Fibromyalgia

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Fibromyalgia Diagnosis   Fibromyalgia Causes   Fibromyalgia Management

        Herbs & Supplements For Fibromyalgia

Information on fibromyalgia - statistics and symptoms

Fibromyalgia Diagnosis

Fibromyalgia is diagnosed when a person has widespread pain throughout the body for a minimum of three months and has tenderness in at least 11 of 18 specified tender points along with a host of other accompanying symptoms like fatigue, sleep disorders, chronic headaches, temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome, morning stiffness, muscle twitches, dizziness and total exhaustion paired with the inability to sleep.

Fibromyalgia Causes

The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, some possible causes of fibromyalgia  according to researchers include, an infectious illness, physical trauma, emotional trauma, hormonal changes, muscle abnormalities, neurotransmitters, magnesium, phosphate and oxygen deficiency or biological disruption of energy production in cells. Of all the above the more prominent theory appears to be severe stress coupled with emotionally traumatic events over an extended period of time. Current research focuses on activity of chemicals in the brain, particularly serotonin.

Dr. Leslie Crafford a researcher, conducted research at the University of Michigan and her study showed that biochemical processes in the brain affect the perception of pain and that people with fibromyalgia have abnormal levels of several of the different chemicals that help transmit and amplify pain signals to and from the brain.

Some doctors think that fibromyalgia is the same as chronic fatigue syndrome with the only difference being, in fibromyalgia muscle pain predominates over fatigue while in chronic fatigue syndrome fatigue predominates over pain. Some cases of fibromyalgia tend to clear up on their own, some become chronic, some go through cycles of flare ups alternating with periods of remission. Fibromyalgia can be very unpredictable.

Fibromyalgia Management

Although fibromyalgia seems to present more questions than answers, there are ways to manage it. (discuss the options with your physician)

1) Medications - such as pain relievers for short term use, antidepressants to elevate mood. 2) Proper diet - a low salt, uncooked vegan diet relieves fibromyalgia symptoms according to a Finnish study conducted by researchers at the University of Kuopio (Scandinavian journal of rheumatology). 3) Regular adequate sleep. 4) Regular exercise - exercise increases the level of endorphins(substances released within the body in response to pain) in the body and reduces pain. 5) Eliminate stress slowly but surely 6) Stretch, stretch and stretch 7) Massage, yoga and acupuncture may also help.

Herbs & Supplements For Fibromyalgia

1) CoQ10 - may improve oxygenation and enhance the effectiveness of the immune

system, good oxygenation to the cells of the body may make you feel energetic as well.

2) Malic acid & Magnesium - involved in energy production in many cells including muscle cells.

3) Vitamin C with Bioflavanoids - may increase the body's energy levels.

4) Melatonin - promotes sleep.

5) Turmeric - may reduce inflammation, tenderness and swelling of muscles and tendons.