| Fibromyalgia is also know as "chronic fatigue | | | | for relief from the chronic pain associated with it. |
| syndrome". CFS is also called "Epstein-Barr | | | | In the meantime, medical scientists continue to |
| Syndrome". Although fibromyalgia and Epstein-Barr | | | | search for answers about this mysterious disease. |
| have since been diagnosed and recognized as two | | | | With symptomatic treatment, along with some |
| different illnesses, the CFS name is still attached | | | | possible and achievable lifestyle adjustments, one |
| to both. We will cover fibromyalgia in this article | | | | can cope.Fibromyalgia is not a progressive illness |
| and leave Epstein-Barr for another.Signs and | | | | and there are no indications that it will lead to |
| symptoms of fibromyalgia can include wide-spread | | | | other diseases or conditions. One must be |
| body aches, sensitivity and pain when touched | | | | prepared, however, to experience the chronic |
| (even gently), fatigue, sleep disruptions, irritable | | | | pain, sleeplessness, depression, and anxiety which |
| bowel syndrome, headaches, facial pain, | | | | accompany it. This in turn can cause problems |
| tenderness in the back and shoulders, numbness | | | | with one's ability to work, and maintain healthy |
| or tingling in the hands and feet, painful | | | | familial and friendly relationships. And frustration |
| menstruation, irritable bladder and dry eyes, skin, | | | | from coping with this frequently misunderstood |
| and mouth.There has not, at the time of this | | | | illness can add more complications to the |
| article, been a specific cause cited for fibromyalgia. | | | | conditions.Stress can be a major factor in the |
| However, many doctors believe that the following | | | | intensity of one's pain, due the further tensing of |
| are contributing factors:- Chemical changes in the | | | | already-stressed muscles, tendons, and ligaments. |
| brain | | | | It is important to help in educating those around |
| - Sleep disturbances | | | | you so that they have a better concept about |
| - Injury or trauma, especially to the upper spine | | | | what you are experiencing. Their understanding |
| - Changes in muscular metabolism | | | | and coping when one has a particularly bad day |
| - Abnormalities of the autonomic (sympathetic) | | | | can help to reduce your stress and, perhaps, help |
| nervous system.Risk of developing fibromyalgia | | | | to alleviate your pain. Taking time out to relax, |
| seems to be higher in women and the age groups | | | | calm, and soothe one's body and mind can also be |
| most affected tend to be those in their early and | | | | beneficial to keeping the pain to a minimum.In |
| middle adulthood. It has, however, been diagnosed | | | | conclusion, if you suffer any of the symptoms, |
| in children, men, and teens.No conclusive evidence | | | | discuss it with your health care provider or doctor. |
| has been found as to whether sleep disorders are | | | | After ruling out any other possible reasons for |
| a cause, or a result, of fibromyalgia. But those | | | | your suffering, he or she can help you with |
| who suffer from restless leg syndrome, night | | | | controlling your symptoms with pain relievers |
| time muscle spasms in one's legs, or sleep apnea | | | | (over-the-counter or prescription), stress |
| frequently develop fibromyalgia. Family history | | | | reduction (by medication and/or alternative |
| may also be a contributing factor. If one has a | | | | treatments), and lifestyle adjustments.One can |
| relative with this condition, one may be a higher | | | | also join a support group. Check with your doctor |
| risk for having it.Further, if one has a rheumatic | | | | to find one in your local area. Or go online at: or |
| disease such as ankylosing spondilitis, rheumatic | | | | sites can provide you with excellent information, |
| arthritis, or lupus, the likelihood of fibromyalgia | | | | updated reports on the latest research, where to |
| increases.Currently, there are no specific tests for | | | | find support groups in your area, and free |
| diagnosing the disease. One may be tested for | | | | information with many topics on the subject of |
| numerous other illnesses and diseases, and have | | | | fibromyalgia.If you are diagnosed with FM, know |
| those ruled out, before a physician decides to | | | | that you are not alone. There's an incredible |
| check further using the guidelines set forth by the | | | | network of support out there which is helping to |
| American College of Rheumatology. For further | | | | educate others about the illness.See your |
| information on those guidelines. go to: diagnosed, | | | | physician or health care provider then join in with |
| there are many ways that the disease can be | | | | others who are suffering, or know someone who |
| treated, BUT, there is no cure for fibromyalgia | | | | suffers, from this sometimes overwhelming illness. |
| yet. One's physician may prescribe medications to | | | | Together, let's teach more people to understand |
| treat the symptoms and could recommend that | | | | and cope. |
| one seek out alternative, non-medical treatments | | | | |