of the electrode. TENS should be used with caution by cardiac pacemaker recipients.

Of course, you need to talk to your doctor about any therapy (conventional or non-conventional) that you'd like to try. Everyone responds differently to different treatments and certain medical conditions might make some therapies dangerous, depending on your medical condition.

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Chiropractic and Craniosacral Therapies For Fibromyalgia Patients

2008-10-16T12:47:00.003-05:00

All of us know what "chiropractors" do - OR at least we think we do! Times have changed and so have many of the chiropractic methods for treating Fibromyalgia. That's not all! Craniosacral Therapy is also beneficial for chronic pain and addresses many of the symptoms FM patients have, including the ridiculous amount of over-lapping conditions we face!
Each FM patient is unique in so many ways. We all vary in our degrees of pain, where we hurt most, what medications work, what therapies work, what over-lapping conditions we might have…the list goes on forever! It is important to know what is available to us and educate ourselves in order to better our quality of life and help manage our pain.

The idea of Integrative Medicine was developed to help medical and other health professionals to expand their practices by and integrating accessible, effective Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM) protocols for the treatment of their patients. This would bring patients more complete care and give them all the help that is available to improve their overall health. I will be focusing on Chiropractic Therapy and Craniosacral Therapy in this blog.

The word "chiropractic" combines the Greek words cheir (hand) and praxis (action) and means "done by hand." Chiropractic treatment for Fibromyalgia fuses the aspects of the body, mind and spirit. A Chiropractor deals particularly with the muscular, nervous, and skeletal systems (muscles, joints, bones & connective tissues), focusing in the region of the spine. To know if chiropractic therapy will work for you it is a good idea to get regular treatments for at least a 6-8 weeks before determining if it provides relief of your FM symptoms.

Chiropractors have found that interference with Neuromusculoskeletal Systems impairs normal bodily functions, lowering its resistance to chronic pain and diseases such as Fibromyalgia. Chiropractic care works to remove misalignments in the vertebrae, release pinched nerves to allow the body to heal naturally.

Spinal manipulation is done through a variety of techniques. The chiropractor may use his or her fingers or hands to apply pressure to and move the vertebrae slightly beyond their normal range of motion. Treatment may also involve gentle twisting of the head, shoulders, and hips. Heat, ice, corsets, ultrasound, biofeedback, strength and conditioning exercises, and relaxation therapy may be used in addition to spinal manipulation.

My mother now sees a chiropractor who uses a gentle method of adjustments along with natural supplements to relieve her Fibromyalgia symptoms and loves it! She relies on this doctor’s method to help manage her pain and, as a result, she is much more active and her range of motion has dramatically improved.

Craniosacral Therapy was developed by osteopathic physician, John E. Upledger, following extensive scientific studies at Michigan State University, where he served as a clinical researcher and Professor of Bio mechanics.

CST compliments the body's natural healing processes, and is being used more and more as a preventive health measure because of it's ability to strengthen resistance to disease, and is effective in the treatment of many conditions associated with pain and dysfunction, including: migraine headaches, chronic neck and back pain, motor-coordination impairments, central nervous system disorders, orthopedic problems, traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, scoliosis, infantile disorders, learning disabilities, chronic fatigue, emotional difficulties, stress and tension-related problems, neurovascular or immune disorders, fibromyalgia and other connective-tissue disorders, autism, colic, temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ), post-traumatic stress disorder, and post-surgical dysfunction.

Patients can perform one type of craniosacral therapy at home using a "still point inducer". The inducer is placed on the back of the head at the line of the ear, and the patient rests on it for five to 20 minutes.

There are many other alternatives out there. I will continue to write about them all because I want to give Fibromyalgia sufferers the shortcuts to the information I didn’t have when I was first diagnosed. I constantly watch for new information and treatment options so that we can make informed choices and better our lives!

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Myofascial Release & Massage: Alternative Therapies for Fibromyalgia

2008-10-16T12:43:00.002-05:00

There are so many alternative therapies to help manage Fibromyalgia symptoms. Myofascial Release and Massage are just two of them! With all the options out there, it is hard to decide which to try, what might work for you and researching them can take days. My blog is designed to take away some of the frustration this can cause and give you information to help make that decision.

There are many alternative therapies for FM and each individual may be affected differently by each therapy. A therapy that works well for one may not benefit another as much or at all. It is important to know what is available to you that can help better your quality of life and help you manage your pain.

I have tried several different therapies and there are a few that really helped and one in particular, was a life-saver! My hope is that you can find a therapy that you can add to your conventional treatment and gain freedom of movement and freedom from the stress and depression that are caused by Fibromyalgia.

