Fibromyalgia: Oh, It's Real!
By Stephen R. Farris
Chances are you may know someone with the condition called fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder in which the person affected experiences heightened pain, stiffness and tenderness in their bodies. Recently, doctors have related fibromyalgia to overactive nerves and is six times more likely to develop in women than in men.
While the person -- could be your friend, relative or co-worker -- may look normal and not sick on the outside, they're probably suffering immensely inside. There are medicines available to help treat their condition and we usually see all the ads on television talking about them. Some of the information conveyed to us through media is good, yet not always complete or correct.
Medication is not always the only option. While there is no current cure for fibromyalgia, there are other options readily available that can provide a little relief.
Exercise
Believe it or not, there are many exercise options available for fibromyalgia sufferers. Aerobic exercises like yoga or tai chi are good. Cycling or swimming are other ways exercises that people with fibromyalgia might try. If getting out is not an option for them, but they want to become more active, there are plenty of exercise videos available online and most are free to watch and workout to.
Getting a Good Night's Sleep
Getting better sleep at night can also benefit people with fibromyalgia. Turning off the mind can be difficult if you lie in bed watching TV or on the computer, waiting to fall asleep. Even after those devices are turned off your mind is still swirling with activity, thus making it very difficult to fall asleep. Blacking out the bedroom and keeping the room cold helps as well. A change in diet could also help in providing necessary nutrients for muscles and joints.
Not every medication, exercise or other forms of relief work on each person diagnosed with fibromyalgia. It's different for each case. Some things work better in some, but not for others.
If you might feel you're suffering from symptoms of fibromyalgia, then you should consult with your doctor or chiropractor. They can examine you and determine if that is your condition, plus advise you on treatment options. They may also suggest a change in your lifestyle that will help ease any pain you're going through as well.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Azusa, Calif.