Fibromyalgia - What is it...
Fibromyalgia is a soft-tissue syndrome characterized by widespread
chronic
musculoskeletal pain, morning stiffness, poor sleep and fatigue. Other
symptoms can include anxiety, depression, headache, numbness or
tingling,
and irritable bowel syndrome.
In the past, fibromyalgia has also been called rheumatism, fibrositis
and
fibromyositis. Fibromyalgia is thought to affect about 2 percent of
the U.S.
population or about 3.7 million people. It is more common in women,
especially those older than the age of 50. The prevalence of
fibromyalgia
also increases with age, rising to 7.4 percent of women aged 70-79
years.
The diagnosis of fibromyalgia is made based upon the patient's
symptoms.
Although its cause is unknown, fibromyalgia may be triggered by
physical or
mental stress, inadequate sleep, an injury, exposure to dampness or
cold,
certain infections, and occasionally by rheumatoid arthritis or
related
disorders.
There is no known cure for fibromyalgia, and no drugs have been
specifically
developed for its treatment. However, a few existing drug treatments
can
produce improvement in 30-50 percent of patients with this disorder.
Goals of treatment include pain relief along with improved sleep,
depression
and energy levels. Medications commonly used for this condition
include
antidepressants, cyclobenzaprine (a muscle relaxant), ondansetron (an
anti-nausea drug), corticosteroids like prednisone, sedatives to help
sleep,
pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), NSAIDS (like
ibuprofen and
others), or tramadol (Ultram), and injections with lidocaine, an
anesthetic
agent. Herbal supplements have show to improve symptoms also. In
addition,
non-drug treatments like cardiovascular fitness training, biofeedback
training, and behavioral therapy may be beneficial in some patients
with
fibromyalgia.
This article was wrote by Richard Hoffmann....Pharmacist in our area
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I have a mild case of Fibromyalgia and here are the supplements that
help me
to keep the pain down to - well - its gone actually.
Two Tranquell , two Cytopro and one Flexezy with a 32oz glass
of water
with my breakfast. Before bed I take two more Tranquell, one more Flexezy and 3mg of
Melatonin. Works great!!! I also drink 3 to 4 quarts of filtered
water daily
since our muscles/body is made up of 70% water.....I find that Yoga
helps
too :)
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