Integrative Medicine: The idea was developed to help medical and other health professionals to expand their practices by and integrating accessible effective Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM) protocols for the treatment of their patients. This would bring patients more complete care and give them all the help that is available to improve their overall health. Some of the therapies included are: Energy Therapies (including CMU Technology), Herbs and Supplements, Nutrition, Lifestyle Strategies, Biochemical Approaches and Structural, Movement and Mind-Body Therapies.

In this article, I will cover two structural, movement and mind-body therapies: Myofascial Release Therapy & Massage Therapy.

Massage therapy helps with Fibromyalgia because it gently works on the soft tissues (muscles, tendons, fascia and ligaments). Massage increases circulation of blood to tight, sore muscles & increases muscle tone. It is sometimes used in conjunction with ultrasound or with the application of heat and/or cold packs. Massage is also often helpful in removing built-up toxins such as lactic acid, and to help re-educate muscles and joints that have become misaligned.

Massage also helps the movement of lymphatic fluid (removes body wastes, toxins, pathogens), to release muscular tension, maintain proper musculoskeletal structure and function, internal organs, the central nervous system, the immune system, the endocrine system, mind/body integration, and energy flow to promote healing and emotional well-being.

Myofascial Release is a very effective hands-on technique that provides sustained pressure into myofascial knots to eliminate pain and restore motion. To understand what Myofascial Release is and why it works, you need to know what fascia is. Fascia is a thin tissue that covers all the organs of the body. It is actually one structure that exists from head to foot without disconnection. Myofascial Release treats taut bands in the muscle by releasing the uneven tightness in injured fascia. I was treated with the John Barnes method of Myofascial Release after a car accident that inflamed my Fibromyalgia symptoms and led to the discovery of myofascial trigger points. Even if you do not have Chronic Myofascial Pain, you can still benefit greatly from this therapy.

There are many more options out there and I will continue to provide information about them in hopes of giving you and your doctor the ability to make an informed decision about what therapies might work for you.

Depression & Anxiety - The Fibromyalgia Connection

2008-10-16T12:35:00.003-05:00

How are depression and anxiety connected to Fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions? Pain causes depression and anxiety. Depression and anxiety make your pain worse. Learn how to manage this never-ending cycle!

As Fibromyalgia (FM) sufferers we are often made to feel like our pain is “all in your head”, but research has consistently proven that Fibromyalgia is not a form of depression or hypochondria. IT IS REAL! However, there is a connection between FM and other chronic pain conditions to depression and anxiety. Treatment is important because both can make FM worse and interfere with symptom management.

There is some debate by medical and mental professionals about what causes what. The “What came first? The chicken or the egg” debate translates into “What came first? The chronic pain or the depression?” TRUE Fibromyalgia experts, researchers and others know that the chronic pain of FM & overlapping conditions leads to depression and anxiety.

Fibromyalgia is a common condition in which a person suffers from chronic musculoskeletal pain. There are points called tender points, sometimes all over the body, and these tender and painful points are used as part of the diagnosis of FM. Individuals with FM may also be more susceptible to pain in general. Whenever the tender points are simply touched, they can send sharp pain impulses. Many Fibromyalgia sufferers experience pain all over and some experience pain only in specific regions. It can involve the muscles and the joints. Sometimes, there is so much pain that it is hard to pinpoint exactly where the pain originates. Fibromyalgia is often accompanied by other overlapping conditions such as chronic myofascial pain (CMP), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), restless legs syndrome (RLS), migraine & tension headaches, interstitial cystitis (IC), mitral valve prolapse (MVP), cognitive dysfunction, depression, anxiety and more. The symptoms of Fibromyalgia, alone, are wide-ranging and debilitating. Do they really think that depression and anxiety is the CAUSE for ALL of the above?

Depression is a mental illness characterized by feelings of profound sadness and lack of interest in enjoyable activities. It is a constant low mood that interferes with the ability to function and appreciate things in life. It may cause a wide range of symptoms, both physical and emotional. It can last for weeks, months, or years. People with depression rarely recover without treatment and if you have Fibromyalgia, you may have to fight it for the rest of your life.

Anxiety is a normal state of apprehension, tension, and uneasiness in response to a real or perceived threat. Although anxiety is considered a normal response to temporary periods of stress or uncertain situations, prolonged, intense, periods of anxiety may indicate an anxiety disorder. Other indicators of an anxiety disorder are anxiety that occurs without an external threat and anxiety that impairs daily functioning.

What can cause depression & anxiety? Stressful life events, chronic stress, low self-esteem, imbalances in brain chemicals and hormones, lack of control over circumstances (helplessness and hopelessness), negative thought patterns and beliefs, chronic pain, chronic physical or mental illness, including thyroid disease & headaches can ALL cause both. Little or no social and familial support can be a main factor in depression for FM patients. Family history of depression & anxiety can also be a factor.

Lack of quality sleep is also believed to have an influence on depression. Since FM & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients tend to have insomnia and/or other sleep disorders, it stands to reason that poor sleep can lead to depression.

