General Information About Fibromyalgia
 Many
people suffer from these common health concerns: fatigue,
muscle aches and pains, depression, weight gain, memory
impairment, irritable bowel, and more.
What many people don’t realize is
that these symptoms can
be directly or indirectly associated with fibromyalgia.
If you suffer from these symptoms, you may have fibromyalgia
and not be aware of it.
Even if you are not diagnosed with
fibromyalgia, but suffer from the various associated
symptoms, you may find
relief from natural dietary
supplements.
A Briefing on Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia (FM) affects an estimated 10 million
people in the U.S. It is most prevalent in women;
however, it also occurs in men and children. Fibromyalgia
can have serious repercussions on patients’
families, friends, and employers due to its debilitating
nature, as those of you who suffer from it already
know. While fibromyalgia can be debilitating for some,
it is not considered to be a degenerative or life-threatening
condition.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder characterized
by widespread musculoskeletal aches, pain and stiffness,
soft tissue tenderness, general fatigue, and sleep
disturbances. The most common sites of pain include
the neck, back, shoulders, pelvic girdle, and hands,
but any body part can be affected. Fibromyalgia sufferers
can experience a wide range of symptoms of varying
intensities that tend to wax and wane over time.
Additional symptoms may include:
- Irritable bowel and bladder
- Headaches and migraines
- Restless leg syndrome (periodic limb
movement disorder)
- Impaired memory and concentration
- Skin sensitivities and rashes
- Dry eyes and mouth
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Ringing in the ears
- Dizziness
- Vision problems
- Raynaud’s Syndrome
- Neurological symptoms
- Impaired coordination
While fibromyalgia isn't a progressive condition
it can cause a variety of symptoms that can interfere
with a person’s ability to function at home,
on the job, or maintain close family or personal relationships.
The frustration of having to deal with an often-misunderstood
condition also can be a complication of the condition.
Causes
The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown. However, it
is believed that physical or emotional trauma may
play a role in development of the syndrome. Some evidence
suggests that fibromyalgia patients have abnormal
pain transmission responses.
It has been suggested that sleep disturbances, which
are common in fibromyalgia patients, may actually
cause the condition. Another theory suggests that
the disorder may be associated with changes in skeletal
muscle metabolism, possibly caused by decreased blood
flow, which could cause chronic fatigue and weakness.
Others have suggested that an infectious microbe,
such as a virus, triggers the illness. Although, at
this point, no such virus or microbe has been identified.
Pilot studies have shown a possible inherited tendency
toward the disease, though evidence is very preliminary.
Source: Medline Plus
Who is at Risk?
While women are most susceptible to fibromyalgia,
some people may be more at risk for developing it.
Common risk factors can include:
Gender
Both women and men can be afflicted by fibromyalgia.
However, men only account for a small percentage,
as 80% to 90% of people diagnosed with it are in
fact women. Experts don't know why that is, but
some believe it could be tied to hormone imbalances.
Additionally, some health care professionals believe
that men are less likely to seek treatment and therefore
are not diagnosed as frequently as women.
Age
Fibromyalgia is most common in people between
20 and 55 years old; however, it can occur in people
of all age groups. Women typically develop it during
their childbearing years.
Genetics
Research has shown that women closely related to
a fibromyalgia sufferer are more likely to develop
this condition themselves. This could indicate a
genetic defect that predisposes some people from
the beginning.
Sleep Disorders
Many fibromyalgia sufferers have a long history
of sleep problems, and people diagnosed with disorders
such as sleep apnea may have an increased risk.
Some experts claim that sleep disorders could be
a root cause of fibromyalgia.
Stress
People coming from stressful environments or who
are particularly vulnerable to stress (either physiological
or psychological) are believed to develop fibromyalgia
more frequently that those who experience less stress.
High stress levels are also known to trigger flare-ups
in many people with fibromyalgia. Additionally,
studies have suggested that post-traumatic stress
disorder or chronic stress in general may play a
role in the development of fibromyalgia along with
low cortisol (a stress hormone) levels.
Other chronic-pain conditions
People with lupus, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing
spondylitis (a type of arthritis) are at increased
risk for developing fibromyalgia, possibly because
their chronic pain causes sensitization of the central
nervous system, which is believed to be the cause
of fibromyalgia related pain.
Source: Mayo Clinic
Fibrin and Fibromyalgia
Recent clinical experience is now beginning to suggest
that fatigue, pain, and other symptoms suffered by
patients with fibromyalgia are in relation to the
accumulation of proteins (fibrin) in the blood and
lymph, also known as hypercoagulation. [1] Fibromyalgia
literally means pain in the muscles and fibrous connective
tissue.
 If
the rate of protein (fibrin) accumulation exceeds
the rate of breakdown, the microcirculatory system
gets clogged and flow decreases. This stagnation of
protein debris promotes fibrosis in the muscles and
other soft tissues. Combine this with slowed blood
flow and the results are widespread pain and chronic
fatigue.
Read about Vitalzym
which helps remove excess fibrin from the muscles
and tissues, blood, clears cellular debris from the
blood, lymph, and microcirculatory system. It also
helps cleanse the liver and intestinal tract, which
decreases toxic overloads that can increase fibromyalgia
symptoms. Additionally, it can help reduce viral
loads and help regulate the immune system; all important
factors for those addressing fibromyalgia.
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Self-care for Fibromyalgia
Reduce stress
Develop a plan to avoid or limit overexertion
and emotional stress. Allow yourself time each day
to relax. That may mean learning how to say no without
guilt. But try not to change your routine completely.
People who quit work or drop all activity tend to
do worse than those who remain active. Try stress
management techniques, such as deep-breathing exercises
or meditation.
Get enough sleep
Because fatigue is one of the main characteristics
of fibromyalgia, getting sufficient sleep is essential.
In addition to allotting enough time for sleep,
practice good sleep habits, such as going to bed
and getting up at the same time each day and limiting
daytime napping.
Exercise regularly
At first, exercise may increase your pain.
But doing it regularly often decreases symptoms.
Appropriate exercises may include walking, swimming,
biking and water aerobics. A physical therapist
can help you develop a home exercise program. Stretching,
good posture and relaxation exercises also are helpful.
Pace yourself
Keep your activity on an even level. If you
do too much on your good days, you may have more
bad days.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Eat healthy foods. Limit your caffeine intake.
Do something that you find enjoyable and fulfilling
every day.
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