Fibromyalgia

The word fibromyalgia means pain ('algia') coming from the muscles ('my') and fibrous tissues ('fibro') such as tendons and ligaments. Most people with fibromyalgia also have other symptoms in addition to the pains. Therefore, fibromyalgia is sometimes called fibromyalgia syndrome, or FMS. It is a chronic (persistent) condition.

The cause of fibromyalgia is not known. However, research has shown that people with fibromyalgia have certain subtle changes in some chemicals in the brain and nervous system. A current allopathic theory is that people with fibromyalgia have an oversensitivity to pain signals in the brain. This is called 'central sensitisation'. This may be due to various minor changes in brain chemicals. What triggers or causes these changes is not known.

About 1 in 50 people develop fibromyalgia at some stage. It is seven times more common in women than men. In most cases it first develops between the ages of 25 and 55. It is less common in younger adults, and is uncommon in children.

The main symptoms are pains felt in many areas of the body, and tiredness. Some people also develop other symptoms. The severity of symptoms varies from person to person.

Pain can occur in any area of the body. Typically, many areas of the body are affected, and some people feel the pain 'all over'. The neck and back are the sites that are often the most painful. Tiredness (fatigue) is also common, and is sometimes severe. In some cases it is more distressing than the pain. It is also common to have a poor sleep pattern. You may wake feeling exhausted.

Various other symptoms have been reported by people with fibromyalgia:
• Headaches are common
• Irritable bladder is common
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• About 1 in 5 people with fibromyalgia also have restless legs syndrome
• Painful periods occur in some women with fibromyalgia
• Pins and needles in fingers and/or toes
• Some people describe a feeling as if their hands or feet are swollen
• Depression or anxiety develop in some people.

Reducing toxicity in the body has been shown to have a dramatic effect on Fibromyalgia to find out more about how high quality nutrition and naturopathic techniques can relieve your symptoms please either complete the form on the right, call 01234 862217, or click the button below...

Carole is a Holistic Health Practitioner with a Diploma in Holistic Nutritional Practice, another in Allergy Intolerance Therapy, is qualified to Diagnostix level in Callahan Techniques Thought Field Therapy and is a Certified GriefRecovery Specialist. read more