There is a wide variety of medications, vitamins, minerals, herbs and therapies that can help ease the impact of pain, anxiety and depression. With so many out there, you and your doctor may have to go through the process of trial and error to find what works best for you!

Exercise is not only good for FM, it is also highly beneficial for depression and anxiety. Recent studies suggest exercise can change your brain chemistry. Exercising can boost your level of serotonin, a brain chemical that is effects mood and pain perception. It can also stimulate the production of endorphins, natural painkillers that can give you an overall feeling of well-being.

Exercise is a great for stress, too. It relieves muscle tension and it gets the heart rate up. The combination makes us more relaxed and alert, which helps us deal with our problems in a calmer and more controlled way.

There are several other methods you can use to combat stress, including: meditation, deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, mental imagery relaxation, relaxation to music, biofeedback, counseling - to help you recognize and release stress.

You can learn more about this topic, medications, supplements, alternative therapies and more at my website AND I will keep blogging - so check back here!

Fibromyalgia Help 4 Us

Fibromyalgia Blues - Depression, Anxiety & Stress

2008-10-16T12:19:00.002-05:00

Life is hard enough without the added burden of Fibromyalgia and all that comes with it! It is so easy to fall into the pit of depression and anxiety and increase your stress levels which, let’s face it, are higher today for everyone than ever before!

How can you have chronic pain and fatigue and NOT be depressed? All people - healthy or not - struggle every day with the stress of raising a family, their jobs, financial troubles, family illness and yes, death & taxes. You’ve got to get the kids to school on time, pay the bills, go to work (if you can work), clean the house, feed the pets, water the lawn, pick up the kids, take them to soccer, piano lessons, make dinner, make the kids do their chores (good luck) and you have to do all this AND MORE with debilitating pain, fatigue, migraines, IBS, TMJ, RLS, etc. Just thinking about it is depressing!

Fibromyalgia sufferers are often misdiagnosed with anxiety disorders and depression, implying that it’s “all in your head”, but research has consistently proven that Fibromyalgia is not a form of depression or hypochondria. Anxiety and depression do CO-EXIST with FM & treatment is important because both can make FM worse and interfere with symptom management.

From my own experience, I can tell you how easy it is to let it get the best of you. There were days when I just got into bed in my dark room I called “the cave” and isolated myself from my family and friends. I avoided leaving the house unless I just absolutely had to and when I did, all I could think about was getting home and crawling into bed. The more depressed I got, the more pain I had. The more pain I had, the more depressed I got!

I had anxiety attacks and the stress of a bad financial situation was more than I could handle - or so I thought. There were times when I wondered how in the world I was going to make through the next day - How much longer can I deal with this? I felt hopeless, helpless and worthless. My self-image was horrible and my confidence level was nonexistent. I was ashamed.

Have you ever felt that way? I hope not, but IF YOU HAVE, there is a way to get out of the pit of depression and anxiety! You can become a productive member of your family and society as a whole. It’s not easy, but what choice do you have? You know you don’t want to live like this forever.

I always hated the idea of therapy! First of all, the effort it would take for me to get out of the house was a big factor. Secondly, I didn’t want to tell all my pitiful story to a stranger and I wasn’t even sure I’d be believed when it came to the Fibromyalgia part. There are still some mental health professionals that believe FM is psychological rather than physiological. I didn’t want to hear it.

About a year ago, my son needed therapy for depression and anger issues. I took him to several professionals and one suggested (in front of my son) that he could cure my Fibromyalgia because it was more emotional & psychological stress than a physical problem. The next day, we went to another therapist. I didn’t trust him to help my son if he was going to say that to me. We finally found one that fit our family since we would all take part in my son’s therapy. It didn’t take me or the therapist long to discover I needed help, too. He saw right through me!

Therapy has changed my life in so many ways and with an understanding professional to guide me, I have taken back the control I had given up to Fibromyalgia. He helped me see my value, my positive traits and taught me how to cope with my pain, stress, anxiety and depression. Talking about it with an objective party is also a way of healing emotional scars and it was a relief to just lay it all out there! He also recommended a new anti-depressant to my doctor which has helped me a lot.

Perception is everything. I perceived myself a certain way and became exactly that.

My father was recently diagnosed with small cell lung cancer - he never smoked. It is the rarer form of lung cancer that is fast-acting and incurable. I was devastated when I heard the news! My dad is my hero and my rock - life without him is something I can’t even fathom. I really lost it for a while, but with counseling, I am finding my own way to cope. I’m still have bad days, but I am trying to work through them in a more healthy way. The woman I was two years ago would have gone back to her cave and never come out.

There many medications, supplements & herbs out there that can help. Talk to your doctor about which ones might work for you and always double check for interactions and side effects! I have a lot of information about prescription drugs alternatives, therapies and other resources on my website that might be of help.

