Holistic Ways to Deal with Fibromyalgia Symptoms

 

A Little History of Fibromyalgia

There are several symptoms that fibromyalgia patients frequently experience.  First, this article will cover the various symptoms.  Then various natural treatment options will be explored to aid in managing the condition.  Let's begin by talking about a little history of fibromyalgia. Starting in the sixties, seventies, and eighties food became more industrialized.  This resulted in people getting sick and going into the doctor’s office more often.  The complaint was repeatedly about diffuse pain throughout their body.  The problem was that no test existed to diagnose fibromyalgia.  Taking an x-ray, MRI or even a blood test wouldn’t help to discover the issue.  Therefore, any tests would return inconclusive leading the doctors to tell these patients nothing was wrong.  In fact, many times they told them it was all in their head.  As the years passed and medical research progressed, it was determined that this disorder fell into a category of its own.  Although parallel to rheumatism, fibromyalgia has its own distinct symptoms.

The literal Latin translation of the word fibromyalgia is muscular pain.  Despite the fact that the disorder had a formal name, there were still many questions still left unanswered.  So as this disease steadily increased in numbers, doctors came to realize they had to come up with a more substantial way to diagnose fibromyalgia.  This is where the 11 out of 18 “tender points” test came to fruition.  But as it has previously been stated, the tender points are actually areas of the body and it has to go beyond just feeling pain.  What is actually required is radiating pain therefore pushing on someone’s back results in the pain moving through the body.  The radiating pain must occur in at least 11 points either in upper body or lower-body.

The Frequent Symptoms Experienced By individuals

Another thing that goes hand in hand and is very common with Fibromyalgia is chronic fatigue syndrome. Most individuals with fibromyalgia are extremely tired and rest does not always alleviate it.  In fact, an individual can wake up feeling stiff and more tired than when they went to sleep. Severe stiffness is another frequent symptom of fibromyalgia.  After sitting for a long period of time it becomes challenging to quickly get up and start moving around. Another issue that can transpire is being highly sensitive to sound, light or temperature.  Also feeling the sensation of being swollen is commonly reported in fibromyalgia patients.  They will not actually appear swollen, there joints look fine.  But feeling an internal pressure leads to feeling swollen.  Inflammation within the body can result in GI problems, in other words, gut issues.  Alternating between constipation and diarrhea comes with that territory.

Insomnia is another symptom that goes along with having fibromyalgia.  Dealing with pain can make it difficult to fall asleep.  Even when the individual accomplishes getting some sleep, the quality of sleep is lacking.  Experiencing insomnia and having sleep deprivation can lead to hormone levels being off.  This can ultimately affect mood regulation or even a person’s thyroid.

Managing Symptoms In a Natural Way

So, how do we manage and support this condition naturally? The biggest thing you can do on your own is try to reduce the inflammation.  Inflammation is by far the worst symptom individuals with fibromyalgia have to deal with.  It has been discovered that certain foods can increase inflammation.  Wheat and dairy are some of the larger components that contribute to this predicament.   Removing those from you diet can be a great start. Fake sugars should also be eliminated from any diet but especially from someone’s diet that has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia.  Stevia and Xylitol may be two exceptions.  Studies have shown those two did not make a significant impact on the body in terms of inflammation.  If sensitivity seems to occur after eating a specific food group you should eliminate them from your diet promptly.  Taking high-quality nutraceuticals that are designed to put inflammation down is a great supplement to having a clean diet.  Loading up on certain vitamins and minerals is another sufficient way to tame the symptoms of fibromyalgia.  Soaking in Epsom salt baths or using essential oils have also proven to be helpful.  Lastly, attempting to stay active, even in the little ways, and reducing stress through yoga or simple meditation are ideal natural ways to treat the disorder.


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Weight Gain Due to Fibromyalgia

Why Weight Gain is Common in Individuals with Fibormyalgia

Many individuals with fibromyalgia have experienced weight gain.  Looking at things from an objective point of view can develop this pain for no known reason. The fatigue that comes with the pain, leads to a diagnosis, and inevitably ends with a prescription to a pill. The pills, in fact, contribute to the exaggeration of the symptoms, number one.

