Fibromyalgia affects one in 50 people in the United States, and it affects women more frequently than men. This chronic disorder is characterized by pain all over the body, but mostly in the muscles. According to the American College of Rheumatology, a person has fibromyalgia if he or she has a history of widespread, allover pain of at least three months' duration and abnormal pain sensitivity in at least 11 of 18 specific sites on the body that are called "tender points." Tender points are areas of the body that are painful when pressed. Other signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia are severe headaches, digestive disturbance, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, jaw pain, tingling or cramping in the arms and legs, and fatigue.

What Causes Fibromyalgia?

Doctors don't know what causes fibromyalgia, and there are no laboratory tests or X-rays that can diagnose this chronic pain syndrome. However, many researchers agree that different factors, in combination, contribute to this. Infection, physical and emotional trauma, hormonal changes, stress, and depression are often associated with this condition. Some experts also believe there's a link between sleep problems and fibromyalgia.

How Is Fibromyalgia Treated?

After a thorough history and physical examination, your doctor can make a treatment plan that meets your specific needs. Treating the cause of other conditions related to fibromyalgia is an important place to start. You need to ask yourself what's causing your digestive troubles, fatigue, changes, or even pain.

Managing Fibromyalgia

Medication may be taken for pain, depression, and stress but may sometimes cause side effects. Studies show certain aerobic exercises give people with fibromyalgia an improved sense of well being, increase endurance, and decrease pain. Massage, Pilates, stretching, isometric exercises, and low impact aerobics such as walking, biking, and swimming are recommended.

Changing your diet is also very beneficial. It's important to avoid processed food and refined sugar. Fresh fruits and vegetables provide your body with nutrients needed to improve your overall health and well being. Avoiding hydrogenated oils found in margarine, shortening, and many processed foods is also very important. Stimulants such as caffeine, sugar, and alcohol may aggravate symptoms associated with fibromyalgia as well. Vitamins such as C and E are important because they carry oxygen to your cells and muscles and are necessary for tissue repair. Magnesium is also needed for cellular respiration and to relax all forms of muscles. By treating underlying nutritional deficiencies, you may find your symptoms and health may improve. There are also herbal supplements that can help with digestion, hormone balancing, pain, and inflammation, but you should speak with an experienced health care professional before taking these.

A recent study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiologic Therapeutics stated more than 60 percent of participants with fibromyalgia who underwent 30 chiropractic treatments showed significant reductions in pain intensity and improvement in overall fatigue and quality of sleep. Whichever treatment you choose, it's important for you and your doctor to take a comprehensive approach to reduce pain and improve whole body health.

You must take an active role in managing your fibromyalgia by exercising regularly, practicing stress management techniques, and providing your body with the proper nutrition to function at its peak. TPW