Don’t be afraid to take that first step and find a good mental health professional! It truly is worth it. I am now a functioning “Fibromyte” and though, I still have pain and other issues, I can get through them one day at a time. If I can do it, YOU can, too!

Fibromyalgia Help 4 Us

Fibromyalgia - How Did I Get It?

2008-10-16T12:08:00.003-05:00

The causes of Fibromyalgia are probably the most confusing for FM patients, especially when newly diagnosed. You are not alone! Leading researchers who study FM are asking the same questions you are! The good news is - they are getting closer and closer to fully understanding FM and what causes it!

What causes Fibromyalgia (FM)? There is no ONE known cause for Fibromyalgia, but researchers are discovering new information about this condition and it may not be long before we have a more definitive answer. There seems to be a number of factors involved. Researchers are focusing mainly on: autonomic nervous system dysfunction, chronic sleep disorders, emotional stress or trauma, immune or endocrine system dysfunction, upper spinal cord injury and viral or bacterial infection as causes of FM.

Exciting new research has also begun in the areas of brain imaging and neurosurgery. Ongoing research will test the hypothesis that FM is caused by an interpretative defect in the central nervous system that brings about abnormal pain perception. Medical researchers have just begun to untangle the truths about this life-altering disease.

Substance P - Recent studies have shown that people with FM process pain differently. There is a chemical in our cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) called Substance P that transmits pain impulses to the brain. Substance P has been found to be 3 times higher in Fibromyalgia sufferers than the average person. This can increase our pain perception and make it more intense.

fMRI - Research has also shown that FM patients are not only more sensitive to pain, but that the pain also effects the mood centers in the brain in a way that it does not in healthy individuals. This data has been proven through a brain scan called functional magnetic resonance imaging or fMRI, which allows researchers to observe the brain’s responses to pain in healthy people versus FM patients.

Trauma - Some scientists believe that FM is caused by a traumatic event like a fall, a car accident, lifting something incorrectly, etc. My Fibromyalgia worsened after the birth of my son. The pregnancy was rough and the delivery was LONG and INTENSE. I believe that is where most of my hip trouble started. Suddenly, I couldn’t walk without one of my hips feeling like it was about to pop out of its socket. Other symptoms worsened as well.

Sleep - Other researchers believe Fibromyalgia is caused by chronic sleep problems. It is during stage 4 sleep that the body renews itself and muscles recover from the activity. Sleep studies show that as people with FM enter stage 4 sleep, they stay in a lighter form of sleep. You may sleep longer, but your quality of sleep is poor. In one study, researchers took healthy volunteers and did not allow them to enter into stage 4 sleep, these people developed symptoms similar to those of fibromyalgia.

Genetics - Some scientists speculate that a person's genes may regulate the way his or her body processes painful stimuli. This theory suggests that people with fibromyalgia may have as gene or genes that cause them to react intensely to stimuli that most people would not consider painful. Also, a history of FM or related diseases seem to run in families. For instance, my mother, grandmother, aunts & cousin all have fibromyalgia and some of us have chronic myofascial pain & other associated disorders. Back when their grandmother had it, she didn’t know what it was. She commonly referred to it as “my rheumatism”.

Infection - Some researchers believe that a viral or bacterial infection may trigger fibromyalgia.

Serotonin - Serotonin is a brain nerve chemical and is found to be lower in FM patients. It is one of the major neurotransmitters in the body. It affects sleep, pain thresholds, vascular constriction (narrowing of the blood vessels resulting from contracting of the muscular wall of the vessels. When blood vessels constrict, the flow of blood is restricted or slowed as well as dilation, hunger and libido. It also plays a prominent role in depression, anxiety, and possibly obsessive-compulsive disorders. That is why SSRI’s (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are popular in treating Fibromyalgia.

Low Growth Hormone Levels - IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) is a hormone that is controlled by the adult growth hormone, and promotes bone and muscle growth. Low levels of this hormone are related to a diminished ability to think, lack of energy, muscle weakness, and extreme sensitivity to cold. Severe growth hormone deficiency has been seen in a subset of Fibromyalgia patients. More research is needed but a 2005 study indicates that serum growth hormone levels may be an indicator of the FM.

I believe that with today’s technology and ongoing, aggressive research, we will have a definitive answer to the causes of the chronic pain condition we call Fibromyalgia within the next decade or sooner. As it becomes more recognized by the medical community and the average person, more research funding will be provided, better tests will be discovered and our lives will be bettered! Look at the progress that has been made in the last decade! Let’s look forward and see a brighter future!