However, all medications are chelated or manufactured with a thin layer of metal which surrounds the medication.  There is reason for this.  When you take anything in orally, it has to go through the stomach.  When the stomach perceives the presence of a substance, it begins to secrete hydrochloric acid which is very, very acidic.  It has a PH of one to three on a scale of one to 14 with 14 being the least corrosive and one being the most corrosive.  Putting the medication in orally to this acidic environment, the acidic environment would devour the medication.  There would be absolutely no benefit from it. The acid from the stomach erodes the metal shield around the medication and allows the medication to pass into the small intestine to be absorbed into the circulation. The down side is that the heavy metal is very corrosive.  It is very heavy in terms of relativity to the biological fluid; and it is very difficult for the body to metabolize it and get it out of the body.  It tends to drift to the lowest point in the biological fluid. When it does this, it drifts inside the cell into an organism that is present in every cell in the body, except red blood cells, called the mitochondria.  The sole function of this organism is to create energy.  This mechanism is what regulates the internal or cellular metabolism. Once the heavy metal from the medication is ingested, the cells transport chain, which is a conversion unit for converting raw materials into energy, the heavy metal lodges inside this mechanism.  It interrupts and, in fact, corrupts the ability of the body to convert nutrients into usable energy, thereby shutting down your metabolism causing you to gain weight.

Lose Weight Without Investing a lot of Time and Money

There are several effective ways to deal with this without investing a lot of time and money in testing or in therapy.  One of them is dry-brushing the skin.  The skin is actually the third kidney. By taking a regular, dry bristle brush and brushing the extremities, the arms and the legs, in the direction of the heart once or twice a day for about three minutes, it will accelerate the expulsion of these heavy metals through the skin.  Another way is to purchase an over-the-counter, heavy-metal detox that is widely available in a lot of the health food stores now.  These are substances that bind to the metals and pull them out of the body, therefore, allowing the metabolism to re accelerate to a normal rate. The next stage in the process is obviously more activity.  The more activity you can perform despite the fatigue on a regular basis, the more demand for energy will be created and the more calories you are going to burn from the fat that has been stored as a source of energy.   Most individuals with fibromyalgia do not have excess energy-producing mechanisms in the body.

Effective Ways to Spike Metabolism

The next way is an Epsom salt bath or an Epsom salt soak because Epsom salts is magnesium sulfate which, in the presence of hot water, binds to lactic acid and it binds to the metals. It pulls them into the bath water alleviating the stress on the mitochondria creating a much better opportunity for the metabolism to spike and to begin to use the stored fat as a source of energy again.  Then, of course, there is the deep breathing. If you do 25 cycles of deep breathing morning and evening, it will accelerate the metabolism.  Receiving treatment through prescription drugs is sometimes inevitable when diagnosed with fibromyalgia.  But there are several ways to stay healthy and combat any weight that may be gained in the process.  The above tips are easy, little lifestyle adjustments that can go a long way.

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The Basics of Fibromyalgia

Various Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

The Basics of Fibromyalgia, what you need to know. Fibromyalgia affects approximately ten million Americans with a ratio of 8 to 2, women over men.  The Latin translation of fibromyalgia literally means muscle and fibrous tissue pain.  The common denominator of those diagnosed with the disorder is the pain in which they experience on a daily basis.  Widespread pain and tenderness tend to be body wide or migrate over the body.

There are various symptoms of fibromyalgia that range in intensity.  Several of the symptoms that are commonly reported include stiffness, cognitive complications, sleeping troubles, and fatigue.  However, to rule out possible co-existing conditions lab tests are often performed.  Fibromyalgia can also be misdiagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis.  The distinction between various arthritic diseases and fibromyalgia is the presence of inflammation.  Although knowledge has expanded about the disorder in the past few decades, there are still many questions to be answered.  The cause of fibromyalgia, why it affects women significantly more than men, and the cure all remain unsolved mysteries to the medical community.

