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Fibromyalgia is Real
Posted on May 21, 2012 by
Alternative Therapies for Fibromyalgia by Mike Leuthen
Posted on May 21, 2012 by
People seek alternative therapies for fibromyalgia for many reasons: a desire to avoid numerous prescription medications, the ineffectiveness of prescription medications, the number of unwanted side effects associated with them, or a desire for a more natural therapy for fibromyalgia are just a few.
On this page, we look at some of the currently available alternative therapies for fibromyalgia and some of the natural products that have helped some patients obtain relief.
But before we do that, we will first cover conventional treatment for fibromyalgia.
These typically include sleep medications, muscle relaxers and pain relievers. Doctors may also prescribe anti-depressants, anticonvulsants and/or reuptake inhibitors. It is not uncommon to see reports of patients that take ten or more different prescription medications.
And despite all of this, people search for alternative therapies for fibromyalgia and grasp at anything that may give them relief.
Acupuncture and hypnosis are being studied as natural therapies for fibromyalgia relief. Scientists are doing research in an effort to learn why acupuncture is an effective natural therapy for fibromyalgia for some people.
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves placing very thin needles in the skin at certain points throughout the body. Acupressure is a similar technique that does not involve needles, but applying pressure to those same points. It is sometimes recommended as one of the alternative therapies for fibromyalgia, because doctors do not understand exactly what causes the widespread daily pain that is the most common symptom of fibromyalgia.
And since conventional medications are often ineffective, may be addictive, and can cause numerous unwanted side effects, even doctors look to less conventional methods of treatment for the condition. As a natural therapy for fibromyalgia, acupuncture has been effective for some people and may be worth a try.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy and pain management therapy are sometimes used as alternative treatments for fibromyalgia.
Rather than relieving the pain, these therapies focus on coping with the pain, learning to relax the muscles, reduce stress and avoid negative thinking patterns that may make the perception of the pain greater than it actually is. These alternative treatments for fibromyalgia focus on the mind-body connection and, in particular, how the mind can affect the body. Cognitive-behavioral and pain management therapies have been effective for some people.
Massage and chiropractic therapy are sometimes used as alternative treatments for fibromyalgia. Many people think of chiropractors as back doctors but, in actuality, misalignment of the vertebra may press on nerves and cause pain in other parts of the body, so chiropractic therapy has become a highly recommended form of treatment for all types of chronic pain and may be an effective natural therapy for fibromyalgia.
The effectiveness of massage as a natural therapy for fibromyalgia is questionable. Some patients report that deep muscle massage is actually uncomfortable and increases pain.
Yoga, meditation, prayer and biofeedback have all been used for alternative therapies for fibromyalgia with varying degrees of relief reported. Yoga, swimming and other forms of regular, low-impact physical exercise may accomplish several things as a part of natural therapy for fibromyalgia.
First, regular exercise increases muscular strength and endurance. Second, endorphins released by the brain during exercise are natural pain relievers and mood enhancers. And third, physical activity increases blood flow and oxygen supplies to the muscles. A lack of oxygen in the muscles is believed by some to be one of the causes of fibromyalgia pain.
As natural therapy for fibromyalgia, many people have tried herbs, botanicals and vitamin supplements. Proper nutrition is also important in good health. Unfortunately, chronic pain often leads to depression in many people and, subsequently, they forget or don’t care about eating right and taking care of themselves.
Some of the vitamins and minerals that may be considered as alternative therapies for fibromyalgia include B-complex, omega-3 and 6 fatty acids. These recommendations are related to enhancing energy, mood and healthy joint function.
Sam-E is sometimes recommended as a natural therapy for fibromyalgia, but Sam-E can have unwanted side effects and should be used with care, as should St. John’s wort and kava for depression relief. None of these herbal, botanical and vitamin supplements which are sometimes recommended as alternative therapies for fibromyalgia can relieve pain, but there is one botanical product which often can.
The mangosteen is a fruit that grows only in areas of Southeast and Central Asia and was used traditionally by native peoples in these areas to treat a number of conditions including pain.
Laboratory studies and chemical evaluation has shown that the mangosteen contain analgesics, anti-inflammatory agents and Cox-2 inhibitors, all of which are pain relievers.
