Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, ME, and Fibromyalgia are very closely related. In fact they are different expressions of the same underlying dysfunction.
Learn about Fibromyalgia Natural Treatment options. Researchers have connected neck and jaw problems. Why this is important for fast relief & maximum recovery?
Others don't understand what you’re going through with fibromyalgia, ME/CFS or POTS? But do you? CFS Unravelled sheds light on your questions
The Evidence: Fibromyalgia may be an autoimmune condition In a paradigm shifting new study, researchers were able to trigger fibromyalgia symptoms in healthy mice by injecting them with blood from …
Fibromyalgia eye problems can become chronic and be debilitating. Learn from Upper Cervical Awareness about Fibromyalgia eye pain and finding relief.
I explain the energy crisis using the bucket analogy in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis and fibromyalgia
Healing takes time and is a course of trial and error. Here are 5 mistakes to avoid in recovery from fibromyalgia and CFS.
Chronic fatigue is a debilitating symptom of Fibromyalgia and CFS. Learn how supplementing with D-Ribose for Fibromyalgia and CFS can help.
FM, or Fibromyalgia and CFS for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may actually be something different. They could be something called Central Sensitization.
When it comes to a chronic health condition like fibromyalgia, the symptoms themselves are difficult enough to deal with. For example, besides the pain, ...
What do we know about the causes of fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that causes pain throughout the whole body. It involves fatigue, memory and concentration problems, sleep issues, and other symptoms. There has been an increase, in recent years, in research on the causes of fibromyalgia. It is thought that a combination of different factors play a role in its development. Doing this research must be difficult. One reason for this would be that a lot of people who have fibromyalgia also have other medical conditions such as thyroid conditions, lupus, other pain disorders or depression. So it would not be easy to decide which symptoms are caused by fibromyalgia or one of the other conditions. Fibromyalgia is thought to be caused by changes in the way that pain messages are processed in the brain. Researchers think this is set off by a combination of genetic factors and physical or emotional stress. Stress Many people feel that their fibromyalgia symptoms developed after a physically or emotionally stressful event. Others feel it was not one specific distressing or traumatic event but long term exposure to stress for many years. Genetics A fibromyalgia gene has not yet been discovered but fibromyalgia does certainly run in some families. Through research certain types of genes have been found to be more common in people who have fibromyalgia than in control groups. These genes play a role in the nervous system's response to pain. Some of the same genes are associated with depression and anxiety, which may be the reason why certain antidepressant medications help reduce fibromyalgia symptoms. Pain processing Many experts agree that fibromyalgia is the result of an abnormality in the central nervous system that increases sensitivity to pain. "Most researchers accept that fibromyalgia is caused by increased sensitivity within the pain-related nervous system. The majority of clinicians — myself included — believe that the condition is “top-down” in that it is driven by a change in the modulating factors of the brain." Dr G. Littlejohn Sleep problems This is a bit of a case of which came first the chicken or the egg because researchers aren’t sure if this is a symptom or a cause of fibromyalgia. Problems getting to sleep and getting into the deepest stages of sleep are common in Fibromyalgia. "Some people who have disorders affecting sleep, such as sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome (RLS), are more likely to have the condition." Healthline People with Fibromyalgia live in the hope that research, into the cause of this condition will enable them to treat it properly and prevent others from getting it. You may also be interested in my other articles on The causes of Fibromyalgia or criteria for diagnosing fibromyalgia