How Fibromyalgia Affects Individuals

Many studies and reports exist on how fibromyalgia affects individuals throughout their daily lives.  The deep tissue pain fibromyalgia patients feel is often from the top of their head to the tip of their toes.  The deep muscular discomfort has been described as aching, pounding, stabbing, and throbbing.  Some individuals have also reported it feels as though their limbs are being weighed down by cement.  All of these symptoms lead to the use of maximum energy even for menial daily tasks.  Once fatigue also sets in, which it commonly does, the person will begin to find it increasingly difficult to enjoy hobbies, sustain employment or engage in exercise routines.  Repetitive movement has been proven to heighten the pain that is experienced.  In any case, fibromyalgia is a life-altering disorder.

Research Revolving Around Fibromyalgia

Research revolving around fibromyalgia has focused on centralized pain.  Overactive nerves send “pain signals” to the brain and result in deep tissue soreness.  Several medically accepted treatments currently exist.  Each treatment typically provides limited relief from the pain.   But the knowledge of the disorder continues to expand.   More effective treatments are being explored and developed every day.

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Best Tips for a Good Night Sleep -Fibromyalgia Treatment

Body Functions Best with Eight Hours of Sleep

Here are the best tips for a good night sleep for Fibromyalgia Treatment. As an adult your body functions best when it operates on 7 to 8 hours of restful sleep. Many suffering from fibromyalgia are hard-pressed to get a few hours.  However, these are top 5 tips that have been compiled that assist in getting more restful and consistent sleep. During sleep there are important shifts in the types of chemicals the body is producing as opposed to during the course of the day. Poor sleep has been linked to increased risk of serious health problems such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. Another challenge that faces us as we age is that our sleep patterns change so that we spend more time in the less restful stages and also less time in the deeper stages of REM sleep. With poor sleep an individual will find that their pain threshold lowers, making them more sensitive to pain and its intensity level.

So, tip #1: A comfortable, clean bed in a quiet bedroom is an important ingredient to getting a good night's sleep. Key words are comfortable and clean.  A quality mattress should provide adequate support for the body offering just enough support so that moving from one position to another doesn't wake you up or place you in an uncomfortable position. Some individuals benefit from a 2 or 3 inch memory foam topper that provides a firm yet supportive sleep in various positions. Slipping into clean sheets can set the mood for a positive sleep experience as well. There's nothing like the sensation of sliding under fresh clean covers.

 Create a Calm and Soothing Sleeping Environment

Moving onto tip #2, set up the bedroom so that it encompasses a calming and soothing atmosphere conducive to sleep. This means trying to eliminate any extraneous noises, lights or distractions that may interfere with getting the most out of a night’s sleep. If an individual is sensitive to excessive light they may also consider investing in black out drapes or dark window curtains. Or at least have an eye mask handy which can be a great asset if traveling.  Noise is a little more challenging to deal with. There are a variety of white noise machines on the market that can provide a more calming and soothing sound background. Ideally, your bedroom should be used for just sleep.  Avoid the temptation to use it as a second family room for watching TV.

Tip #3: To help you get a more restful sleep stop watching TV or using the computer at least 30 minutes before going to bed. Watching the TV or computer screen causes electrical activity in the brain to increase thus making relaxation and sleep more difficult to achieve. Try reading a fiction book 20 to 30 minutes before turning off the lights. This allows your brain to transition to more relaxing thoughts as opposed to being in problem-solving mode.

Get Into a Set Routine

Tip #4: Get into the routine of going to bed at the same time each night, preferably before 10 p. m.   This is conducive to a more restful sleep. This positive habit helps to establish an important biological rhythm in the body. The body adapts well to positive habits that are going to help it recover and function at an optimal level.

Lastly, Tip #5: Stay hydrated.  Proper hydration throughout the day allows the body to flush out nasty toxins that can build up in the muscles and joints increasing the incidence of fibro flare ups. Get into the habit of drinking a glass of water every hour or so, especially when you're feeling a little under the weather.  A nice cup of herbal tea prior to turning in for the night can also be beneficial. Some well-known herbal teas that offer a calming and relaxing effect are Chamomile, Valerian Root or Passion flower. Well, there you have it- some great tips on how you can get a better night's sleep which will hopefully reduce morning fatigue and overall daily life.

