Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by chronic muscle pain, chronic sleep disorder, and
chronic fatigue. It is classified as a syndrome: a group of signs and symptoms occurring
together. Before 1987 it was called by many names:
chronic rheumatism, myalgia, pressure point syndrome, fibrositis.
In 1987 the American Medical Association recognized it as a true illness and major cause of disability.
The diagnosis is elusive. Generally, a patient must have widespread, more-or-less continuous pain for three months. A test of fibromyalgia is the tender points. A patient must have pain in eleven out of eighteen tender points that hurt when pressed, but do not refer the pain. The tender points occur in pairs; tenderness in these points can vary from day to day.
Fibromyalgia can occur at any age, and may be mild, moderate, or severe; in some cases there is remission. It can affect the thermal regulatory system of the body. It causes stiffness, and morning stiffness can last for an hour or more. This syndrome can co-exist with other disorders. There is possible reduced coordination and decreased endurance. It can be as disabling as rheumatoid arthritis.
Some sources of information:
Brand, Jeffrey with Sara H. Benum. The 20-day Rejuvenation Diet Program: with the
Revolutionary Phytonutrient Diet. New Canaan, Conn. : Keats Pub., 1997.
Catalano, Ellen Mohr and Kimeron N. Hardin. The Chronic Pain Control Workbook: a Step-by- Step Guide for Coping with and Overcoming Pain. 2nd ed. Oakland, Calif. : New Harbinger, 1996.
Marcus, Norman J. and Jean S. Arbeiter. Freedom from Pain: the Breakthrough Method of Pain Relief Based on the New York Pain Treatment Program at Lenox Hill Hospital. New York : Simon & Schuster, 1994.
Starlanyl, Devin and Mary Ellen Copeland. Fibromyalgia & Chronic Myofascial Pain
Syndrome: a Survival Manual. Oakland, Calif. : New Harbinger Publications, 1996.
Williamson, Miryam Ehrlich. Fibromyalgia: a Comprehensive Approach. New York : Walker, 1996.
Jausten's Fibromyalgia Serendipities
The Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction
Syndrome/Fibromyalgia Information Page
Get a Pain Diary Worksheet from Kealalaina's Page
Fibromyalgia Information and Resources
The Fibromyalgia Discussion Group
Perform a PubMed Advanced Medline search here.
DISCLAIMER: The information on this page is not intended to substitute for the advice of a physician.
Acupressure
Gach, Michael Reed with Carolyn Marco. Acu-Yoga: Self-Help Techniques to Relieve Tension . New York : Japan Publications, 1981.
Reiki
Stein, Diane. Essential Reiki: a Complete Guide to an Ancient Healing Art. Freedom, Calif. : Crossing Press, 1995.
Prayer
The Power of Prayer: an interview with
Larry Dossey.
"Doctors Who Pray With Their Patients," Jonathan Mandell, Good Housekeeping, Jan. 1998.
Chakras
Judith, Anodea and Selene Vega. The Sevenfold Journey: Reclaiming Mind, Body & Spirit Through the Chakras. Freedom, Calif. : Crossing Press, 1993.
Meditation
Kabat-Zinn, Jon. Wherever You Go There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life. New York : Hyperion, 1994.
Yoga
Feuerstein, Georg and Stephan Bodian, eds. Living Yoga: a Comprehensive Guide for Daily Life. New York : Putnam, 1993.
"When Everything Hurts," Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa. Yoga Journal, Aug. 1998.
Reflexology
Gillanders, Ann. The Joy of Reflexology: Healing Techniques for the Hands & Feet to Reduce Stress & Reclaim Health. Boston : Little, Brown, 1995.
Alexander Technique
This technique involves correcting body mechanics. It is intended relieve muscle tension by improving posture and movement styles. The patient's thought processes are also retrained as the patient learns to move with greater ease. It is a gentle method of relief for tense muscles.
Ayurvedic medicine
FM can be considered as a manifestation of an excess of vata, the air energy of the body. A 'typical' FM patient will have a vata constitution: fine-boned and slender, anxious and insomniac; sensitive to cold. Pain is a primary vata symptom, since vata controls the nervous system. Classic guidelines for balancing vata include keeping warm; avoiding raw foods and cold foods; eating warm food and spices; keeping a regular routine and controlling stress.
Herbs
Cayenne increases circulation and relieves pain (hot!)
Astragalus and echinacea enhance immune function.
Teas brewed with burdock root, red clover, and dandelion promote healing by
cleansing the bloodstream and enhancing immune function.
Turmeric root is an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant; heals
tissue
Ginkgo biloba improves circulation and brain function.
Skullcap and valerian root improve sleep.
St. John's wort has received a lot of press recently, for its
anti-depressant qualities. More information may be found at the
Hypericum & Depression page
Willow bark alleviates pain
Kava root treats anxiety, relaxes muscles, aids sleep
Licorice root is antiviral, anti-inflammatory, protects the liver and
supports the immune system
Ginger root increases circulation to muscles
Crystals
Stein, Diane. The Women's Book of Healing. St. Paul, Minn. : Llewellyn Publications,
1987.
Psychic Healing
Stein, Diane. Psychic Healing with Spirit Guides and Angels. Freedom, Calif. : Crossing Press, 1996.
Psychoneuroimmunology
Borysenko, Joan. Fire in the Soul: a New Psychology of Spiritual Optimism.
New York : Warner Books, 1994.
_______ . Guilt is the Teacher, Love is the Lesson. New York : Warner Books,
1990.
_______ . Minding the Body, Mending the Mind. New York : Bantam Books, 1987.
Feldenkrais
This method is a bodywork technique combined with mindfulness to enhance the communication
between the body and the brain. It involves movement and postural mechanics, using movement and
structural training through the use of patterning. The movements are slow and gentle, focusing
on correcting postural misalignments.
"Feldenkrais Bends," Leya Aum, Yoga Journal, Jan.-Feb. 1998.
Aromatherapy
Worwood, Valerie Ann. The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy. San Rafael, Calif. : New World Library, 1991.
Massage
| Menthol Cayenne extract Clove oil Eucalyptus oil Ginger oil Arnica tincture Castor oil Wintergreen oil Thymol Juniper Comfrey |
Cooling; anti-inflammatory Supresses pain Warms; increases flexibility Increases flexibility; reduces pain Anti-inflammatory Antitrauma General tissue healing Reduces pain Reduces pain Warming Heals tissue |
Garfield, Patricia. The Healing Power of Dreams. New York : Simon & Schuster, 1991.
My way of fighting the fog: archive family memories through
scrapbooking.
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