Post Directory

Because of the way that Blogger indexes the blog, I thought it would be easier to include links to my latest post in order. I hope this makes my Fibromialgia pages easier to navigate, Dustin

A brief introduction to my Fibromyalgia cure!
What is Fibromyalgia?
Rebalance Your Fibromyalgia
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia Tender Point Chart

A brief introduction to my Fibromyalgia cure!

The subject of fibromyalgia is very dear to me. My mom has been suffering from this god awful disease for over 20 years. Recently I started studying naturopathy to see if I can find a better way. Depending on who you are reading, naturopathy is "the only true medicine" to some and "quack medicine" to others. Personally, I think that there is a happy medium. I have been studying fibromyalgia, intensively for the last few years. Since the subject is so vast and misunderstood. I will just leave you a synopsis of each area that I believe is pertinent. My aim is to keep this information and is easy to follow as possible and from a single viewpoint to alleviate confusion. I hope this information helps you or anyone that you know, in the quest of finding relief from fibromyalgia. If you have any questions or have any other information that you believe may be helpful, please post a comment, and I will reply as soon as possible. Thanks, Dustin.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is very misunderstood. Medical professionals cannot even settle on a classification. I have read some medical journals that classify fibromyalgia as a disease, while some still classify it as a syndrome. To keep things simple, I will just use disorder.

Fibromyalgia is more of a term than a classification to widespread muscular pain that is chronic and has no obvious cause the pain is usually a burning or throbbing sensation, leaving the muscles and joints achy and stiff. Its predominant symptom is pain in the fibrous tissues, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, among other symptoms that may be experienced. The pain from fibromyalgia alone can be so severe that it can render people completely disabled. The worst part is that it can be complicated by, or magnify, symptoms of other diseases. One example of this is chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Even though they are different, they are closely linked and sufferers from each experience symptoms similar to either. Other conditions that may be present include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), premenstrual syndrome, palpations, and temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ).

There is much needed information that at this time is just not known. There is ongoing research being conducted so hopefully we will have a better understanding soon. In the United States, it is estimated that 3 to 6 million people are affected with this disorder. Reports show that the vast majority of the sufferers are women between the ages of 25 and 45. Even though this may be somewhat accurate, I would by no means consider this conclusive. Considering inadequate testing due to high health care costs, and men naturally not wanting to go to the doctor, we have no way of knowing how many people are truly affected.

Rebalance Your Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia, along with CFS, currently has no one cause that is agreed upon. Many factors usually combine the varying components of fibromyalgia. One common problem with this disorder is interrupted sleep. Even though most sufferers find it difficult, the length and quality of sleep must be improved for long-term success. Another common problem is hormone imbalance, particularly, low thyroid function, including imbalances in the estrogen/progesterone, as well as DHEA and cortisol, which are stress hormones. Since you have fibromyalgia, your body is very toxic. One of the first things that you should do to help cleanse yourself is to improve your digestive function and begin detoxification. Another charming factor that comes along with a weakened digestive system is leaky gut syndrome and Candida overgrowth, as well as general dysbiosis. Another factor is chronic infections that include viruses. Another contributor to some people is food allergies, especially lactose intolerance, sugar, and wheat. Nutritional deficiencies are also very, including magnesium, B vitamins, coenzyme Q 10, L-carnitine, among others. A brain chemistry imbalance affects many people with fibromyalgia. There are natural remedies that can help balance serotonin and other neurotransmitters that can help with a person's mood. And even less in muscular pain. Getting back to your body being toxic, including elements such as lead, arsenic, mercury, and others interfere with the normal enzyme and cell function in your body. In addition to toxic elements, natural imbalances such as blood sugar can worsen inflammation and pain. Many victims of fibromyalgia symptoms, are trauma induced, such as from an auto accident. Physical therapy can address structural abnormalities if this is the case. Other treatments that can help reduce pain include osteopathic, chiropractic, physiotherapy, and sometimes massage depending on if you are able to be touched.

In summary, all of these imbalances can affect how the cells produce energy. Mitochondria, "energy-producing plant" of the cells, produce efficient energy for the cells of the body. A shortage of energy for the muscle cells and other tissues, causing pain and fatigue, are a direct result of mitochondrial metabolism defects. Energy is created by organic acids required by mitochondria and is often imbalanced, if you have fibromyalgia, according to some researchers. To correct the problems, you must address the root causes and not just the symptoms. Fortunately, research has shown that a comprehensive natural approach is very effective in greatly improving pain and imbalance, and even eliminating it!

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Trigger-point pain at characteristic locations is the defining symptom of fibromyalgia. The most commonly affected locations are on the nape of the neck, the neck itself, shoulders, trunk, low back, and thighs.

For a diagnosis of fibromyalgia to be made, two factors must be present: the first is unexplained pain that last at least three months that is widespread. The second is pain, in at least 11 of the 18 tender points when gentle pressure is applied. In my next post, I will include a Tender Point Chart.

There are many other symptoms that may coexist alongside the pain, including:

• fatigue
• sleep disturbances
• irritable bowl syndrome
• anxiety
• depression
• concentration difficulty
• memory problems
• dizziness
• premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• heart palpitations
• headaches
• temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ)
• and other odd sensations like tingling of the skin

Fibromyalgia Tender Point Chart

Tender Points in Fibromyalgia

These tender places occur symmetrically on both sides of the body:

• A. at the base of the skull beside the spinal column;


• B. at the base of the neck in the back;


• C. on the top of the shoulder toward the back;


• D. on the breastbone;


• E. on the outer edge of the forearm about 2 cm below the elbow;


• F. over the shoulder blade;


• G. at the top of the hip;


• H. on the outside of the hip; and


• I. on the fat pad over the knee.
  

To get a formal diagnosis of fibromyalgia, your doctor must find at least 11 of these 18 tender points. However, what is tender on one day may not be on another. Therefore, if you have some number less than 11 but meet the other criteria for fibromyalgia (widespread pain, muscular stiffness, and difficulty getting restful sleep) you would do well to follow a good regimen for managing fibromyalgia even though you don't have all the required tender points.