Fibromyalgia Symptoms & Associated Conditions

2008-10-16T12:04:00.004-05:00

As if a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia isn't enough, there is a plethora of symptoms and over-lapping conditions to worry about! As time marches on, we are finding out more and more about it and patients can have a better understanding of what they are facing. You may discover a few symptoms that you didn't know are linked to FM. If you are newly diagnosed, don't let it scare you! In my blogs, I will walk through it with you and help you find ways to manage your pain & fatigue as well as the emotional havoc it can wreak!

Fibromyalgia (FM) has a wide range of symptoms and overlapping conditions! It is easy to mistake one condition or symptom for another. FM, along with these other relating factors, is often misdiagnosed and misunderstood.

FM is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and weakness. The American College of Rheumatology established a guideline for diagnosis in 1990. It is defined by 11 to 18 tender points located throughout the body. When your doctor examines you for FM, he/she will locate these painful little points by touch and reaction to pain. These tender points are mainly found in the muscles around the neck, shoulders, chest, knees, the region around the elbow, and hips.

I was diagnosed in 1995, but lived with FM for many years before I could finally put a name on it. It was a relief, in a way, because my pain and fatigue was finally validated, but I didn’t know what I was in for. Later on, I realized many other conditions I had were related to FM. The list just kept growing!

FM patients’ symptoms can vary in quantity and degree. It is never exactly the same as the next person. You may have one or you may have all (I hope it’s the former), but all of the information below pertains to Fibromyalgia.

Aside from the obvious muscle pain and weakness, symptoms of Fibromyalgia include: allergies, disequilibrium (trouble with balance), dizziness, clumsiness, extreme fatigue, sleep starts (falling sensation), insomnia, sleep disturbances like apnea, headaches, increased menstrual pain, sensory sensitivity, sensitive skin, itching, histamine reactions like dermographia, morning stiffness, stiffness when walking, mottled skin, carbohydrate cravings (sweets, too), yeast infections (Candida), tissue overgrowth, nail ridges, curved nails, ingrown hairs, easy scarring, anxiety, stress, cry easily, panic attacks, mood swings, sudden irritability, extreme sweating, more than average infections, shakes or tremors, bruising (more than the average person), weight gain or loss, bruxism (nighttime teeth grinding), numbness & tingling (Parasthesia), sinusitis, runny nose (frequent), ear pain, trouble swallowing, eye pain, sensitivity to certain materials (clothing, bed linens), heartburn, indigestion, weak grasp, shortness of breath, chest tightness, rapid heartbeat, painful intercourse, impotence, low-back pain, burning feet, dry eyes & mouth, hormonal fluctuations, delayed reactions to over exertion or stress, muscle twitches, swelling, mold & yeast sensitivity, pelvic pain, urinary frequency, abdominal cramps, bloating and nausea.

FM patients are probably familiar with the phrase “fibro fog”. It refers to symptoms of FM that relate to cognitive dysfunction: memory problems, difficulty concentrating, words that come out jumbled, trouble making decisions, trouble spelling words you know, scattered thoughts.

If that’s not enough, we can add other debilitating disorders, syndromes or illnesses: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Chronic Myofascial Pain (CMP) (formally known as Myofascial Pain Syndrome), Migraines (in all forms), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), Interstitial Cystitis (IC) or painful bladder, Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP), Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ), Insulin Resistance (IR), Acid Reflux - GERD, Reactive Hypoglycemia (RHG), Depression and Anxiety.

That’s enough to make anyone want to go to bed and stay there! I have had my moments - believe me! Sometimes, it seems unbearable and that I can’t take one more second, but I HAVE TO and so do you! Take it day-by-day and make the most of your good days. At the end of a bad one - you can say you made it through another day and tomorrow might be better!

I will continue to blog and will explore all the aspects of Fibromyalgia and all the issues, etc. that come with it. You can learn more now by going to my website where you’ll find valuable resources, tips and tools for managing FM.

Fibromyalgia Help 4 Us

Chronic Myofascial Pain & Fibromyalgia

2008-10-16T11:58:00.003-05:00

Recent discoveries have proven that what was once called myofascial pain syndrome, is not a syndrome anymore! It is now classified as a true disease. Fibromyalgia, however is still a syndrome. They are often confused because of their similarities and CMP is often misdiagnosed as FM. Find out the differences between them and empower yourself!

Many people with fibromyalgia also have chronic myofascial pain or CMP (formally known as Myofascial Pain Syndrome, MPS) and don’t even know it. It is often missed because it is easy to confuse the pain and it’s origins with that of FM. As a result, it is missed in the diagnosis. Both are connected to the musculoskeletal system which makes up almost 50% of our body weight, but should not be confused as being the same. Understanding FM and CMP and what makes them tick, will empower you to help yourself. You will be able to figure out some of the contributing factors to your pain, where it originates and what makes it feel better. It will help you understand treatments and find the one(s) that work for you.