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Stretching and Screening for Tender Points for Fibromyalgia Patients

It is Important to Keep the Neck Area Flexible and Loose

Stretching and Screening for Tender Points for Fibromyalgia Patients, what you need to know. If you have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia then you are well aware that stretching can be beneficial in many ways.  The stretch that will be described helps stretch the neck muscles which in turn helps relax shoulder and back muscles.  It is very important to keep the neck area nice, flexible, and loose, because it tends to tense up and begin to get very tight where those sore spots may occur in the neck area.  This stretch is simple yet affective.

Start by inhaling through the middle, engaging core muscles.  Then, exhale and drop the ear to the shoulder.  Keep your shoulders down, that's very important, stay very tall.  Now, as you take that down, drop the chin to the chest and roll it around.  Still stay very tall using your back muscles.  Then, hold to the other side.  Take a breath then exhale and roll the chin along the chest, to the ear.  Hold that again and then take a deep breath.  Remember those ribs are opening, but the abdominals are in.   Exhale and roll to the other side.   Take another breath, with an inhale, open those ribs.  Then you'll exhale.  Keep the face soft and the eyes relaxed.  Try not to tense in the shoulder area.  Now, bring that backup and with a slight tug on the top of the ear or the head, very easy.  Drop that over and take a deep breath.  Hold that for one breath and then switch to the other side. Remember not to hold for too long at one time.  If you have fibromyalgia, usually one breath is good, and then move to the next one.  Then simply stay very tall, drop the chin to the chest, kind of loosen the neck in a very easy tug, then hold it to the center and look back up again.  Repeat those steps.  Then, drop the chin down, inhaling, and exhale and loosen real easy.  Again, keep the shoulders back.  You'll want to do that one more time through.  So the overall stretch includes  the neck stretch to the ears, to the shoulder, again, back to the chin to the chest, and do it at least three times through. Take deep breaths throughout the different motions.  Stay present in every move, letting other thoughts go, and relax the mind.

Tender Points Are Different Than Trigger Points

It has been determined that the criteria for fibromyalgia diagnosis begins with the presence of 11 of 18 tender points as described by the American College of Rheumatology 1990 Criteria for the Classification of Fibromyalgia. Digital palpation of approximately 4 kilograms force per centimeter squared with painful response is considered positive for a tender point. Now remember, these tender points are different than trigger points as seen in the myofascial pain syndrome. There are nine paired tender points in fibromyalgia. Let's talk about these paired tender points.

The first is in the region of the upper cervical's and occipital region. So you're going to apply pressure of approximately 4 kilograms per centimeter squared and ask if that's painful. If the area is tender or sore, that's not positive for a tender point. The next area to be covered is the lower cervical in the area of the C5 through C7 presets bilaterally.  Apply 4 kilograms force and ask what feeling comes to mind. If the feeling is pain, that's positive. Anything else is not positive. Then look at the upper trapezius bilaterally, the supraspinatus muscle we palpate and apply pressure bilaterally, this second costochondral junction, which is in the front. Then go to the manubrium, the sternum and countdown to the second rib, apply pressure there, on both sides. Then do the lateral epicondyle.

 If 11 Out of 18 Points Are Positive

Next are the wrists.   Apply pressure in this area at the insertion of the wrist extensors.  Go down to the greater trochanter region and apply pressure there. And finally, apply pressure over the medial knee. Look for tenderness over the medial collateral ligament that produces pain.  Evaluating these various areas of the body will lead to the conclusion of having a positive tender point, or not.  Again, if 11 out of the 18 points are positive the diagnosis of fibromyalgia is affirmative.

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What is Fibromyalgia

Coining the Term Fibromyalgia

 

What is fibromyalgia? What makes someone with fibromyalgia wince even at the thought of a hug -- even from a loved one? Fibromyalgia has been around a long time.  This is a description by a famous medical doctor, William Oslo, in his book Principles and Practice in Medicine, “Sleepiness is frequently present; the aching pain in the back of the neck is the most constant complaint and the response of local tendons in the spine”.  Now, the date of this publication: 1869. In 1990, a group of rheumatologists who were doing research and wanted to have a better definition of widespread pain syndrome they were seeing in their clinics got together. This way they could compare any treatments or findings.  So, they coined the term fibromyalgia and the so called "tender point examination" came into being.  This is where the doctor pushes on different areas of the body and if there are 11 out of 18 tender points, or painful points, in three areas of the body, it indicates you have fibromyalgia. More recently, that same group of researchers published a symptom severity score chart and a widespread pain index.  That doesn't sway from the need of the trigger point exam, which obviously is very prone to examiner error -- I could push hard or I could push lightly.

