Fibromyalgia is a much misunderstood diagnosis that leads to much muscular pain and weakness, and general malaise and fatigue. Symptoms of fibromyalgia also typically include sleep, memory, mood and digestive issues, as well as headaches, TMJD, anxiety and depression. In many cases, acupuncture combined with herbs, or simply herbal therapy alone, can help!
Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals. Symptoms sometimes begin after a physical trauma, surgery, infection or significant psychological stress. In other cases, symptoms gradually accumulate over time with no single triggering event. Women are much more likely to develop fibromyalgia than are men. While there is no true cure for it, acupuncture, herbs and nutritional therapy can help control symptoms.
Exercise, relaxation and stress‐reduction measures are also essential for helping patients overcome fibromyalgia. Chinese herbal therapy that addresses the root cause can not only lessen pain, but keep pain from returning.
Are there risk factors for developing Fibromyalgia?
In biomedicine, the cause of fibromyalgia is unknown. However, there are several factors that may work together including: genetics, infections, and physical and emotional trauma. Researchers believe that repeated nerve stimulation causes the brains of people with fibromyalgia to change. This change involves an abnormal increase in levels of chemicals in the brain that signal pain (neurotransmitters). In addition, the brain's pain receptors seem to develop a sort of memory of the pain and become more sensitive. Fibromyalgia is diagnosed more often in women than men, and in people with a history of certain diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Frequently, these folks are both stressed and exhausted.
How is diagnosis of Fibromyalgia made?
A fibromyalgia diagnosis can be made if a
person has had widespread pain for more than three months with no underlying medical condition that could cause
the pain. Physicians may run tests to rule out conditions that have similar symptoms. I would urge all potential patients to
make sure to evaluate thyroid function.
Can I help you or someone you care about that is suffering with fibromyalgia? Give me a call today!
Kathy E Thomas, Acupuncture Physician
Lake Premier Wellness Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
2430 South Bay Street, Eustis, FL 32726
352-323-0795
www.LakePremierWellness.com