It was recently discovered that MPS is not actually a syndrome at all, but a neuromuscular disease. This is important news! The difference? Diseases have known causes and a well-understood process for producing symptoms. Myofascial pain due to trigger points is now considered a true disease, rather than a syndrome. Fibromyalgia is a syndrome like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus and has tender points (not to be confused with trigger points). Even with these differences, it is believed by many researchers that one can influence the other.

I have mentioned before that I have a few experts that I follow closely and call my “fibro heroes” because they helped me through their studies and publications to understand and validate my pain. Devin Starlanyl is one of those heroes. Actually, she was my first. I read a book she co-authored, Fibromyalgia and Chronic Myofascial Pain: A Survival Manual, and quickly followed that by her book, The Fibromyalgia Advocate: Getting the Support You Need to Cope with Fibromyalgia and Myofascial Pain - she is amazing! She is a sufferer herself as well as a doctor/researcher. She set about trying to give doctors perspective from the patient’s point of view and has created diagnostic guidelines, patient resources with an empathy you can’t get anywhere else. She is at the forefront of all the research, news and information & shares it with FM & CMP sufferers in a way we can understand. Finding out about her work, was the beginning of my understanding.

What are trigger points? Trigger points are subtle, but taut bands that constrict the muscle and cause tremendous pain. Trigger points can be in the fascia that surrounds the muscle or in the muscle itself. They are extremely sensitive to pressure at the site and also cause “referred” pain - meaning pain at another location of the body. The part of the muscle fiber that actually does the contracting is a miniscule component called a sarcomere which cannot be seen by the naked eye. Contraction occurs in a sarcomere when its two parts come together and interlock like fingers. Myofascial trigger points are confined in one area and are dying for oxygen, which causes a demand for energy. There is a chemical reaction in central nervous system which sensitizes nearby nerves. This triggers the motor, sensitivity and autonomic (not under voluntary control) reactions of the trigger points. Muscles with trigger points are in a perpetual state of energy crisis.

Trigger points cause headaches, neck and jaw pain (TMJ), low back pain, tennis elbow, and carpal tunnel syndrome. They can cause pain in the shoulder, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle and are often mistaken for arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, or ligament injury.

Trigger points can also cause dizziness, earaches, sinusitis, nausea, heartburn, false heart pain, heart arrhythmia, genital pain, and numbness in the hands and feet. Some experts believe that fibromyalgia may sometimes start as a result of myofascial trigger points. In CMP trigger points, the pain is more intense with a radiating pattern along the same muscle or muscle group. There is usually some loss of the range of motion, as well as a substantial weakness in the muscles that have active trigger points. The pain decreases when the muscle is at rest, and the intensity of the pain increases as soon as the that muscle starts to contract.

Proof of myofascial trigger points has been produced by the use of electromyographic imaging (a device that converts the electrical activity associated with functioning skeletal muscle into a visual record or into sound and has been used to diagnose neuromuscular disorders and in biofeedback training). Researchers have also used ultrasounds of localized twitch responses of trigger points. They can even do biopsies of myofascial trigger points that show the contraction knots and rounded muscle fibers. In one of Devin Starlanyl’s articles, I read that, as a result of this, The Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain has stated that the trigger points involve the “nerve terminal and the postjunctional muscle fiber” which “identifies myofascial trigger points as a neuromuscular disease“. Simons DG. 1999. Diagnostic criteria of myofascial pain caused by trigger points. J Musculoskeletal Pain 7(1-2):111-120.

What causes trigger points? There are many factors that can be attributed to trigger points: poor posture, scoliosis, thyroid deficiency, estrogen deficiency, loss of flexibility, nerve root compression (pinched nerve), emotional stress/anxiety that leads to lack of sleep which can increase muscle tension, fatigue and pain threshold. Other factors that MAY cause or worsen CMP trigger points are: nutritional deficiencies, chronic infections, muscle imbalance, inactivity (static posture).

When I injured my left knee, which resulted in surgery, I developed a limp and without even thinking about it, continued to favor (protect) that knee long after surgery. As a result, my entire left side became weak and I experienced pain that radiated from my lower back all the way to my ankle. My lower back and hip would tighten up so much to compensate for the muscles in my leg, that I sometimes couldn’t even move. The pain felt like all my muscles from the waist down on that side had “seized”. It was so intense, I would have to freeze in that position until it eased. It still happens today, but the difference is, I know what to do about it.

After a car accident, my FM and CMP were inflamed to a point that I was sent to a therapist for continual treatment. I had been reading about myofascial release therapy and was really wanting to try it. I was pleasantly surprised to find a myofacial release therapist that had practiced under John F. Barnes, President and Director of the Myofascial Release Treatment Centers and National Myofascial Release Seminars. Barnes developed the most incredible, pain-easing therapy that makes your fascia and muscles feel like they are melting like butter and gently releasing and unfolding your muscles! Of course, that is MY non-clinical way of describing it, BUT that is what it felt like to me.