Years after my suffering ended, I made 2 explosive realisation about suffering with ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia. Not even people with ME/CFS or Fibromyalgia realise the extent of the suffering
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of healing which means "science of life and longevity." It is one of the most renowned traditional systems of medicine that has survived and flourished since the 2nd Century BC and yes it does have treatments for fibromyalgia! (scroll down to see these) Ayurveda has its foundations laid by the ancient schools of Hinduism. The information about the healing properties of the herbs was composed in the form of poems, called “Shlokas”. These were used by sages to describe the use of medicinal plants and passed down through oral tradition. IMAGE: From Brief history of ayurveda by Assistant Professor at Govt. Pharmacy College, Sajong East Sikkim Ayurveda places great emphasis on prevention and encourages the maintenance of health through close attention to balance in one’s life, right thinking, diet, lifestyle and the use of herbs. Just as everyone has a unique fingerprint, each person has a particular pattern of energy—an individual combination of physical, mental and emotional characteristics—which comprises their own constitution. This constitution is determined at conception by a number of factors and remains the same throughout one’s life. THE AYURVEDIC INSTITUTE Ayurveda is an ancient and complex system but here are some of the basics explained: The entire universe is composed of 5 elements: Vayu (Air), Jala (Water), Aakash (Space or ether), Prithvi (Earth) and Teja (Fire). These 5 elements form the three basic humors of human body in varying combinations. The three humors; Vata dosha, Pitta dosha and Kapha dosha and these control the basic functions of the body. Vata dosha maintains the cellular transport, electrolyte balance, elimination of waste products and its effect is increased by dryness. (I have only mentioned vata here as it concerns fibromyalgia) FIBROMYALGIA and AYURVEDA In Ayurveda, Fibromyalgia is seen as an imbalance of Vata and accumulated toxins. When Vata is out of balance it creates hypersensitivity that causes tenderness and pain. Vata deals with the nervous system and with movement. The five senses are used to treat conditions in the Ayurvedic system. For fibromyalgia treatment this means warm colours and aromas and foods, calming music, and soothing body activities such as yoga, meditation and massage. The aggravation of Vata dosha and accumulation of Ama (toxins) are the primary causes and should be treated mainly. Associated weak digestion, constipation, and effects of chronic stress should also be tackled. AYURVEDA FOR YOU RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FIBROMYALGIA When treating a Vata disturbance special daily massages are prescribed with specific oils. Meditation,Yoga, especially stretching and Pranayama (breathing exercises) are all recommended for healing and relaxation of the mind. Also certain foods are suggested to eat to re-balance the body such as cooked vegetables and soups and foods to avoid such as tea, coffee and alcohol. Herbs are also recommended such as cumin, ginger, tumeric and garlic. Also recommended to eat are: Coconut water and Coconut milk Carrot, Cucumber, and Beetroot juice Cooked vegetables Green salad with a dressing of lemon juice and a little salt Discover more, in detail, about Ayurvedic Treatment for Fibromyalgia [CFS] from Ayurveda for you See the food guidelines for Vata You might enjoy my recommended online class of Seated Breath-Focused Yoga for Fibromyalgia Class by my friend Melissa. It is a 6 minute video which I personally do sitting in a chair. THANKYOU avidads for the photo of the script
I share all of my top fibromyalgia treatments for 2024 as a long time fibromyalgia fighters and advocate -
See what leading experts and more than 13,000 people with fibromyalgia have to say.
While There Is No Single Fibromyalgia Diet, Making Good Foods Choices Can Improve Your Symptoms. The Foods In This List Are The Perfect Place To Start.
See what leading experts and more than 13,000 people with fibromyalgia have to say.