Fibromyalgia is a Real Disorder

 

There have been many studies documenting differences between fibromyalgia and other pain states, even those who don't have pain.  These have shown differences in the brain scans, in stress, growth and thyroid hormones, as well as lower androgens.  There are also automatic nervous system changes and decreased concentration of certain neurotransmitters and neuromodulators. So no longer can anyone claim there are no biochemical or MRI, functional MRI, changes that can be seen in fibromyalgia and it is a fictitious illness.  This is incorrect.  The tests are complex and primarily available only for research purposes but the results are in: fibromyalgia is a real disease or syndrome. We think these changes and others may lead to central sensitization of the nervous system-- that's where the brain, even when they have non-painful sensations, the brain says it is pain.  That is why pain is widespread.  It doesn't come from the muscles themselves but from the central nervous system that misinterprets input.

So, why do people get it? Bottom line is we really don't know.  There may be a genetic susceptibility that's made apparent only after a viral illness or an accident such as whiplash.  We know that relatives of someone with fibromyalgia are 8 times more likely to suffer from it themselves.   Females are 6 to 10 times more likely to suffer from it than males.

Lifestyle Habits to Treat Fibromyalgia

 

How do you treat it? Well firstly, you need to improve your sleep.  Sleep hygiene is really how to set up for a restful night sleep, and there's plenty of advice for that to be found on the web.  So, if you have sleep apnea- a disorder where you snore and stop breathing.   Or maybe you have restless leg syndrome. Both are medical problems that need treatment. Good sleep is very important.  In fact, some people think fibromyalgia is primarily a sleep disorder. Two, lose weight.  If you are obese, losing weight may significantly decrease your pain. Three, stop smoking.  Every time you smoke, for about an hour afterwards the carbon monoxide you take in smothers the red blood cell and it stops oxygen going to the tight muscles. People with fibromyalgia who smoke have more pain. Four, exercise regularly.  Learning to pace your self is the key.  Do too much and what happens? You crash and burn.  Pacing is important.  Five, settle the mind.  Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness meditation are methods where you are beginning to use your brain to turn down the volume control.  These approaches can be found on YouTube. Six, is medication.  These have a moderate effect at best.  The FDA has approved three drugs that have proved to be effective.   More effective than placebo in studies, Pregabalin or Lyrica, which like it's older cousin Gabapentin or Lorontin, work by decreasing the “pain messages” going up to the brain.  There is no evidence that anti-inflammatories, such as, Advil, Aleve, benzodiazepines (e.g. Valium), or sleeping pills work.  There is no evidence at all that narcotics or opioids work and in the long term opioids may make things worse as they can actually increase the pain of fibromyalgia.  It is referred to as opioid-induced hypoalgesia.

Last Question--Is there hope for the future? Well, as our knowledge of this very common disorder improves, our treatments are also improving.  We are beginning to use an anti-opioid or an anti-narcotic called naltrexone in small doses and, in some cases, it is working.  Researchers are using repeated magnetic pulses to change the brain processing.  What the future holds is unclear.  But one thing is for certain -- fibromyalgia is a pain disorder that clearly demonstrates when a person starts looking after themselves mentally and physically, they can improve immensely.

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4 Steps to Beat Fibromyalgia

Reducing Inflammation is Essential

 

Here are 4 Steps to Beat Fibromyalgia. When it comes to fibromyalgia, you want to reduce inflammation.  Since the causes of fibromyalgia tend to be inflammation in the body.  Sometimes it can be related to, in certain cases, autoimmune-like reactions in the body so it is important to settle down the immune system.  Also, fibromyalgia can be caused from ligament laxity. When someone has too much ligament laxity, if they have ever been physically abused, or been in a car accident, that could be a cause. Emotional factors and cortisol and hormone imbalance in the body can also cause major health issues.

