Dealing With Fibromyalgia the Natural Way
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that is characterised by pain and stiffness in the muscles. Millions of people worldwide suffer from this very debilitating condition, and whilst it does not damage any organs, the persistent severe pain greatly affects their quality of life.
The hallmark of fibromyalgia is muscle pain throughout the body, but it is also accompanied by some other symptoms like specific tender points, sleep problems, and anxiety or depression. A unique aspect of this condition is the specific tender points – areas of the body where patients feel pain where people without the condition feel pressure. Research suggests that this is caused by a glitch in the way the body perceives pain.
Next to pain, fibromyalgia can cause severe fatigue symptoms. People with this condition may feel tired first thing in the morning, even after hours spent in bed. Fatigue can be worse in some days, which interfere with their work, household chores and other physical activities.
Who’s at risk? Fibromyalgia can happen to anyone, but women between the age of 25 and 60 are more at risk. Actually, women are 10 times more likely to develop the disease than men. Some scientists believe genetics could play a role but there is no specific gene that has been identified yet.
Researchers haven’t found yet what really causes fibromyalgia, though there are many theories about it. Some say it is due to hormonal or chemical imbalances that disrupt the way nerves perceive pain. Others suggest it may be a reaction to traumatic event or chronic stress. Most experts agree that fibromyalgia is a result of several factors, and not just one cause.
Dealing with Fibromyalgia the Natural Way
The diagnosis of this condition only involves physical examination and often, patients are prescribed with drugs, ranging from over-the-counter pain relievers to prescription drugs like amitriptyline. However, medications only provide temporary relief by covering the symptoms, not really reducing their severity.
Fibromyalgia is best treated with a holistic approach. And the first and most important step is identifying what makes the symptoms worse. This differs from one person to another but the usual triggers include poor sleep, stress, too much or too little physical activity, and cold or humid weather. Lack of sleep makes the symptoms worse because it impairs the body’s ability to self-repair and replenish itself. Poor sleep may make pain seem worse, and pain can lead to poor sleep.
A good way to reduce the severity of symptoms, in addition to getting enough sleep, is exercising. Physical activity can reduce pain and improve fitness. Exercising just three times a week has also been shown to relieve fatigue and depression. However, it is important not to overdo it. Less intense forms of exercises, such as stretching, walking and water aerobics are recommended to people with fibromyalgia.
Diet also plays a role in managing this condition. Certain foods, such as those that contain caffeine and MSG, are believed to worsen the symptoms. But this is not true for everyone. Patients are advised to identify their food triggers and one way to do it is to keep a food journal.
Massage is also believed to relieve fibromyalgia pain. A 20-minut session at the spa can already produce significant results.
Another natural therapy that seems to help manage the condition is acupuncture. This traditional Chinese practice involves inserting thin needles at key points on the body. Acupressure stimulates the same pressure points and may be a good alternative for people who want to avoid needles.
Stress management also plays a key role. As stress is a major trigger for fibromyalgia, patients can benefit from learning stress management techniques, such as deep breathing, yoga and meditation. Whilst it is impossible to eliminate all the stresses in one’s life, it is possible to lessen their impact.
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