1. “Imagine the worst sickness, fatigue and pain and your head is in a deep fog where it made you think to go to the hospital. Now imagine feeling like that
The symptoms of fibromyalgia are found in so many other illnesses. That's why diagnosis is problematic. Here are 14 reasons why it may NOT be Fibromyalgia... Fibromyalgia has many, varied and fluctuating symptoms. It should be considered when a patient describes a history of widespread pain, with no evident cause, that lasts three months or more. As well as this chronic musculoskeletal pain, whichaffects the bones, ligaments, muscles, nerves and tendons they have fatigue and sleep problems and stiffness. These symptoms are usually accompanied by a number of other conditions such as sensitivity to chemicals, irritable bowel or restless legs and depression or anxiety. The symptoms can often start, or worsen, during a period of severe psychosocial or physical stress. Fibromyalgia presents a unique medical problem: Its symptoms are so common, that it is both underdiagnosed and misdiagnosed. Because there are no blood tests or scans to easily diagnose it, many physicians have trouble detecting the disorder. It can NOT be easily confirmed or ruled out with a simple blood test. It can't be seen on an X-ray or MRI. Instead, fibromyalgia appears to be linked to changes in how the brain and spinal cord process pain signals. Because there is no test for fibromyalgia, your doctor must rely solely on your group of symptoms to make a diagnosis and rule out other conditions. The key symptoms of fibromyalgia are also commonly found in many other illnesses, and a thorough examination and investigation needs to be undertaken in order to ensure there is not another pathological cause for the symptoms – particularly if there are any ‘red flags’ in the patient’s history suggestive of another serious pathology (Table 1). Table 1. Red flags Older age at new symptom onset Weight loss Night pain Focal pain Fever or sweats Neurological features History of malignancy Doctors need to rule out: arthritis lupus multiple sclerosis chronic fatigue syndrome polymyalgia rheumatica hypothyroidism depression polymyositis hyperparathyroidism adrenal insufficiency myasthenia gravis cushing’s syndrome sjogren's syndrome Infection: chronic viral infection, HIV, hepatitis, Lyme disease So if a doctor asks you about your mood, or skin rashes, or sends you for a blood test of your antibodies or an MRI they are just doing their job. They are ruling out these 14 conditions which have similar symptoms to Fibromyalgia. It is important to do so because these 14 conditions have specific treatments. Symptoms NOT usually found in Fibromyalgia include: arthritis: swelling and redness, loss of motion in joints lupus: butterfly-shaped rash across cheeks and nose, anemia, abnormal blood clotting multiple sclerosis: brain lesions on an MRI chronic fatigue syndrome: profound fatigue that is more intense than pain, sore thoat polymyalgia rheumatica: average age of onset is 70, elevated levels of inflammatory proteins in blood. hypothyroidism: thyroid autoantibodies are common depression: polymyositis: muscle weakness in proximal muscles: upper arms, thighs. hyperparathyroidism: presence of hypercalcemia adrenal insufficiency: severe exhaustion, not typically associated with chronic widespread pain. myasthenia gravis: neurologic signs characteristic of specific disease. cushing’s syndrome: characteristic facial and skin signs of Cushing’s syndrome sjogren's syndrome: dry eyes and dry mouth, presence of anti bodies specific to Sjogren's Infection: chronic viral infection, HIV, hepatitis, Lyme disease Getting a Diagnosis I suggest that you keep a diary of your symptoms. This should make it easier to talk to your doctor or specialist. Especially if you have memory problems, writing things down will provide the doctor with the information that they need to make a correct diagnosis. When you go to a consultation go with: a list of questions a list of current medications a brief medical history including your parents main conditions a list of your symptoms When writing the list of your symptoms try and remember what were your first symptoms and what year they started and then the next symptoms and the year etc. as many doctors ask these questions. More clues for fibromyalgia diagnosis (from MayoClinic) People who have fibromyalgia also often wake up tired, even after they've slept continuously for more than eight hours. Brief periods of physical or mental exertion may leave them exhausted. They may also have problems with short-term memory and the ability to concentrate. If you have these problems, your doctor may ask you to rank how severely they affect your day-to-day activities. Fibromyalgia often coexists with other health problems, so your doctor may also ask if you experience: Irritable bowel syndrome Headaches Jaw pain Anxiety or depression Frequent or painful urination Remember that all ongoing pain should be evaluated. I am saying this because after a while of not getting a diagnosis you may start to question whether the pain is all in your head. Lee Good has 20+ years of experience helping people with chronic illness to understand research information and is recognized as a leader in patient advocacy. She is the WEGO winner, 2018/19 for building the best patient community around Fibromyalgia and editor at Fibro Blogger Directory, which is a community of fibromyalgia bloggers. RESOURCES: Fibromyalgia: Understand the diagnosis process MayoClinic Diagnostic challenges: Australian Family Physician Musculoskeletal Pain: Cleveland Clinic
This recipe is rich in magnesium, a mineral that can help to relieve pain and tenderness in the body.
