| The symptoms of fibromyalgia are very similar to | | | | Treatment for fibromyalgia can be problematic |
| other diseases, including Lyme disease, multiple | | | | because the symptoms are so varied and |
| sclerosis, and lupus. In fact, fibromyalgia and | | | | widespread. Some patients have found relief |
| chronic fatigue syndrome are so closely related | | | | through:o Physical therapyo Heat therapyo |
| they are often misdiagnosed or affect an | | | | Acupunctureo Mediationo Antidepressantso Anti |
| individual simultaneously. Common symptoms | | | | seizure medication |
| include:o Aching muscleso Debilitating fatigueo | | | | Although controversial, some doctors believe that |
| Depression and/or anxietyo Tenderness, to the | | | | fibromyalgia is a psychosomatic condition that |
| point where being touched is painfulo Muscle | | | | exists solely in a patient's head as a result of |
| spasmso Stabbing paino Chronic headacheso | | | | other mental illness. In these cases, cognitive |
| Stiffness in muscles and/or jointso Abdominal | | | | behavioral therapy is also considered as a |
| paino Sleeplessnesso Difficulty concentratingo | | | | treatment strategy. |
| Numbness and/or tingling in limbso Incontinenceo | | | | Fibromyalgia often has a significantly negative |
| Irritable bowel syndromeo Extreme sensitivity to | | | | impact on quality of life. Intense pain becomes a |
| temperature changes | | | | nearly constant presence, resulting not only in |
| There is no known cause for fibromyalgia, but | | | | limitations on physical activity but also an inability |
| research has revealed several plausible theories. | | | | to work and earn an income. If you are one the |
| The most popular one suggests it may be due to | | | | estimated 5.8 million people living with fibromyalgia |
| an irregularity in levels of serotonin; the | | | | and chronic fatigue syndrome, talk to your doctor |
| neurotransmitter that regulates the mood, sleep | | | | or alternative health care provider about your |
| and pain signals sent to the brain. Others conclude | | | | options. Whether you choose traditional or |
| a possible connection with psychological factors | | | | homeopathic methods, help is out there. |
| such as stress and depression. | | | | |