Wednesday, 24 November 2010 12:38

Here's to Your Health - Fibromyalgia
October 1, 2008

Fibromyalgia is a condition with a multitude of symptoms including widespread pain resulting from a light touch, sleep disturbances, weakness in the limbs, numbness/ tingling, irritable bowel syndrome, “fibrofog,” impaired memory, migraines, hypoglycemia, TMJ, eye problems, immune system deficiency, endocrine disorders, among many others.

As the name indicates, fibromyalgia affects the connective tissue (fascia) surrounding the muscles. The fascia becomes extremely tight, making movement difficult. Massage techniques such as myofascial release, cranial sacral massage and biofield therapies help to release this fascia, allowing more comfortable movement. Massage leads to relaxation and the relaxation leads to better sleep.

The cause of fibromyalgia is still being debated. Some theories suggest genetic predisposition, stress, sleep disturbance, neurotransmitter malfunction, toxins, viruses or bacteria.

A diagnosis of fibromyalgia is generally made when a person has 11 out of the 18 specified tender points (not to be confused with trigger points) occurring in all four quadrants of the body lasting for more than three months.

Treatment may include pharmaceuticals, exercise, dietary changes, physical therapy, chiropractic care and complementary therapies. Complementary therapies include but are not limited to acupuncture, biofeedback, reflexology, yoga, Qi Gong, Tai Chi, biofield therapies and massage.

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