Being a military family, we eventually had to move to another base and I immediately started searching for a therapist that knew and understood the John Barnes method. I saw several therapists (covered by my insurance) that claimed to know it, but I was incredibly disappointed and ended up hurting more after a session than when I went in. So, my recommendation is to make sure these people have actually studied under Barnes or were trained at one of his seminars. Ask for proof. You can also find a link to his site on my website where you kind find a list of therapists.

With all of the research and progress being made in understanding and treating chronic myofascial pain, who knows what tomorrow will bring! I will continue to bring you more information on CMP - from diagnosis to traditional and alternative treatments. There is a great deal of hope for people like you and me!

Fibromyalgia Help 4 Us

Fibromyalgia - The Start to Understanding the Beast Within

2008-10-16T11:53:00.002-05:00

Fibromyalgia is a beast. It can stalk and feed on every part of your life! I want to help you understand and tame that beast!

In my quest for gathering information to share with my fellow “Fibromytes” I’ve found it hard to find a starting point. There are so many aspects of Fibromyalgia and the plethora of medical conditions that accompany it, it makes it hard to trudge through all the important facts because, to me, and I assume to you, all of it is important. Every ache and pain we feel changes the way we live and in most instances, is connected to another ache or pain.

So, I will start with the basics and in future articles, will cover every last detail that might make a difference to someone in how they manage their pain, find an appropriate doctor, understand the symptoms and causes, and delve into all the treatment options that are out there today.

Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FM) is a common, chronic pain condition of the soft tissue. It shows persistent, widespread pain and tenderness to tender points located in the soft tissue of the musculoskeletal framework. Symptoms can include insomnia, cognitive dysfunction, depression, anxiety, recurrent headaches (migraine or tension), dizziness, fatigue, morning stiffness, numbness & tingling in extremities, irritable bowel syndrome, restless leg syndrome, myofascial pain (I will explain in depth in my next article), irritable bladder syndrome & more.

There are a few experts that I follow closely and I consider them my “fibro heroes”. Mainly, because they are at the top in the field, but also because they were the first that helped me understand my pain and gave me validation - my pain is real.

One of those experts is I. Jon Russell at the University of Texas Health and Science Center in San Antonio, Texas. He has studied the abnormalities of particular key neurochemicals in the brain and the central nervous system. One specific neurochemical called Substance P, a neurochemical in the brain, sends signals to the brain to register pain. He discovered that this agent is found in Fibromyalgia patients at a level three times higher than in the average person. He also found that the neurotransmitter, serotonin, which decreases the intensity of pain signals sent to the brain, is apparently lacking in FM patients. This is important research and is ongoing, but many researchers agree that this could be key to how Fibromyalgia is treated and many drugs that are prescribed today work to increase the levels of serotonin in the brain. - New Developments in the Management of Fibromyalgia Syndrome 2003

Serotonin levels are of utmost importance. If you have too little, you hurt more and it can cause depression & anxiety. If you have too much, you can get Serotonin Syndrome, which can be deadly. I dedicated a page on my website to Serotonin alone.

There are many treatments out there for FM and each person can respond differently to any given treatment. So, it is important for you and your doctor to find the treatment that really works for you and reevaluate your treatment every 6 months to a year. Some medications or treatments may become ineffective over time and changes might need to be made. If you feel something isn’t working for you or may be causing side effects or interactions, talk to your doctor immediately. Life is too short to take chances with your health! I have had to change medications and supplements many times in my life with FM. It’s just a part of it.

Start managing your Fibromyalgia instead of letting it manage you!

Fibromyalgia Sufferers - Are You Fed Up?

2008-10-16T11:06:00.003-05:00

If you're fed up, like me, with the endless treatments, drugs, therapies and doctors that just don't understand, this article is for you!

Are you tired of the pain, fatigue and depression that comes with Fibromyalgia? Have you been treated like a hypochondriac by doctors, friends and family? Do you have symptoms that most people would not connect with FM like migraines, chronic fatigue, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), restless legs or that overall feeling of wanting to jump out of your own skin? There are too many symptoms to list!

Well, I'm tired of it! I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and Myofascial Pain Syndrome in 1995, just when some doctors were beginning to recognize is as a "real" syndrome/chronic disorder. Many were still uninformed or didn't care and believe it or not, there are many professionals out there who STILL don't recognize it for what it is! I actually had my son's therapist tell me that he could cure me of it because it was more psychological than physiological! Needless to say, my son is seeing a new therapist!

I have spent the last 5 or 6 years educating myself about FM from, symptoms, natural remedies, physical therapy, myofascial release therapy, medications and case studies. Yes, I tried many of them myself - some with great results, some with almost deadly results.

