Fibromyalgia(FMS) is a newly recognized disorder that is a common cause of chronic muscle pain and fatigue among millions. This is a condition that can emulate a great number of illnesses with very similar symptoms. Among those are few difference forms of arthritis, Lime disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression and a couple of musculoskeletal disorders. There are no known test to detect this condition, which makes it hard to diagnose and often times, physician are befuddled for years. A common approach to diagnoses is documentation of trigger points or tender areas of the body.
what it is not?
This condition mainly affects muscles and their attachments (ligaments and tendons) to the bones. Often times the pain may feel like a joint disease, the Arthritis Foundation states that it is not an actual form of arthritis and does not cause deformities of the joints. A more accurate description is a soft tissue or muscular rheumatism condition.
How is it contracted?
The good news is that it is not contagious and cannot be passed on from person to person. Actually, some research suggests that many may be predisposed due to their genetic make up. There may however occur and accident or trauma, accident or physical injury to trigger the inevitable. Other factors may include low levels of serotonin dysfunction of one’s immune system, which is still indicative of one genetic make up. The condition only threatens one’s wellbeing but not life itself.
Is fibromyalgia real or imagined?
“Don’t touch me there”! Sounds familiar? Aches and pain all over your body? Low or even no energy level what so ever? Sleepless nights, irritable, poor concentration? Family, friends and even physician thinks this is all in your heard? Are you starting to think that you’re a hypochondriac? Relax; what you’re experiencing is a condition that you share with millions of people and 8 out of 10 are women. The unfortunate thing about this condition is that not enough attention is focused on it.
Do I have FMS?
Remember the trigger points mentioned in the first paragraph? Well the American College of Rheumatology has put forth criteria for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia. If a patient has 11 of 18 specific areas or trigger points of the body that are painful under pressure and has had a shot moderate history of pain and other conditions can be ruled out then there is a good chance that you fall within the criteria for having FMS.
So what are the symptoms?
The symptoms appear to be as diverse as the diagnosis:
· Muscular pain, aching, stiffness
· Sore throat
· Sore tendons and ligaments
· Lack of concentration
· Sleep disturbances
· Extreme tiredness, fatigue and lack of motivation
· Light sensitivity
· Stiffness while walking
· IBS or irritable bowel syndrome
· Numbness or tingling
· Painful menstrual period
· Chronic headaches
Some treatment options:
ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) is a very likely treatment for this condition because it is what powers every movement, though action in the human and is what helps us to maintain level of vigor. Moreover, it is a great supplement for physically debilitating illness.
Fish oil supplements are an excellence source of Omega 3 fatty acids, which provide fluidity to cell membranes and improve communication between brain cells. Would also assist in mobility.
SAMe is a natural antidepressant that proved to be beneficial in clinical test. Patients showed less mood swings, and the ability to cope with stress.
Potassium is a mineral that when taken in adequate amount this mineral is required to facilitate normal muscle contractions Additional information on fibromyalgia can be found by clicking on the link below that reads fibromyalgia symptoms.which could very well aid in the treatment of this condition.
ABC Newscast (WLOX) on Dr. Wallack's Fibromyalgia Treatment