Where To Get Help For Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that is characterized by widespread pain throughout the body. During a physical exam, a physician presses lightly on specific tender points as well as control spots and evaluates the patient's response. People affected by fibromyalgia may not realize they have tender points until someone familiar with the condition applies pressure to them. Wincing, jumping, or any other visible or vocal response to pain shows excessive tenderness. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition which causes stiffness and tenderness of the muscles, tendons, and joints. Fibromyalgia sufferers often experience restless sleep, awakening feeling tired, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and disturbances in bowel function.

There is no test for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Doctors make a diagnosis by conducting physical examinations that evaluate symptoms and ruling out other conditions. There have been studies of many types of treatments for fibromyalgia, but none have proved to be very effective. Nutritional supplements taken with vitamins, such as folic acid, and the use of herbs such as ginkgo biloba have been shown to help. Many individuals with fibromyalgia have sought out alternative treatments such as aromatherapy and aromatherapy wraps. Fibromyalgia is often treated with antidepressants and anti-seizure medications. Getting a proper amount of sleep and regular exercise can also be very beneficial.

Acupuncture is a treatment that involves the placement of special needles into specific points of the body to treat medical conditions. Mainstream medicine is recognizing acupuncture as an effective treatment for a variety of disorders. Unfortunately, no studies prove that acupuncture helps patients with fibromyalgia. A common problem with previous studies has been the lack of good control groups.