What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a condition that affects the muscular system throughout the body resulting in pain, discomfort and tenderness. It is only of the most common conditions and is also often misdiagnosed among many patients. Characteristics of fibromyalgia are described by pains generally located in both upper and lower back areas, neck, legs, feet, and deep muscle tissues.
Sufferers of fibromyalgia have often been known to experience altered sleep, memory loss, and mood swings as well. There are over 3 million reported cases of fibromyalgia in the U.S. each year alone, and there is currently no cure for the condition. There has been extensive research conducted on the disease and even though there is no cure, exercise, proper diet, and reduction in stress have shown to reduce symptoms drastically.
How Does Somebody Get Fibromyalgia?
Although there is no known cause for fibromyalgia, there are certainly enough reported cases each year that it has become a major concern. Research has indicated that it could be related to hereditary genetics, long-term infections, or physical and emotional trauma. Women are also much more likely to experience the condition. Despite the cause of fibromyalgia, it is believed that the condition involves increased levels of neurotransmitters that signal pain to the brain and nervous system. As a result, one suffers from loss of energy, localized and heightened sense of pain, and a decreased range of motion throughout the body.
Who is at Risk?
The majority of people that experience symptoms of fibromyalgia are typically women of age 40 and older. Statistically, it affects women slightly more so than men. However, the symptoms are generally quite similar for both. Those who have suffered from weak immunity may tend to be a higher risk, as well as those who have had severe or multiple injuries. Patients who rarely exercise and have experienced a traumatic event or has PTSD are shown to be a higher risk than others.
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
The pain associated with fibromyalgia can range anywhere from chronic, to very severe. Some people experience it more at night while sleeping in certain positions for long periods of time, or while sitting at a desk all day at work. Descriptions of pain include numbness, tingling, sensitivity to cold, and centralized muscle aches. Psychologically, it can cause loss of concentration, forgetfulness, and depression, too.
Fibromyalgia Treatment at Life Health
A diagnosis of fibromyalgia can be difficult since many doctors mistake the symptoms for a different condition. Unfortunately there is no test to find out if a patient has fibromyalgia, instead doctors will combine the patients history, duration and severity of the symptoms, hormone levels, and scan results to rule out any other illnesses. The condition is a result of process of elimination.
When it comes to treating fibromyalgia, it is generally more than just physical that needs to be addressed. Counsel therapy and stress reduction like breathing exercises or light yoga may be of help to fibromyalgia sufferers, as well. Medication may also be needed if the symptoms are overwhelming and preventing the patients from doing their normal daily activities. Here at Life Health Medical Clinic, we understand how frustrating and debilitating it can be to suffer from a condition like Fibromyalgia, and we encourage our patients to take all of the necessary steps to achieve recovery.
That’s why we have created a functional medicine program that you can integrate into your daily lifestyle, so that you can finally work towards getting relief. The program includes educating our patients on exercises and low-impact workouts to strengthen the muscles and build their endurance. Exercise is a major component of our program because it helps our patients with their overall health, and reduce stress in their lives. Our fibromyalgia treatment techniques can significantly improve your quality of life. Contact us in Salt Lake City, UT today to schedule your appointment!