Fibromyalgia Tips

Read these 5 Fibromyalgia Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Sleep Disorders tips and hundreds of other topics.

Fibromyalgia Tips has been rated 3.5 out of 5 based on 365 ratings and 1 user reviews.
What are the effects of fibromyalgia?

Effects Of Fibromyalgia

Researchers have found that fibromyalgia affects twice as many people as rheumatoid arthritis, is more painful, and is a major cause of disability and loss of work time. Uncontrolled symptomology causes loss of employment, reduced quality of life, and psychological distress. The implications for family life and relationships are serious and difficult to overcome.

   
How is fibromyalgia treated?

Fibromyalgia Treatment

Although most of those affected will have to live with pain the rest of their lives, symptoms can be reduced with appropriate medical intervention and life-style changes. Musculoskeletal complaints often respond to anti-inflammatory agents, particularly non-steroidals in standard doses. Drug treatment may be accompanied by physiotherapy or massage therapy. Some patients have benefited from the use of Oil of Evening Primrose, an essential fatty acid supplement available both by prescription and over-the-counter in health-food stores. Low doses of anti-depressants help some patients sleep better and reduce the pain.

   
What other conditions are commonly associated with fibromyalgia?

Commonly Associated Conditions

The following conditions are commonly associated with fibromyalgia:

1. Malignant Hyperthermiam
2. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
4. Depression
5. Anxiety Disorder and Panic Attacks
6. Concentration and Memory Problems
7. Mitral Value Prolapse
8. Fibrocytic Breast Disease and Endometriosis

* Source: The Durham Region Fibromyalgia Support Group, Ontario

   
What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is characterized by pain and/or soreness in the skeletal muscles, tendons, ligaments, etc., that lasts more than three months, poor sleep with morning fatigue and stiffness, and tenderness at 11 of 18 specified sites on the body. The most common painful areas are the low cervical spine, the shoulder, the second rib, the arm, the buttocks and the knee. These symptoms are often worsened by stress or a change in the weather. Depression, which may be due to a chemical imbalance in the brain or the development of chronic pain, is common with fibromyalgia. Virtually all physical activity increases the patient's pain.

   
What causes fibromyalgia?

Causes of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia may be caused by emotional trauma such as the death of a loved one, or physical trauma like a motor vehicle accident, a sudden fall, or even following surgery with a general anesthetic. It can also manifest after an illness like the flu and women can experience the effects of fibromyalgia due to hormonal changes after a hysterectomy or at the beginning of menopause.

* Source: The Durham Region Fibromyalgia Support Group, Ontario

   
Not finding the advice and tips you need on this Sleep Disorders Tip Site? Request a Tip Now!


Guru Spotlight
Susan Sayour