What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia, or FMS (Fibromyalgia Syndrome), is a chronic condition that causes severe pain in the muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons of the body. The pain areas are referred to as "tender points" and are most often located at the front of the knees, the hip joints, the elbows, the shoulders and around the neck. The pain is not a result of any obvious injury or trauma and as there is no physical evidence of any cause or reason for the pain, it is difficult to diagnose. Consequently, a person may have Fibromyalgia for some time before it is diagnosed. The pain can continue for years or even a lifetime if untreated.
I have found that one of the most effective complementary treatments for many
people with Fibromyalgia is Hypnotherapy. I have developed a specialised
treatment for Fibromyalgia in my Hypnotherapy practice and if you are interested
in finding out more about this, contact me to discuss your specific issues.
Technically, FMS is not a disease, but is rather a "syndrome." Fibromyalgia is a specific set of signs and symptoms that occur together. It is chronic, but is not inflammatory, degenerative or progressive.
The condition is marked by a host of other seemingly-unrelated symptoms that are imperfectly understood. Key symptoms include generalised pain, sleep problems and low energy. Because doctors can find no evidence of any specific damage or cause, many Fibromyalgia sufferers are regarded as "hypochondriacs" or "making it up" or they are told "it is all in your mind." It is a very frustrating condition for the sufferer when no-one believes them or understands them and even their doctor cannot explain or satisfactorily diagnose and treat the condition.
All too often, sufferers are simply prescribed strong painkillers (such as Morpheine), sleeping pills or anti-depressants or they are referred to a Psychiatrist. These approaches are rarely effective in treating or resolving the condition and at best will only partially mask some of the symptoms.
Whilst symptoms can vary from person to person, the most common symptoms include:
- Severe pain; in numerous locations throughout the body (similar to rheumatism or arthritis, can even mimic heart attack)
- Tender points that are extremely sensitive to even the slightest touch
- Headaches or migraines resulting from neck and shoulder tension
- Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
- Sensitivities to certain foods and medications
- Painful periods
- Palpitations
- Dizziness
- Dry eyes, skin and mouth
- Itchy, burning skin, temperature rises and profuse sweating (especially night sweats)
- Shortness of breath
- Vulvodynia (vaginal pain)
- Insomnia (difficulty sleeping and waking feeling tired and unrested)
- Vivid dreams
- Chronic fatigue (extreme tiredness, inability to complete tasks)
- Irritable bowel (diahorrea, frequent urination)
- Cramping and abdominal pain
- Hypersensitivity to noise, light, odors, touch, temperature changes
- Anxiety (panic attacks)
- Depression
- Mood changes
- Poor concentration
- Inability to remember words
- Disjointed speech
- Memory lapses
- Mental confusion (fibro fog)
There is no specific test to diagnose Fibromyalgia and it can be difficult to diagnose because of the wide range of seemingly unrelated symptoms. Fibromyalgia also appears to overlap with a number of other related conditions including Systemic Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Depression, Insomnia and various Psychological Disturbances. It is often diagnosed as a "last resort" when all other more "conventional" conditions have been ruled out. The condition is most commonly diagnosed by a Rheumatologist.
Symptoms can also come and go or change - people with Fibromyalgia are never truly "free" of it, but can have good days and bad days.
Weather (especially cold climates and rapid changes in barometric pressure), cold or drafty environments, hormonal fluctuations (premenstrual and menopausal states), poor quality sleep, stress, depression, anxiety, and over-exertion can all contribute to fibromyalgia symptom flare-ups.
There is no universal agreement of the cause of Fibromyalgia (although it is becoming increasingly common) but it is variously considered to be hereditary and may be triggered by psychological trauma, emotional stress, depression, accidents or infection in some people.
It is far more prevalent in women than in men and is generally regarded as having no known "cure". There are however ways in which the condition can be managed and it is important to recognise that Fibromyalgia CAN be successfully treated and there is hope for sufferers.
