Signs and Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

The signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia can vary from person to person. Here you'll find a list of the most common, as well as information on the cause, the diagnoses and a herbal remedy that can bring you relief.

The word fibromyalgia is derived from the Latin roots "fibro" (fibrous tissue), "my" (muscles), "al" (pain), and "gia" (condition of). It is a multiple symptom syndrome that was previously called soft tissue rheumatism or fibrositis. This condition is characterized by generalized pain in the muscles, ligaments and tendons as well as fatigue.

Unfortunately, many people with fibromyalgia often undergo many visits to many different physicians before being correctly diagnosed. Studies indicate that some patients have looked for medical advice for more than 5 years before a correct diagnosis was made!! And what is more alarming is the fact that over 50% of patients are misdiagnosed and subjected to unnecessary surgery.

Statistics indicate that there are between 3 to 8 million Americans affected by Fibromyalgia. It's estimated that women are affected four times more than men and the majority of women suffering from this condition are between the ages of 34 and 56.

Signs and Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Pain

Even though it may feel like you hurt all over, there are specific points in the body that hurt when pressure is applied including the back of the head, upper back and neck, upper chest, elbows, hips and knees.

Pain is a distinctive symptom of fibromyalgia and generally persists for months at a time and the more tender points are worse upon awakening. Pain is often accompanied by stiffness that is worse in the mornings or after periods of sitting or standing in the same position. Pain has been described as burning, throbbing, aching, or stabbing.

Fatigue
This is a frequent symptom associated with fibromyalgia and sometimes doctors confuse it with chronic fatigue syndrome. The severity of the fatigue can range from mild to incapacitating. At its worst fatigue can be so debilitating that some people have trouble keeping their jobs and no amount of sleep at night or rest during the day provides any relief.

Other signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

difficulty sleeping

dry eyes, skin and mouth

chronic headaches

facial pain

jaw pain

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

depression

mood swings

difficulty concentrating

sensation of swollen hands and feet

numbness or tingling in hands and feet

chest pain

What is the Cause of Fibromyalgia?

Doctors think there are many factors that may cause fibromyalgia, including the following:

chemical changes in the brain that could possibly alter the regulation of specific brain chemicals called neurotransmitters

viral or bacterial infections, but the agent is still unknown

injury in the upper spinal region that can affect the central nervous system

changes in muscle metabolism, such as decreased blood flow, that causes fatigue and decreased strength

hormonal changes

psychological stress

Diagnosing Fibromyalgia

The American College of Rheumatology has established some guidelines for fibromyalgia to help in the assessment and study of the condition.

These guidelines require that there is widespread pain for at least 3 months and a minimum of 11 locations in the body that are abnormally tender under relatively mild pressure.

It should be noted, however, that some doctors believe that using these guidelines is a rigid approach since you can have fibromyalgia in the absence of the required number of tender points.

How Can You Get Relief From Fibromyalgia?

Getting relief from this condition be quite challenging since this is a multifactorial syndrome. The goal of the treatment is to minimize your signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia and improve your general health.

Some studies indicate that regular exercise such as swimming, biking and walking improve muscle fitness and reduce muscle pain. Application of heat and massage therapy may also provide short-term relief.

Meditation and/or deep-breathing exercises may also be very helpful as they release emotional stress.

A good sleep and good sleep habits are very important.

In terms of medicine, doctors may recommend some pain relievers such as Aspirin, Advil or Tylenol in addition to muscle relaxants or antidepressants.

Most drugs provide temporary relief from fibromyalgia, and if used long-term, can have negative side effects like any other drug. You may end up feeling like a 'zombie' or depressed or drowsy.

Herbal Relief from Fibromyalgia

Our constant search for high quality natural products helped us discover a comprehensive formulation that may bring you herbal relief from fibromyalgia.

This product has been developed under the strictest standards for purity, efficacy and potency and combines numerous natural ingredients and herbal extracts that include:

Boswellia Serrata extract, which has an anti-inflammatory effect.

CMO that is a compound used to treat fibromyalgia and acts as an immune 'modulator' that may help lubricate the muscles and softens the tissues.

SAM-e that helps reduce fatigue and pain and is used for slowing the advancing process of fibromyalgia.

Bromelain and Protease, which are plant-based enzymes that are recommended to reduce inflammation and pain.

There are many other natural ingredients of high quality and potency in this formula that you may want to check out for yourself. There is no other product as complete and safe as this to help bring you herbal relief from fibromyalgia.

more than signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia on our health conditions page

Legal Disclaimer: The information contained in this web site is for educational purposes only and its not meant to replace medical advice, diagnose or treat any disease. Nutritional benefits may differ from one person to another, because each person is different. Healthcare professionals can provide disagreeing opinions on health issues consequently, each person in the end is responsible for directing their own health care.