| Fibromyalgia is an illness involving chronic pain | | | | conclude a possible connection with psychological |
| throughout the body's muscles and soft tissue. It is a | | | | factors such as stress and depression. Treatment for |
| rheumatic condition, meaning it also affects the joints. | | | | fibromyalgia can be problematic because the |
| The symptoms of fibromyalgia are very similar to | | | | symptoms are so varied and widespread. Some |
| other diseases, including Lyme disease, multiple | | | | patients have found relief through: • Physical |
| sclerosis, and lupus. In fact, fibromyalgia and chronic | | | | therapy • Heat therapy • Acupuncture • |
| fatigue syndrome are so closely related they are | | | | Mediation • Antidepressants • Anti seizure |
| often misdiagnosed or affect an individual | | | | medication Although controversial, some doctors |
| simultaneously. Common symptoms include: • | | | | believe that fibromyalgia is a psychosomatic condition |
| Aching muscles • Debilitating fatigue • | | | | that exists solely in a patient's head as a result of |
| Depression and/or anxiety • Tenderness, to the | | | | other mental illness. In these cases, cognitive |
| point where being touched is painful • Muscle | | | | behavioral therapy is also considered as a treatment |
| spasms • Stabbing pain • Chronic headaches | | | | strategy. Fibromyalgia often has a significantly |
| • Stiffness in muscles and/or joints • | | | | negative impact on quality of life. Intense pain |
| Abdominal pain • Sleeplessness • Difficulty | | | | becomes a nearly constant presence, resulting not |
| concentrating • Numbness and/or tingling in limbs | | | | only in limitations on physical activity but also an |
| • Incontinence • Irritable bowel syndrome • | | | | inability to work and earn an income. If you are one |
| Extreme sensitivity to temperature changes There is | | | | the estimated 5.8 million people living with fibromyalgia |
| no known cause for fibromyalgia, but research has | | | | and chronic fatigue syndrome, talk to your doctor or |
| revealed several plausible theories. The most popular | | | | alternative health care provider about your options. |
| one suggests it may be due to an irregularity in levels | | | | Whether you choose traditional or homeopathic |
| of serotonin; the neurotransmitter that regulates the | | | | methods, help is out there. |
| mood, sleep and pain signals sent to the brain. Others | | | | |