There are a number of conditions related to Fibromyalgia - these include Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). This is a severe, complex, acquired illness with numerous symptoms related mainly to the dysfunction of the brain, gastro-intestinal, immune, endocrine and cardiac systems. ME has been classified as a neurological disorder in the World Health Organisation's International Classification of Diseases since 1969 (ICD 10 G93.3).
Symptoms of ME/CFS:
Symptoms include overwhelming post-exertional fatigue from mental or physical activity; dysfunctional sleep; pain; problems with memory; sensitivity to light, touch and sound; problems with standing and balance; problems with body temperature and weight; and recurrent flu-like symptoms; that persist for at least six months in adults; or three months in children (Carruthers et al, 2003).
The key document for diagnosing ME/CFS is the Canadian Guidelines for Medical Practitioners, which was written by a consortium of worldwide renowned ME/CFS researchers and medical practitioners, published in 2003. This document provides a comprehensive analysis of symptoms, guidelines and a checklist for medical practitioners to make an accurate diagnosis. It is the accepted standard for diagnosis of ME/CFS in Australia and across the world.
What causes ME/CFS?
The cause of ME/CFS is a topic of much research and debate. Multiple factors may be simultaneously involved. ME/CFS can follow acute infection, such glandular fever and upper respiratory infections; a flu-like illness; exposure to chemicals, environmental pollutants or heavy metals; immunisation; and severe physical trauma such as major surgery or a serious accident. Recent research is finding strong links with food malabsorption, food intolerance and gut dysbiosis.
ME/CFS frequently appears with other medical conditions, the most common being Fibromyalgia and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.
Important Disclaimer. The authors of this website are not doctors or medical specialists. The information provided in this website has been compiled from numerous journals, research papers, studies, from personal experience and from direct contact with fibromyalgia patients for the sole purpose of offering consumers, professionals, patients and interested parties, information about Fibromyalgia, natural treatment and natural products relating to Fibromyalgia. This site is provided for the purpose of assisting people in understanding the condition of Fibromyalgia Syndrome. None of the information herein should be construed as a claim for diagnosis, cure, prevention or treatment of any condition. No-one online can diagnose individuals and all concerns, treatments and therapies should be discussed with your own physician. Always consult your doctor or qualified medical specialist regarding any form of medication or medical treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
I have found that one of the most effective complementary treatments for many
people with Fibromyalgia is Hypnotherapy. I have developed a specialised
treatment for Fibromyalgia in my Hypnotherapy practice and if you are interested
in finding out more about this, contact me to discuss your specific issues.
Technically, FMS is not a disease, but is rather a "syndrome." Fibromyalgia is a specific set of signs and symptoms that occur together. It is chronic, but is not inflammatory, degenerative or progressive.
The condition is marked by a host of other seemingly-unrelated symptoms that are imperfectly understood. Key symptoms include generalised pain, sleep problems and low energy. Because doctors can find no evidence of any specific damage or cause, many Fibromyalgia sufferers are regarded as "hypochondriacs" or "making it up" or they are told "it is all in your mind." It is a very frustrating condition for the sufferer when no-one believes them or understands them and even their doctor cannot explain or satisfactorily diagnose and treat the condition.
All too often, sufferers are simply prescribed strong painkillers (such as Morpheine), sleeping pills or anti-depressants or they are referred to a Psychiatrist. These approaches are rarely effective in treating or resolving the condition and at best will only partially mask some of the symptoms.
