Fibromyalgia
About Fibromyalgia
Around 1 in 25 of the UK population has fibromyalgia. It is long-term condition with many different signs and symptoms. As sufferers will know it can involve aches and pains all over the body, chronic fatigue, insomnia or frequently disturbed sleep. Unsurprisingly, this can lead to mental agility impairment and emotional distress.
Unfortunately, at this time there is no known physical or inflammatory cause of fibromyalgia. This said, predisposing factors for the condition can, but not always, include female gender, anxiety, trauma and viral infection (Clauw 2009).
Pain
In fibromyalgia, lower pain thresholds are often reported. Obviously pain is a highly subjective area but The American College of Rheumatology has come up a criteria for diagnosing pain. This criteria being widespread pain lasting at least 3 months, affecting both sides of the body, above and below the waist. In addition, the criteria also measures pain at 11 or more of 18 designated possible tender points, when a pre-determined level of force is exerted at each point (Wolfe 1990).
Treatment
Because there is no known cause, it is difficult to treat fibromyalgia.
Conventional treatments offered by the NHS include cognitive behavioural therapy, such as those offered by Kate Morris-Bates and Ruth Dive, and medication. Sufferers often take prescribed medication such as simple analgesics or NSAIDs, tramadol, antidepressants and antiepileptics.
Complementary Therapy
Whilst there is no treatment to cure this condition, there are however, therapeutic interventions which firstly aim to reduce symptoms. Secondly, they aim to improve everyday functioning. And thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, they also aim to help patients cope with living with the condition.
Unsurprisingly, people with pain-related illnesses such as fibromyalgia often look for alternative treatments to find relief and rest. Complementary medicine, might be helpful when combined with medication and other conventional treatments.
Acupuncture
Studies indicate that acupuncture may change your brain chemistry so you have a higher pain tolerance. One session might ease pain for weeks
Stimulation of certain acupuncture points has been shown to affect areas of the brain that are known to reduce sensitivity to pain and stress, as well as promoting relaxation and deactivating the ‘analytical’ brain, which is responsible for anxiety (Wu 1999).
British Acupuncture Council
Chiropractic
People use it to treat pain at pressure points, in their back, neck, shoulders, and other joints, and from headaches and injuries. It may make you hurt less and help you move your neck and lower back.
Chiropractors use gentle pressure or stretching, multiple gentle movements of one area, or specific quick thrusts to help return bones (often in your spine) to a more normal position or to move as they should. These adjustments can help your body work better mechanically and help nerve signals travel more easily.
Massage
Massage is one of the complementary therapies most highly rated by fibromyalgia sufferers. Masssage may help ease pain, boost your mood, and lessen the need for pain medicines so you can feel and live better.
Reflexology
In modern reflexology, the foot is divided into 12 pressure zones. Reflexology stimulates nerves in the body to encourage blood flow. Because of this, reflexology is thought to prevent and stop pain.
Reflexologists claim to treat many ailments, particularly those associated with pain and inflammation. Practicing these techniques may help with stress, fibromyalgia, chronic bowel diseases, muscle pain, and even difficulty breathing due to tight muscles. It may also promote a sense of well-being and good overall health.
Meditation
When you meditate, your body switches from an alert “fight or flight” readiness to a calmer, more peaceful mood. Studies show that the practice produces brain waves associated with serenity and happiness.
Meditation gives you a break from daily stresses and can put you in touch with your spiritual side. It may help you feel more focused and less distracted.
Reiki
Some small studies have been conducted to determine the effectiveness of Reiki. They suggest that patients may use Reiki to find relief from not only the physical aspects of chronic pain, but also the anxiety that often comes with it.
According to an article from the University of Minnesota, several studies found that Reiki treatments seem to relax patients, reduce fatigue and depression, and strengthen a person’s overall sense of wellbeing.
More Information
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