| Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic disease that | | | | Muscle relaxants and sleep aids may also be |
| affects the musculoskeletal system. Symptoms vary | | | | recommended. Since fibromyalgia sufferers are often |
| widely among sufferers, but generally include muscle | | | | found to be low in manganese and magnesium, both |
| and joint aches, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel | | | | of which help balance thyroid function, nutritional |
| syndrome, headaches and tenderness in several of | | | | supplements may prove beneficial as well. |
| eighteen specific areas, or "trigger points" on the body. | | | | Physical therapy is another essential component for |
| Fibromyalgia is often overlooked by sufferers as the | | | | fibromyalgia pain relief, as it teaches patients methods |
| inevitable result of a busy schedule and everyday | | | | of walking, stretching, and exercise that reduce muscle |
| stress. When patients do seek treatment, doctors | | | | tension and fatigue. A physical therapist will also teach |
| often misdiagnose fibromyalgia as rheumatoid arthritis, | | | | patients how to make use of ergonomic tools in their |
| chronic fatigue syndrome, or another musculoskeletal | | | | daily life, like padded chairs and special keyboards |
| condition. It affects women far more often than men, | | | | designed to minimize muscle strain. |
| at a ratio of about ten to one. While some cases result | | | | Some patients choose to incorporate alternative |
| from a specific trauma, more often the exact cause is | | | | treatments such as acupuncture, chiropractic, and |
| unknown. | | | | massage therapy into their treatment. While the |
| The first step to fibromyalgia pain relief is being | | | | efficacy of these natural treatments has not been |
| properly diagnosed. The condition is not completely | | | | carefully studied and quantified, testimonials of |
| understood by the medical community, and there is no | | | | fibromyalgia sufferers indicate that all of these |
| specific course of treatment. Most advice given to | | | | alternative treatments may help alleviate symptoms of |
| patients reads like a weight-loss program, | | | | the disease. Whatever patients decide upon, it must be |
| recommending low-intensity exercise, drinking lots of | | | | remembered that there is no simple cure for |
| water, and reducing mental and physical stresses such | | | | fibromyalgia, and a comprehensive plan that address |
| as those caused by saturated fats, caffeine, alcohol, | | | | mental and psychological symptoms and promotes |
| nicotine, meat and sugar. | | | | healthy lifestyle habits is the most direct method of |
| Anti-depressants are often prescribed as part of the | | | | obtaining fibromyalgia pain relief. |
| treatment, which elevate the mood of the patient. | | | | |