Many people who have tried mangosteen supplements or juice as a natural therapy for fibromyalgia have reported amazing results. Of the many alternative therapies for fibromyalgia, mangosteen is one of the few that can address many different symptoms, not only pain, but also depression, fatigue, sleeping problems and lack of energy.
Mike Leuthen is chief editor of [http://www.restore-your-health.com], a free resource covering health conditions A to Z. Please visit us for more information on how to alleviate fibromyalgia.
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Healing Fibromyalgia with Natural Medicine
Posted on May 20, 2012 by
A Guide To Fibromyalgia Symptoms And Alternative Treatments by Mike Leuthen
Posted on May 20, 2012 by
Fibromyalgia Symptoms…
If you have ever known anyone who had fibromyalgia syndrome, you may have thought that it was “all in their head”. For many years people who suffered from fibromyalgia syndrome had to deal with a relative lack of understanding by the medical community, friends and family, as if suffering from the fibromyalgia symptoms themselves weren’t bad enough.
Finally in 1990, the American College of Rheumatology established guidelines for diagnosing fibromyalgia and it is now estimated that as many as 5 million Americans or 2% of the population are affected. But, even though diagnosing fibromyalgia may be easier, it is still very difficult to treat.
Fibromyalgia symptoms that are used for diagnosing the syndrome include widespread pain on both sides of the body and above and below the hip, which has been present for at least three months.
While blood tests may be performed to rule out other diseases, the test typically used to make the diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome involves applying pressure to “tender point” sites throughout the body. If the patient feels pain in at least 11 of the 18 different tender-point sites and, as previously mentioned, the patient has a history of widespread pain, then the diagnosis of fibromyalgia is made.
Although pain is the most common symptom and the one used for diagnosis, those who suffer from fibromyalgia often experience other problems as well. These may include irritable bowel syndrome, fatigue, sleep disturbances, headaches (including migraines), and heightened sensitivity to odors, bright lights, noise and touch.
Other symptoms that may be present in fibromyalgia syndrome include depression, anxiety, dizziness, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, chest pain, irritable bladder, dry skin, eyes and mouth. It is the combination of symptoms that may be present in fibromyalgia syndrome that make treatment so difficult.
One woman from Atlanta, GA reported taking 13 different prescription medications to relieve her fibromyalgia symptoms and apparently this is not uncommon. This is because doctors do not know what causes fibromyalgia; therefore, they may feel as if they have little choice but to prescribe an array of different drugs to treat different fibromyalgia symptoms.
So, they prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to treat the pain, anti-depressants for depression, anxiety and mood changes, sleep aids for sleep disturbance, and so on.
Another woman, this one from Montana, was taking 2200 mg of ibuprofen (a commonly used anti-inflammatory) every day to control her fibromyalgia symptoms and still suffered from fatigue and sleep disturbances. 2200 mg is eleven regular strength tablets.
That much ibuprofen taken on a regular basis could cause ulcers, bleeding in the stomach and/or digestive tract, liver damage and a variety of “less” serious side effects that are similar to fibromyalgia symptoms, for which the ibuprofen was originally prescribed. These less serious — though still highly unpleasant — side effects include dizziness, muscle pain and cramping, depression, irritable bowel, fatigue and dry mouth.
Because fibromyalgia is so difficult to treat, people who suffer from the condition often seek alternatives. Both of the previously mentioned women were able to get relief from their fibromyalgia symptoms and reduce or eliminate prescription medications entirely by using a product made from the mangosteen.
The mangosteen is a fruit — sometimes referred to as “Queen of Fruits” — that grows in the rainforests of Southeast Asia and contains more natural pain killing and life enhancing phyto-chemicals than anything previously known.
Dr. J. Frederic Templeton, M.D., says:
“The mangosteen’s benefits spans a wide range of effects: anti-inflammatory…anti-microbial…anti-tumor…anti-aging, anti-fatigue…anti-atherosclerotic, antihistamine and the list goes on!”
Another practitioner, Dr. Jim Duke lists phyto-chemicals that are analgesic, anti-inflammatory and Cox-2 inhibiting, any one of which could address the pain of fibromyalgia syndrome. He goes on to list components which are anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, anti-diarrhea, anti-fatigue, anti-vertigo (dizziness), all of which may help specific fibromyalgia symptoms.
