FIBROMYALGIA ?

Fibromyalgia, what is that you ask?....

It is a condition associated with widespread pain, chronic pain, fatigue, memory problems, and mood changes. It affects roughly 2-4 percent of Americans. It is however more common in women and is a syndrome not disease. The cause is still unknown and closely being studied(researchers are learning more everyday). It deals greatly with the central nervous system and how it sends signals of pain (usually amplified).

If you are diagnosed with fibromyalgia, you have had a history of pain that has effected both sides of the body, and below the waist that has been present for atleast 3 months or more. You must have pain (0r sensitivity) to atleast 11 of the 18 tenderpoints in the body(in all 4 quadrants, if your body was evenly divided into 4s).

As we speak, there isn't a full proof treatment yet for it, but there are several things that may lessen or help keep your symptoms under some type of managable control. Such as...time managment, physical therapy (areobic exercise-your choice and pace), relaxation techinques, food management, and possible alternative therapies. Educating yourself is the first and foremost important step on your road to recovery or managment. Don't be afraid to explore every option available to you (within reason and caution). Keep in mind that no two case of fibro are alike and everyone's symptoms can be to different degrees or different symptoms all together.

I find for me, personally, that time management, exercise, food management and relaxation techniques seem to help the best. Water therapy or walking helps me the most, although dancing is nice at times (as long as I don't over-due it). Massages are helpful at times as long as they aren't deep tissue, that seems to agrivate it more.

If you have any questions or know of a friend with fibro that needs to chat, send em my way and I will be more than willing to help out (within reason and try to stay positive).

Until next time...