Repair Damaged Tissues by Refining Your Diet

 

An individual diagnosed with fibromyalgia should follow a diet that reduces inflammation but also helps repair damaged tissues. In order to reduce inflammation it is essential to give your body the specific nutrients it needs to rebuild those healthy tissues.  So to rebuild the healthy tissues, you need more collagen in your diet.  We know collagen helps strengthen cell structure.  The majority of people are currently missing in their diet today bone broth and collagen.  Bone broth, you can get this in the form of liquid or in bone broth protein powder.  It has been discovered bone broth contains the amino acids proline, glycine, and glutamine which are responsible for tissue repair.  If a person is not getting bone broth in their diet, that's the number one superfood they need to start healing fibromyalgia.  Bone broth is easy to make.  You take some bones from beef, or cartilage.  Tendons and bones from chickens and put it in a crock pot with water for 24 to 48 hours, or in a pressure cooker.  Let it simmer with some water, and it pulls out the vitamins and minerals from those bones.  A person with the disorder can also choose not to make the broth themselves.  You can simply order it or get it in a powder form, and add about three tablespoons to a smoothie.  Again, evidence has led the medical community to believe that bone broth is the number one superfood that aids in taming the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

The next step is for patients to add foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as wild caught salmon, other forms of fish, such as halibut and mackerel.  Grass-fed beef also contains Omega-3 fats, and certain nuts and seeds, such as flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts.  Getting more Omega-3sto reduce inflammation is key in healing fibromyalgia.  Also, getting more fruits and vegetables can be helpful.   The ideal meal for someone with fibromyalgia would be warm bone broth soup, with organic chicken, and ample veggies. Getting more green, leafy vegetables and berries in one’s diet, nutrient-dense foods, are just as essential.

Supplements Support the Immune System

 

Some supplement options have also been noted to aid in the healing of fibromyalgia.  Number one, without a doubt, is magnesium. Now not just any magnesium, it is recommended to get a magnesium chelate or magnesium oil.  Rubbing magnesium on the skin ensures direct absorption into the body.  It seems most people do better with magnesium oil than taking a magnesium capsule supplement. But magnesium is known as the relaxation mineral so it's one of the best supplements for helping heal fibromyalgia.  Taking about 300 to 500 milligrams a day or approximately 30 sprays of magnesium oil seem to be the average dosage.  Another efficient way to get sufficient amounts of magnesium is to get a cup of Epsom salts, 20 drops of lavender essential oil and to soak in a bath three nights a week.  It is also a bonus that lavender helps relax the mind and muscles.  A supplement that has an equally positive impact for fibromyalgia patients is Vitamin D-3.  Vitamin D-3 supports the immune system.  It is vital for hormone balance and it is recommended 5000 IUs daily. The next group of supplements is Vitamin B complex.  Now, the most important of those is typically Vitamin B-12 because it strongly supports neurological functions. It supports the brain, the spinal cord, and helps in balancing out pain.  But it is highly recommended to get a good quality Vitamin B complex, and ideally, organic.  Looking for an organic B complex supplement is another great supplement for naturally treating fibromyalgia.

Other Natural Treatments for Fibromyalgia

 

Again, essential oils are a major aid in waning off the pain of fibromyalgia.  Chamomile oil, ylang-ylang oil and lavender essential oil is good to use.  Lastly, prolotherapy, or PRP, or stem cell is possibly another natural treatment for fibromyalgia patients to explore.   Prolotherapy is for lax ligaments.  If someone has ever been in a car accident or endured a serious injury of any sort it can loosen the ligaments that are meant to support a person’s spine and major muscle groups.  If those become loose, the muscles have to work even harder, which causes trigger points and muscle spasms. Prolotherapy can help in treating this circumstance.  Prolotherapy is available across the country.  The process includes injecting glucose into the patient, or taking some of their blood.  By extracting just the plasma and then re-injecting it back into the individual helps the healing process.  The plasma helps speed up the healing process.  Acupuncture is great as well.  Certain types of corrective chiropractic care contribute to the healing of fibromyalgia.  Chiropractic care assists in restoring the spine, the normal posture and spinal curvatures.  This can take pressure off the muscles, reducing muscle pain. Overall, the steps to beating fibromyalgia are sticking to a strict diet, supplementing that diet with vitamins and minerals, reducing stress, and using essential oils or natural treatments to heal damaged muscle tissue.

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