Although no clinical studies have yet proven that mangosteen can relieve fibromyalgia symptoms, there is a strong degree of anecdotal evidence.
Dr. Templeman, M.D. states: “Although no other intervention has ever helped even 45% of my patients, in my experience, mangosteen can bring relief, either partial or complete, to over 60% of sufferers.” By sufferers, of course, he means those afflicted with fibromyalgia.
Laboratory research concerning the components of the mangosteen has proven that Cox-2 inhibitors are present, anti-inflammatory agents are present, anti-oxidants — which many scientists believe play anti-aging and anti-fatigue roles — are present.
All of the phyto-chemicals listed by Dr. Duke have been isolated and identified. The anti-oxidants in mangosteen are so powerful that they are called Xanthones, and more of these are being found every day, as scientists continue to do research.
In fact, according to PubMed, a service of the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, Xanthones are the subject of over 1,000 different studies!
Even though are some other natural remedies promoted for fibromyalgia syndrome, it seems their effectiveness for the relief of fibromyalgia symptoms is sketchy at best.
And, the truth of the matter is, even mangosteen may not work for you, but if you suffer from numerous fibromyalgia symptoms, it seems well worth a try.
Mike Leuthen is chief editor of [http://www.restore-your-health.com], a free comprehensive resource of health conditions A to Z. Visit us on the web.
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Filed under: Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Healing Fibromyalgia with Natural Medicine
Posted on May 20, 2012 by
A Guide To Fibromyalgia Symptoms And Alternative Treatments by Mike Leuthen
Posted on May 20, 2012 by
Fibromyalgia Symptoms…
If you have ever known anyone who had fibromyalgia syndrome, you may have thought that it was “all in their head”. For many years people who suffered from fibromyalgia syndrome had to deal with a relative lack of understanding by the medical community, friends and family, as if suffering from the fibromyalgia symptoms themselves weren’t bad enough.
Finally in 1990, the American College of Rheumatology established guidelines for diagnosing fibromyalgia and it is now estimated that as many as 5 million Americans or 2% of the population are affected. But, even though diagnosing fibromyalgia may be easier, it is still very difficult to treat.
Fibromyalgia symptoms that are used for diagnosing the syndrome include widespread pain on both sides of the body and above and below the hip, which has been present for at least three months.
While blood tests may be performed to rule out other diseases, the test typically used to make the diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome involves applying pressure to “tender point” sites throughout the body. If the patient feels pain in at least 11 of the 18 different tender-point sites and, as previously mentioned, the patient has a history of widespread pain, then the diagnosis of fibromyalgia is made.
Although pain is the most common symptom and the one used for diagnosis, those who suffer from fibromyalgia often experience other problems as well. These may include irritable bowel syndrome, fatigue, sleep disturbances, headaches (including migraines), and heightened sensitivity to odors, bright lights, noise and touch.
Other symptoms that may be present in fibromyalgia syndrome include depression, anxiety, dizziness, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, chest pain, irritable bladder, dry skin, eyes and mouth. It is the combination of symptoms that may be present in fibromyalgia syndrome that make treatment so difficult.
One woman from Atlanta, GA reported taking 13 different prescription medications to relieve her fibromyalgia symptoms and apparently this is not uncommon. This is because doctors do not know what causes fibromyalgia; therefore, they may feel as if they have little choice but to prescribe an array of different drugs to treat different fibromyalgia symptoms.
So, they prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to treat the pain, anti-depressants for depression, anxiety and mood changes, sleep aids for sleep disturbance, and so on.
Another woman, this one from Montana, was taking 2200 mg of ibuprofen (a commonly used anti-inflammatory) every day to control her fibromyalgia symptoms and still suffered from fatigue and sleep disturbances. 2200 mg is eleven regular strength tablets.
That much ibuprofen taken on a regular basis could cause ulcers, bleeding in the stomach and/or digestive tract, liver damage and a variety of “less” serious side effects that are similar to fibromyalgia symptoms, for which the ibuprofen was originally prescribed. These less serious — though still highly unpleasant — side effects include dizziness, muscle pain and cramping, depression, irritable bowel, fatigue and dry mouth.
