Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes wide spread pain through out the body’s joints, muscles, tendons and soft tissues. It is often caused as the result of trauma to the body such as a car accident, infection, or extreme psychological stress (Mayo Clinic, 2012). This disorder can be onset or symptoms can accumulate over time leading up to the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia.
The symptoms of a patient with this disorder can include and is not limited to tender points in the body usually found in the back of the neck, shoulders, shins, lower back, hips, knees and elbows. In addition to tender points, numbness and tingling in hands and feet can accompany the tender areas (NIH, 2012). The pain felt by these paints can often be described as a deep aching, shooting, throbbing or burning.
Until recently there were discrepancies, and arguments against Fibromyalgia being a valid disorder. There are valid points in the opposition’s arguments against the disorder. The opposition claimed that the tender points could be subjective, it mimicked other disorders such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, which shares symptoms found in Fibromyalgia, it has varying clinical presentations, and there is no laboratory test that can identify the disorder indefinitely. It’s all based on patient history, tender points, and the pain (Rau et Russell, 2000).
In the past Fibromyalgia was definitely a disorder to be questioned, and has come a long way to become recognized as a valid. As of July 2012 it has been recognized by the Federal Government as a disability (Federal Register, 2012). If the patient can prove Fibromyalgia based on the requirements set by the government, disability can be claimed with proper documentation from your Doctor.
Disability might help financially with the inability to work due to the severity of the disorder, but it can’t help get rid of the pain. To help with the everyday pain of Fibromyalgia a regiment of health should be set up. Below I will list some holistic methods of pain control that have personally helped me. I call it the SEE method.
1. Sleep! Get at least 6 hours of uninterrupted sleep
a. This sleep over time will start to help decrease the pain
2. Exercise daily for at least 10 minutes
a. Light Cardio – light Zumba or dance of preference
b. 10 minute walk on treadmill or outside
c. Riding a stationary bike for 10 minutes
d. Yoga – only do positions that don’t hurt and you feel comfortable with
3. Eat a well balanced diet
a. Fruits
b. Vegetables
c. Protein
d. Water for hydration
This short list is only the beginning of what people who suffer from fibromyalgia can do to help ease pain without medication. Even though exercise can hurt, if you can tolerate the pain for 10 minutes its worth it because in the end it will strengthen your muscles and help mobilize the afflicted joint. This is not an easy disorder to live with, but there is hope. You can help to control the pain by taking care of yourself through sleep, diet, and exercise at the very minimum. If you would like more information on Fibromyalgia please visit the links below.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fibromyalgia/DS00079
https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2012/07/25/2012-17936/social-se...
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10953276
http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/guide/fibromyalgia-living-managing
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