| Self help for fibromyalgia is out there and available. | | | | So, to introduce self-help methods to your |
| First off, let's start by defining fibromyalgia. | | | | treatment plan try low-impact aerobic exercises |
| Following a simplified line of thought, we can say | | | | such as walking and swimming. Interestingly, |
| that fibromyalgia is best characterized by chronic | | | | strength training has also shown to be helpful in |
| pain that is felt in the muscles, ligaments and | | | | treating fibromyalgia patients. |
| tendons. | | | | These types of exercises increase muscle and |
| The condition itself is related to arthritis and was | | | | overall body flexibility and strength. These also |
| once thought of as a psychological problem since | | | | help relieve pain and can help patients sleep. Plus, |
| laboratory tests found no indication that there | | | | doctors have successfully tested that heat and |
| was something wrong with individuals who had the | | | | massage offer short-term relief from pain and |
| symptoms of fibromyalgia. | | | | muscle stiffness. The key, however, is |
| However, later studies have verified the existence | | | | moderation. Just like normal exercises, the body |
| of the condition. The fact of the matter is it was | | | | cannot take too much of something. With this in |
| only 14 years ago when the American College of | | | | mind, it is important to work closely with your |
| Rheumatology recognized fibromyalgia and | | | | doctor to determine the type of exercises and |
| legitimized it as a human disorder. | | | | how much you should do. |
| Recent statistics indicate that fibromyalgia affects | | | | Aside from regular exercises, there are a number |
| between 3 - 5 million of the U.S. population. | | | | of natural and self-care techniques that patients |
| Diagnosing the condition is now a formalized | | | | with fibromyalgia can observe for faster |
| process. People who exhibit a history of | | | | recovery. |
| widespread pain on both sides of the body in the | | | | For more natural methods of treating Fibromyalgia |
| upper and lower areas of the waist for at least | | | | and other self-care tips sign up for the free |
| three months, as well as pain in at least 11 of 18 | | | | Fibromyalgia newsletter below. |
| specified tender-point areas are most likely | | | | Patients with fibromyalgia should learn to reduce |
| suffering from fibromyalgia. | | | | stress in their everyday life. This stress can be |
| Modern medicine has already found ways of | | | | either overexertion from day to day activities, or |
| treating fibromyalgia, although there is currently no | | | | emotional stress from family or personal life. It is |
| specific FDA approved fibromyalgia medication. | | | | vital that patients learn to relax and take it easy. |
| However, there are drugs that are prescribed to | | | | The more stressed they become, the more their |
| relieve the pain. Such drugs include aspirin, | | | | condition will worsen. Deep-breathing exercises or |
| ibuprofen and other pain relievers. Antidepressants | | | | meditation can be very effective means to |
| are also commonly prescribed to help relieve | | | | manage or control your stress. |
| depression and may also help with sleep disorders | | | | Another option you might consider is to avoid |
| that often come with having fibromyalgia. Doctors | | | | fatigue. Rest whenever you feel fatigued and |
| also recommend muscle relaxants such as | | | | make sure that you get sufficient sleep everyday. |
| cyclobenzaprine among others. | | | | However, you should limit your daytime naps, and |
| However, the best treatment plan doesn't involve | | | | set up a regular go-to-sleep ritual that relaxes you |
| drugs alone. It is actually a combination of | | | | and helps you prepare for a good night's sleep. |
| exercise, medicine, physical therapy and relaxation | | | | The study also included dietary changes and |
| that helps individuals with fibromyalgia to | | | | you've no doubt heard often about the |
| overcome the condition. | | | | importance of a healthy diet, and it has never |
| A study that was carried out on 84 fibromyalgia | | | | been truer than with fibromyalgia. Be sure to eat |
| sufferers, where half the group where given | | | | plenty of fruits and vegetables, and other |
| normal medications and the other half followed a | | | | nutritious foods. Drink plenty of water and stay |
| self-help program instead. This involved swimming, | | | | away from processed, fast or fried foods. Also |
| exercise, relaxation techniques and small | | | | now is the time to give up smoking and possibly |
| modifications in diet. | | | | also alcohol. Live a healthy life and go out and play |
| The self-help group reported the most positive | | | | and feel happy, satisfied and fulfilled. Having a |
| benefits, feeling less fatigue, depression and | | | | positive predisposition in life also has an effect on |
| anxiety alone with added boost of more energy. | | | | your health. |
| The first group who followed the medical | | | | Self help for fibromyalgia is very much available, |
| treatments reported no difference in their | | | | and accessible if you start putting some of these |
| condition at the end of the trial. | | | | simple steps into practice. |