Because fibromyalgia is so difficult to treat, people who suffer from the condition often seek alternatives. Both of the previously mentioned women were able to get relief from their fibromyalgia symptoms and reduce or eliminate prescription medications entirely by using a product made from the mangosteen.
The mangosteen is a fruit — sometimes referred to as “Queen of Fruits” — that grows in the rainforests of Southeast Asia and contains more natural pain killing and life enhancing phyto-chemicals than anything previously known.
Dr. J. Frederic Templeton, M.D., says:
“The mangosteen’s benefits spans a wide range of effects: anti-inflammatory…anti-microbial…anti-tumor…anti-aging, anti-fatigue…anti-atherosclerotic, antihistamine and the list goes on!”
Another practitioner, Dr. Jim Duke lists phyto-chemicals that are analgesic, anti-inflammatory and Cox-2 inhibiting, any one of which could address the pain of fibromyalgia syndrome. He goes on to list components which are anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, anti-diarrhea, anti-fatigue, anti-vertigo (dizziness), all of which may help specific fibromyalgia symptoms.
Although no clinical studies have yet proven that mangosteen can relieve fibromyalgia symptoms, there is a strong degree of anecdotal evidence.
Dr. Templeman, M.D. states: “Although no other intervention has ever helped even 45% of my patients, in my experience, mangosteen can bring relief, either partial or complete, to over 60% of sufferers.” By sufferers, of course, he means those afflicted with fibromyalgia.
Laboratory research concerning the components of the mangosteen has proven that Cox-2 inhibitors are present, anti-inflammatory agents are present, anti-oxidants — which many scientists believe play anti-aging and anti-fatigue roles — are present.
All of the phyto-chemicals listed by Dr. Duke have been isolated and identified. The anti-oxidants in mangosteen are so powerful that they are called Xanthones, and more of these are being found every day, as scientists continue to do research.
In fact, according to PubMed, a service of the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, Xanthones are the subject of over 1,000 different studies!
Even though are some other natural remedies promoted for fibromyalgia syndrome, it seems their effectiveness for the relief of fibromyalgia symptoms is sketchy at best.
And, the truth of the matter is, even mangosteen may not work for you, but if you suffer from numerous fibromyalgia symptoms, it seems well worth a try.
Mike Leuthen is chief editor of [http://www.restore-your-health.com], a free comprehensive resource of health conditions A to Z. Visit us on the web.
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Filed under: Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Various Possible Causes of Fibromyalgia by Groshan Fabiola
Posted on May 19, 2012 by
later spreading into other body regions (mid-back, arms, spine, lower back and thighs). Although people who suffer from the disorder claim that they permanently feel some degree of pain in the muscles and joints, the symptoms generated by fibromyalgia are usually episodic, occurring in “flares”.
Apart from pain and fatigue, people affected by fibromyalgia may also experience physical weakness, increased nervous excitability, migraines, short-term memory loss, poor concentration, anxiety, depression and confusion. The problem with the symptoms of fibromyalgia is that they can’t usually be revealed by medical examinations. In the absence of any physical traces, most physicians are tempted to label people with fibromyalgia as “hypochondriacs”, disregarding the neurological nature of the disorder. However, various experiments conducted in the past have found similarities in all people with fibromyalgia, and elaborate medical examinations can reveal neurological dysfunctions in people affected by the disorder.
Fibromyalgia is a complex phenomenon and medical scientists believe that there are multiple factors responsible for causing it. Studies in the field have suggested that people with the disorder perceive external stimuli at abnormally high intensities, as a consequence of neurological dysfunctions. Recently conducted experiments have revealed that some of the people with fibromyalgia show clear signs of allodynia (hyperactive brain response to otherwise normal stimuli), while others show clear signs of hyperalgesia (abnormally high sensitivity to pain stimuli). These findings are very important in revealing the actual causes of fibromyalgia and they have also proved that the disorder has a clear medical basis.
Sleep disorders are also suspected to be causes of fibromyalgia. Statistics indicate that more than 95 percent of people with fibromyalgia suffer from sleep apnea or insomnia. Until recently, scientists believed that sleep disorders were the consequence of fibromyalgia but it now turns out to be the other way around. The majority of people affected by fibromyalgia recall having trouble sleeping long before they have first experienced muscular pain and weakness. Hence, medical scientists believe that fibromyalgia occurs on the premises of inappropriate sleeping patterns, and they state that anyone with sleeping problems is very exposed to developing neurological disorders.