My top 6 causes for fibromyalgia flares, and what I do to avoid them. #fibromyalgia #fibroflare #chronicillness
You probably know the common fibromyalgia symptoms, but have you ever thought that some of your bizarre symptoms are fibro-related?
It's been over a decade since I developed full-blown, symptomatic fibromyalgia. I had no idea what I was dealing with, least of all any potential fibromyalgia cures.
Learn how to use visualisation to cope with chronic illness, such as Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Discover how this strategy helps.
Losing weight with fibromyalgia can be a struggle, but it does't have to be. This guide will help you navigate a healthy and effective weight loss plan.
How do you know for sure if you have Chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia? Can you manage them both with natural remedies like upper cervical care?
It's time to start talking.
What are the main fibromyalgia symptoms? Anyone living with fibromyalgia will tell you there are so many symptoms. In fact, before I was diagnosed I use to try to remember them all when I went to a new specialist by working through the parts of my body and listing all the symptoms in each part. For example head was scalp pain, blurry vision, tingling in lips and jaw pain and a feeling I could not relax my jaw. As you can see there are a lot of unrelated, unique symptoms and not every person will get all of these and they will not get them all at the same time as the symptoms fluctuate. So here I will be listing the main symptoms that most people get. 18 Tender Points of Fibromyalgia (scroll down for image with more detail) One unique thing about fibromyalgia is the 18 tender points on the body. These are specific locations, in the diagram above, that hurt when pressed. People who do not have fibro only feel pressure, not pain, when touched on these points. These are the main symptoms of Fibromyalgia: Widespread, chronic, muscle pain and tenderness (tender points) · pain in arms, legs, neck, shoulders, back, hips Often with: · Morning stiffness · Headache · Fatigue · Sleep disturbances including insomnia, inconsistent sleep patterns, unrefreshed sleep · Memory problems · Light sensitivity · Dizziness · Numbness/tingling in arms/legs Sometimes also: · Irritable bowel syndrome · Bladder control problems · Depression · Anxiety American College of Rheumatology (ACR) fibromyalgia tender points 1990 classification criteria If you are trying to get a diagnosis of fibromyalgia (FMS) you may want to see the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for diagnosing fibromyalgia. This was endorsed in 2010. Prior to this the tender points were used as a major diagnostic tool. Now that we have the 2010 criteria it does not mean that the tender points have magically gone away. They can still be used as a diagnostic tool but they are only part of what is needed. Here is an excerpt from the ACR. If you are looking for a more in-depth list I suggest you go to MORE INFORMATION ON SYMPTOMS OF FIBROMYALGIA Thanks for dropping in today and if you have just been diagnosed you may want to sign up for my coping tips for living with fibromyalgia. I have been living with fibro for 20 years and have found many helpful ideas to help you reduce the many symptoms you may have.
This recipe is rich in magnesium, a mineral that can help to relieve pain and tenderness in the body.
See what leading experts and more than 13,000 people with fibromyalgia have to say.
Here Is Everything You Should Know About Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia, commonly called fibrositis, is a fairly common condition and one not easily treated by conventional means. Natural methods often work well for fibromyalgia, and some of the methods are set out in this article.
Everyone fancies offering us their grand advice about exactly how we need to manage, or heal from Fibromyalgia, ME/CFS or MCS. Yet even if we
Signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia. Some are common and obvious, others are strange and unexpected.
A new topic on fibromyalgia that has been brought to my attention is adrenal fatigue. I first became aware of it after my husband read an article about it. I have also seen many articles about the topic over social media. With so much talk about adrenal fatigue in a week, I decided to do a little bit of research. I was shocked about what I found and how fibromyalgia and adrenal fatigue are related.
When it comes to a chronic health condition like fibromyalgia, the symptoms themselves are difficult enough to deal with. For example, besides the pain, ...
Healing takes time and is a course of trial and error. Here are 5 mistakes to avoid in recovery from fibromyalgia and CFS.
