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Fibromyalgia Joint Pain Natural Remedy

The Institute for Vibrant Living researchers report on what can be a tricky and confusing assumption: You have fibromyalgia.

 

On any given day, hundreds of thousands of Americans are sidelined by the chronic pain, stiffness and extreme fatigue that are hallmarks of fibromyalgia.

 

Sadly, many of these victims are in the prime of their lives.

 

So what exactly is fibromyalgia?

 

Fibromyalgia is a condition that results in muscle pain as well as pain in the tissues of the body with flu-like achiness frequently surfacing as the most prominent symptom.

 

For some, these symptoms can be so severe, that just getting out of bed is difficult, if not an impossible task.

 

Although thousands of studies have been conducted about fibromyalgia, the exact causes have yet to be determined and there is no known cure. 

 

So how can fibromyalgia be detected and diagnosed?

 

Fibromyalgia is usually diagnosed in one of two ways:

 

• When a person experiences pain that is widespread on both sides of the body, the doctor or holistic practitioner may suspect the presence of fibromyalgia.
• Or, the presence of at least eleven or more points on the body that are sore or tender when pressed may also indicate a diagnosis of fibromyalgia.

 

Treatment methods will vary from person to person.

 

Almost all fibromyalgia sufferers can benefit from mild to moderate exercise, especially those like Pilates that involve gentle stretching.

 

Swimming is also an appropriate exercise because water allows patients to move freely without putting stress on painful joints. 

 

Regular exercise helps reduce the aches and pains and improves sleep. Exercise also helps reduce the anxiety and depression, which can often accompany many chronic conditions.

 

With fibromyalgia, symptoms may not be present all the time. They can come and go, with flare-ups that may be followed by periods of lesser intensity.

 

A state of central sensitization exists in fibromyalgia sufferers. This means that your central nervous system may be unusually sensitive to pain (hyperalgesia) and you also may find certain sounds, vibrations, light, and other sensations (even smells) to be translated by your body into discomfort or pain.

 

Many patients also suffer from "fibro fog," which is an inability to concentrate.  Some medical experts believe that this may actually be brought on by the sleep deprivation that often accompanies fibromyalgia.

 

Did you know Fibromyalgia is more common in women than in men?

 

Once a person is diagnosed, they are usually prone to intermittent bouts with the painful symptoms throughout their remaining lives.

 

Since there is no known cure, treatment is aimed by necessity at controlling the symptoms.

 

Also, because the condition is so chronic, many sufferers are looking to find a drug-free way of coping with the pain, so they may avoid becoming dependent on habit-forming prescription medications. 

 

Treatment methods will vary from person to person.

 

Almost all fibromyalgia sufferers can benefit from mild to moderate exercise, especially those like Pilates that involve gentle stretching.

 

Swimming is also an appropriate exercise because water allows patients to move freely without putting stress on painful joints.  Regular exercise helps reduce the aches and pains and improves sleep.

 

Exercise also helps reduce the anxiety and depression, which can often accompany chronic illnesses.

 

What natural methods can be explored for relief?

 

Lifestyle changes, acupuncture, massage, yoga and herbal remedies are among the most often used drug-free methods to ease the pain and discomfort.   

 

Also, studies funded by the National Institutes for Health show fibromyalgia patients who have regular massages report less pain, more energy and fewer episodes of depression.

 

Apparently, massage can relieve the soreness and stiffness in muscles and joints and strengthens connective tissue as well as causing the body to produce endorphins, the body's naturally produced painkiller. 

 

Muscles which have been in a state of contracture, or constant tension, do not allow a healthy flow of fresh blood and lymph to enter the tissue, so fluids locked within the tissue become stagnant and filled with toxins and waste products (which would normally be carried away by healthy circulation.)

 

Massage techniques of compression and kneading push these waste products from the muscle, allowing fresh blood and lymph fluid back into the tissues bringing vital oxygen and nutrition.

 

Fibromyalgia sufferers see strong benefits from deep tissue massage which is focused on deep muscle and connective tissues.

 

Some patients may benefit from counseling and stress-reduction techniques. Many fibromyalgia sufferers have to make significant lifestyle adjustments such as working only part-time, taking frequent breaks and avoiding extreme heat or cold.

 

Talk to your holistic practitioner or health advisor about the treatment and lifestyle changes that may work best for you or a loved one.

 

And please don't give up hope on natural methods for possible improvement, because with nature's vast opportunities for relief, diligence can pay off in a big way!

 

About the Author

David Flores is a natural health researcher for Institute for Vibrant Living, a top retailer specializing in all-natural supplements, vitamins, and minerals for many health and nutrition challenges.  To learn more about the products offered by the Institute for Vibrant Living visit http://www.ivlproducts.com

 

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