Whilst symptoms can vary from person to person, the most common symptoms include:
- Severe pain; in numerous locations throughout the body (similar to rheumatism or arthritis, can even mimic heart attack)
- Tender points that are extremely sensitive to even the slightest touch
- Headaches or migraines resulting from neck and shoulder tension
- Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
- Sensitivities to certain foods and medications
- Painful periods
- Palpitations
- Dizziness
- Dry eyes, skin and mouth
- Itchy, burning skin, temperature rises and profuse sweating (especially night sweats)
- Shortness of breath
- Vulvodynia (vaginal pain)
- Insomnia (difficulty sleeping and waking feeling tired and unrested)
- Vivid dreams
- Chronic fatigue (extreme tiredness, inability to complete tasks)
- Irritable bowel (diahorrea, frequent urination)
- Cramping and abdominal pain
- Hypersensitivity to noise, light, odors, touch, temperature changes
- Anxiety (panic attacks)
- Depression
- Mood changes
- Poor concentration
- Inability to remember words
- Disjointed speech
- Memory lapses
- Mental confusion (fibro fog)
There is no specific test to diagnose Fibromyalgia and it can be difficult to diagnose because of the wide range of seemingly unrelated symptoms. Fibromyalgia also appears to overlap with a number of other related conditions including Systemic Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Depression, Insomnia and various Psychological Disturbances. It is often diagnosed as a "last resort" when all other more "conventional" conditions have been ruled out. The condition is most commonly diagnosed by a Rheumatologist.
Symptoms can also come and go or change - people with Fibromyalgia are never truly "free" of it, but can have good days and bad days.
Weather (especially cold climates and rapid changes in barometric pressure), cold or drafty environments, hormonal fluctuations (premenstrual and menopausal states), poor quality sleep, stress, depression, anxiety, and over-exertion can all contribute to fibromyalgia symptom flare-ups.
There is no universal agreement of the cause of Fibromyalgia (although it is becoming increasingly common) but it is variously considered to be hereditary and may be triggered by psychological trauma, emotional stress, depression, accidents or infection in some people.
It is far more prevalent in women than in men and is generally regarded as having no known "cure". There are however ways in which the condition can be managed and it is important to recognise that Fibromyalgia CAN be successfully treated and there is hope for sufferers.
There are a number of conditions related to Fibromyalgia - these include Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). This is a severe, complex, acquired illness with numerous symptoms related mainly to the dysfunction of the brain, gastro-intestinal, immune, endocrine and cardiac systems. ME has been classified as a neurological disorder in the World Health Organisation's International Classification of Diseases since 1969 (ICD 10 G93.3).
Symptoms of ME/CFS:
Symptoms include overwhelming post-exertional fatigue from mental or physical activity; dysfunctional sleep; pain; problems with memory; sensitivity to light, touch and sound; problems with standing and balance; problems with body temperature and weight; and recurrent flu-like symptoms; that persist for at least six months in adults; or three months in children (Carruthers et al, 2003).
The key document for diagnosing ME/CFS is the Canadian Guidelines for Medical Practitioners, which was written by a consortium of worldwide renowned ME/CFS researchers and medical practitioners, published in 2003. This document provides a comprehensive analysis of symptoms, guidelines and a checklist for medical practitioners to make an accurate diagnosis. It is the accepted standard for diagnosis of ME/CFS in Australia and across the world.
What causes ME/CFS?
The cause of ME/CFS is a topic of much research and debate. Multiple factors may be simultaneously involved. ME/CFS can follow acute infection, such glandular fever and upper respiratory infections; a flu-like illness; exposure to chemicals, environmental pollutants or heavy metals; immunisation; and severe physical trauma such as major surgery or a serious accident. Recent research is finding strong links with food malabsorption, food intolerance and gut dysbiosis.
ME/CFS frequently appears with other medical conditions, the most common being Fibromyalgia and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.
Important Disclaimer. The authors of this website are not doctors or medical specialists. The information provided in this website has been compiled from numerous journals, research papers, studies, from personal experience and from direct contact with fibromyalgia patients for the sole purpose of offering consumers, professionals, patients and interested parties, information about Fibromyalgia, natural treatment and natural products relating to Fibromyalgia. This site is provided for the purpose of assisting people in understanding the condition of Fibromyalgia Syndrome. None of the information herein should be construed as a claim for diagnosis, cure, prevention or treatment of any condition. No-one online can diagnose individuals and all concerns, treatments and therapies should be discussed with your own physician. Always consult your doctor or qualified medical specialist regarding any form of medication or medical treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.