Fibromyalgia

Do you have aches and pains all the time all over your body? Do you have trouble sleeping?

You may have fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is likely caused by the body's overreaction or misinterpretation of pain sensors. Often times triggers like stress, tension, and infections set it off.
Fibromyalgia is more common than you think. It affects an estimated 4 million people in the US, but likely more as many don’t seek treatment. Fibromyalgia is often misunderstood as it mimics other conditions. However, the hallmark sign of fibromyalgia is soreness all over in the muscles especially in certain trigger point areas. Fatigue and difficulty sleeping often occur as well.

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1. Relieve

How can myofascial release help?
MFR Can release the tension in the connective tissue throughout the body that is causing restriction and pain. When the tissues are able to glide freely the pain subsides and with decreased tension and pain more normal sleeping patterns can return and fatigue can be reduced.

2. Restore

After myofascial treatment to release tight tissues maintain with....

Stretches
Yoga is a good way to stretch and reach many muscle groups. You may just want to hold each position a bit longer if you can

Exercises
General low impact aerobic exercise is best such as walking, biking, or swimming. Just try to push yourself just a little bit more each week. For example if you walk/swim 10 minutes per day one week increase to 11 the next week. SLOW increase is important .

As ALWAYS good posture is important in standing, sitting, and sleeping. Keep all areas in alignment. Find a good pillow and knee pillow for sleeping as sleep is an issue anyway with fibromyalgia. If you can relieve some pain it may help with sleep.

A great book to read that covers all areas of fibromyalgia is:
The Fibro Manuel by Ginevra Lipton, MD. She herself has fibromyalgia so it’s a great perspective from an MD.

3. Renew

Stress is a major factor affecting chronic pain. According to Web MD stress is a reaction to perceived or real threat that causes our bodies to go into "fight or flight" so we are ready to take on the threat.

Some physical symptoms of stress are low energy; headaches; aches, pains, and tense muscles; chest pain and rapid heartbeat; insomnia; frequent colds and infection; clenched jaw and grinding teeth (TMJ).

Some consequences of long term stress include cardiovacular disease; high blood pressure; gastrointestinal problems (GERD, IBS, ulcers); and mental health problems.

For these reasons it is important to manage stress as well as to relieve pain and restore function.

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