Fibromyalgia
A
chronic pain condition affecting the soft, fibrous tissues of the muscles,
tendons and ligament. They linger and torture you like a house guest from hell.
If fibromyalgia has taken up residence in your body, you may feel deep muscle
soreness or burning, throbbing, or shooting pains.
You
may ache all over and/or have extreme tenderness at specific spots-called
myofascial trigger points – located in your neck, shoulders, lower back,
elbows, and knees and beneath your buttocks. Pain and fatigue may be your
constant companion or come and go, flaring during times of stress or when you
are exposed to draft.
That
is the cruel irony of fibromyalgia: It makes you so tired and achy that you can
barely move, but inactivity leads to poor sleep; which in turn makes your
muscle ache more. You become so trapped in a pain-fatigue-pain loop that you
may stop moving altogether.
REST
A soak before bedtime in a tub laced with ½ cup of Epsom salts
is the most heavenly way to prime your body for deep, restful sleep.
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KNOCK OUT THE KNOTS
The
conventional treatment for FM all aim to reduce pain and increase sleep, but
they can leave you with bothersome side effects. At best, the standard
treatments work for only half of those with FM. That isn’t to say, though, that
here’s nothing you can do. A broad range of non-drug remedies can help release
the knots, free your pain and stiffness, and promote a good night’s sleep- without
grogginess or other, more trouble-some side effects that you have to deal with
the next day. Here’s where to begin:
·
MOVE
–BUT SLOWLY
When
even a wave of your hand can be excruciating, exercise may be the last thing on
your mind, yet it should be the first thing you do after you get your
diagnosis. Studies show that non-impact exercise can minimize pain and
tenderness in just three months. Start by gently stretching your arms and legs
to the point of resistance. Work up to holding each stretch for a minute. Then
begin a walking or water exercise program.
·
TRY
TOUCH THERAPY
Common
massages can dampen pain, stiffness and help you snooze more deeply.
·
GO
LIGHTLY
If
even a gentle massage is to much for your tender muscle try craniosacral
therapy. To enhance mobility and release tension, a craniosacral therapist uses
barely noticeable, rhythmic movements of the bones at the back of the head and
bottom of the spine and of the connective tissue system.
·
MAXIMIZE
MAGNESIUM
Talk
to your doctor before trying it. A magnesium deficiency can literally leave you
weak. So, eat leafy greens, dried beans and lentils.
·
LOAD
UP ON CoQ10
Antioxidant
that also provides the spark that fires up ATP in your cells-which means less
pain, more energy and better sleep. It’s abundant in spinach, sardines,
albacore tuna and peanuts, but ensure to get enough, look for capsules or
tablets in oil base.
·
TURN
ON THE HEAT
Applying
an over the counter cream containing capsaicin- the ingredient that gives chile
peppers their bite to your most painful areas reduces soreness because
capsaicin helps tamp down chemicals that transit pain. Look for it in drugstore
or health food store.
·
GET
NEEDLE
In
one study, people with FM who tried acupuncture reported less pain and
depression after just one month of treatment. It boosts endorphins, the body’s
morphine-like painkillers. Ask your doctor for a referral to a reputable
acupuncturist.
·
BE
SURE TO GET B
You can battle weakness and fatigue by eating foods
rich in B vitamins such as cereals, eggs, poultry, shellfish and milk. You can
also take B-complex supplement.
AN
APPLE (OR MORE!) A DAY…
Just may keep FM pain away. Researches
have found that taking up to 6 tablets a day of Super Malic (200mg of malic
acid found in apples) and 50mg of magnesium helped squelch pain in people with
FM. It takes about 2 months to work.
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