Most "Fibromytes" know the symptoms and have already been through the gauntlet of medications and therapies, and though I will address them in another article, I won't go into that right now. I am more concerned about how you are feeling emotionally and mentally. Yes, the pain can lead to depression and depression increases your pain and anxiety disorders soon follow in many cases, and that's something we have to take control of. Medications do help and I would never recommend not following your doctor's advice - NEVER, but there are other things you can do to help yourself and overtime, maybe get rid of some of those drugs or find the one's that work best for you!

The reactions of those around you to your FM can greatly affect the way you feel. There is nothing more demoralizing than having someone treat you like you are a big baby, a drama seeker, or even worse, an attention monger or narcotic seeker. I was embarrassed to tell people I had FM because I knew what their reaction was going to be. Some people even lose friends over it! Ridiculous! They need a wake up call!

You are not crazy, delusional, attention starved or an addict - you're a HUMAN BEING IN PAIN. I met one of the best P.A.'s I've ever known when I moved to San Antonio and one day, while I was crying in her office because of all the meds I was on and feeling like a hypochondriac, she told me, "Look, you are a woman in pain. Real pain. And you need these medications in order to have any quality of life, so you need to accept it and get over it!" She changed my whole way of thinking. I started looking at all my medications and researching supplements, herbal remedies and alternative therapies.

I'd been through the ringer with bad doctors who patronized me or filled me with drugs without checking for interactions and rushed me out the door! I went through a period of deep depression and couldn't get out of bed. This went on for two years! I ended up with Serotonin Syndrome because a doctor who prescribed new meds over the phone gave me THREE Serotonin affecting drugs at once, on top of all my other meds (about 10 at the time). Serotonin Syndrome can kill you! Always check your meds online, with your pharmacist AND your doctor. Don't rely on the two of them to put 2 and 2 together! Ask lots of questions! That's what they're getting paid for! Don't let them rush you out the door feeling more hopeless and confused than when you walked in!

It's my goal to help educate people with FM, their friends and loved ones, coworkers - I guess everyone I can! Let's face it, those around us really don't get it and most never will! I want to at least arm you with the power to be more in control of your treatment, your emotional health and overall well-being. This article is just the beginning!

Watch for more blogs to come! I will give you all the information I can regarding all aspects of FM!

Fibromyalgia Help 4 Us

2008-03-25T09:14:00.007-05:00

Fibromyalgia Help 4 Us

Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a common condition in which a person suffers from chronic musculoskeletal pain, from mild to severe. There are points called pressure points all over the body and these tender and painful points are used as part of the diagnosis of FMS. Individuals with FMS may also be more susceptible to pain in general. Whenever the tender points are simply touched, they send sharp pain impulses. Many Fibromyalgia sufferers experience pain all over and some experience pain only in specific regions. It can involve the muscles and the joints. Sometimes, there is so much pain that it is hard to pinpoint exactly where the pain originates.

Common tender points are in the pelvis/hip area, legs, arms, neck, shoulders and can include all areas of the back. Some people experience a “burning sensation“ in their feet.

There are many other conditions that are commonly found in Fybromyalgia patients: chronic fatigue, migraines, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), insomnia, “fibro fog” (forgetfulness, scattered), myofascial pain syndrome, restless leg syndrome and several other “outlying” conditions.

There is no cure for FMS and since it is a chronic condition, pain is usually managed through anti-depressants such as Paxil, Zoloft, Prozac, etc., as well as medications for other symptoms like those listed above. Keep track of your medications. These are serious drugs and some taken in combination can be deadly. Keep a record of your meds, ask questions and look them up on the internet to check for interactions. Sometimes, bad combinations can slip through the cracks and can cause very serious problems.

A good exercise program is very important. Low-impact exercises are recommended like brisk walking and swimming. Your goal is to be exercising enough to get your heart rate up to about 70% of capacity. Discuss an exercise plan with your doctor. Exercise keeps your mind healthy as well as your body.

“Fibromites” have a tendency to fall into depression because of the pain and the pain becomes worse because of the depression. FMS sufferers should do everything possible not to fall into that cycle. It robs you of quality of life and trust me, it will zap the life out of you.

A healthy diet, a good support system and plenty of rest help more than you can imagine! Get at least 7 continuous hours of sleep at night. Learning to effectively deal with stress in your life is also important.

There are numerous vitamin, mineral, herbal supplements and alternative treatments out there and many of them do work to help relieve some of your symptoms. There are too many to name here.

A patient may be sent for conventional physical therapy for treatment and it works for some, but I found it made my symptoms worse. It will be different for each individual, but I have to say that I will never go the conventional route when it comes to therapy.

There is hope for Fibromites! Don’t let it rob you of your quality of life and mental well-being!

Come back soon for more information! draft
8:51:00 AM
by Millegan
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