Scientists explain that certain neurotransmitters such as serotonin (a substance that regulates the intensity of pain signals sent to the brain), are produced during sleep and people with fibromyalgia have a deficit of these hormones due to sleep abnormalities. Thus, the treatment for fibromyalgia should be firstly aimed at overcoming patients’ sleeping problems.
Another cause of fibromyalgia appears to be poor muscle oxygenation. Medical scientists claim that inappropriate oxygenation of the muscles is a plausible explanation for symptoms such as muscular weakness and stiffness, similar to the manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis. Although medical scientists haven’t yet unveiled the factors that prevent the oxygenation of the muscles, future research might provide medicine with an answer to the puzzle.
If you want to find out more information about Fibromyalgia [http://www.fibromyalgia-info-center.com/] please visit this website. You will also find valuable information about Fibromyalgia diet [http://www.fibromyalgia-info-center.com/fibromyalgia-diet.htm] and Fibromyalgia alternative therapies [http://www.fibromyalgia-info-center.com/fibromyalgia-alternative-therapies.htm].
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Filed under: Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Various Possible Causes of Fibromyalgia by Groshan Fabiola
Posted on May 19, 2012 by
later spreading into other body regions (mid-back, arms, spine, lower back and thighs). Although people who suffer from the disorder claim that they permanently feel some degree of pain in the muscles and joints, the symptoms generated by fibromyalgia are usually episodic, occurring in “flares”.
Apart from pain and fatigue, people affected by fibromyalgia may also experience physical weakness, increased nervous excitability, migraines, short-term memory loss, poor concentration, anxiety, depression and confusion. The problem with the symptoms of fibromyalgia is that they can’t usually be revealed by medical examinations. In the absence of any physical traces, most physicians are tempted to label people with fibromyalgia as “hypochondriacs”, disregarding the neurological nature of the disorder. However, various experiments conducted in the past have found similarities in all people with fibromyalgia, and elaborate medical examinations can reveal neurological dysfunctions in people affected by the disorder.
Fibromyalgia is a complex phenomenon and medical scientists believe that there are multiple factors responsible for causing it. Studies in the field have suggested that people with the disorder perceive external stimuli at abnormally high intensities, as a consequence of neurological dysfunctions. Recently conducted experiments have revealed that some of the people with fibromyalgia show clear signs of allodynia (hyperactive brain response to otherwise normal stimuli), while others show clear signs of hyperalgesia (abnormally high sensitivity to pain stimuli). These findings are very important in revealing the actual causes of fibromyalgia and they have also proved that the disorder has a clear medical basis.
Sleep disorders are also suspected to be causes of fibromyalgia. Statistics indicate that more than 95 percent of people with fibromyalgia suffer from sleep apnea or insomnia. Until recently, scientists believed that sleep disorders were the consequence of fibromyalgia but it now turns out to be the other way around. The majority of people affected by fibromyalgia recall having trouble sleeping long before they have first experienced muscular pain and weakness. Hence, medical scientists believe that fibromyalgia occurs on the premises of inappropriate sleeping patterns, and they state that anyone with sleeping problems is very exposed to developing neurological disorders.
Scientists explain that certain neurotransmitters such as serotonin (a substance that regulates the intensity of pain signals sent to the brain), are produced during sleep and people with fibromyalgia have a deficit of these hormones due to sleep abnormalities. Thus, the treatment for fibromyalgia should be firstly aimed at overcoming patients’ sleeping problems.
Another cause of fibromyalgia appears to be poor muscle oxygenation. Medical scientists claim that inappropriate oxygenation of the muscles is a plausible explanation for symptoms such as muscular weakness and stiffness, similar to the manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis. Although medical scientists haven’t yet unveiled the factors that prevent the oxygenation of the muscles, future research might provide medicine with an answer to the puzzle.
If you want to find out more information about Fibromyalgia [http://www.fibromyalgia-info-center.com/] please visit this website. You will also find valuable information about Fibromyalgia diet [http://www.fibromyalgia-info-center.com/fibromyalgia-diet.htm] and Fibromyalgia alternative therapies [http://www.fibromyalgia-info-center.com/fibromyalgia-alternative-therapies.htm].
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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