FIBROMYALGIA
- Fibromyalgia is a common syndrome in which a person has long-term, body-wide pain & tenderness in the joints, muscles,tendons & other soft tissues
- Researchers believe that Fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals
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SYMPTOMS
Symptoms are chronic but may fluctuate throughout the day
& may include some or all of the following
- Pain all over
- Brain Fog
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Irritable bowel
- Jaw Pain
- Disturbed sleep
- Trouble exercising
- Multiple sensitivities
- Depression
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AVOID
- Cold drafts
- Repetitive movement
- Leaning forward especially when using a computer
- Stress
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WHEN YOU SEE THE DOCTOR
- The doctor will not be able to effectively treat the Fibromyalgia properly if he doesn't
know the full extent of your symptoms - So you will have to explain all your Fibromyalgia symptoms
- To get a medical diagnosis of Fibromyalgia,
11 of 18 tender
point sites
must be painful
when pressed - Often a Rheumatologist will be consulted to confirm the diagnosis
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MEDICAL REMEDIES
Your doctor can prescribe medications that
- Aim at reducing pain, daytime fatigue & improving sleep which may include NSAIDs
- Sometimes a single medication can help in more than one area
- Responses vary with each patient
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ALTERNATIVE REMEDIES
- Massage
- Movement therapies like Tai Chi
- Accupressure
- Yoga
- Stretching sore muscles
- Hot water baths with Epsom Salt
- Nutritional supplements
Magnesium with malic acid
Anti-oxidants to protect your tissues
Always check with your doctor
before starting a new regime or supplements
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FOODS THAT MAY HELP
- Choose organic when you can
- Apples
- Green vegetables, eggplant, celery, green beans, bell peppers, summer & winter squash.
- Lentils, kidney beans, black beans, garbanzo beans & pinto beans
- Yogurt
- Whole wheat pasta
- Fish high in Omega 3's like Salmon & Sardines
- Use canola oil instead of olive oil
- Thoroughly cooked raw food
FOODS THAT MAY HARM
- Raw food
- Fruits high in Vitamin C & fruit juices
- Potatoes & Carrots
- Caffeine
- Sugar
- Yeast
- Those that have preservatives, additives, sulfites, nitrites, trans fats & commercial dyes
- Those that have effected your irritable bowel syndrome
PRODUCTS THAT MAY HELP
FOR PAIN
- Pain relief patches
- Heating creams
- Gel freezer packs
FOR SLEEP
- Soft socks for cold feet
- Electric blanket
- Heated mattress pad
- Body pillow
- Soft pillow for head
FOR COMFORT
- Sole inserts for shoes
- Lumbar support pillows
- Massage or heated seat cushions
- Recliner
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WHAT TO WEAR
- Loose clothing
- Comfortable shoes
- Soft slippers
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EXERCISE
Ask your doctor before starting an exercise program
or see a physical therapist
- Stretch before you exercise
- Avoid intense aerobic classes or exercise
- Start with a short program & when you're used to it you can
add more
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Return to Health Challenges Directory
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