Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a painful and sometimes debilitating chronic condition that can be frustrating to manage because its etiology is poorly understood. Around 5% of the population has fibromyalgia with about 6 million sufferers in the United States alone. Although the majority of people who suffer from fibromyalgia are women (80%), men and children are also diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
The word “fibromyalgia” literally refers to fibrous tissue (fibro) muscle (myo) and pain (algia). The condition results in widespread pain and chronic fatigue. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and sleep disorders are also common amongst fibromyalgia patients.
Part of the frustration for patients with fibromyalgia is the negative connotation associated with this poorly understood condition. When a health condition is not clearly understood and easily defined, patients have difficulty relating their pain to others. Imagine hurting all over, feeling tired constantly and not having a direct “cause” or “reason” to help explain your pain and fatigue to others.
The pain is real. For some fibromyalgia patients, the pain and fatigue may be debilitating enough to negatively affect their ability to work. For all, the pain and fatigue most definitely lowers the quality of life.
Science has yet to link a direct, physical cause of fibromyalgia, but there are some theories. There may be a disruption in the brain’s ability to process pain. There may be a problem with the immune system since many fibromyalgia patients have other conditions that point in this direction. Many patients with fibromyalgia also suffer from anxiety and depression, so another theory is brain chemistry abnormality.
A few other theories include a link between the virus that causes mononucleosis and fibromyalgia, Candida albicans infection, mercury poisoning from dental fillings, anemia, parasites, hypoglycemia and hypothyroidism.
Fibromyalgia patients have more tender points than people without fibromyalgia. Tender points are areas of the soft tissue (muscles, ligaments, tendons, fascia) with particular sensitivity when pressure is applied. There are 18 possible tender points, and fibromyalgia patients experience pain in at least 11.
A tender point is not palpable. In other words, by touching or pressing a tender point, there is no noticeable physical difference than other soft tissue. A trigger point, on the other hand, feels like a “knot” because it is actually an area where the muscle fibers have tightened and cannot relax or contract properly. The pain is usually localized to the trigger point, but it can also be referred pain and felt in another area of the body. For instance, a trigger point in the neck can cause back, shoulder or arm pain.
Trigger point therapy for fibromyalgia in Clearwater, FL is a highly effective means of reducing pain and stiffness associated with fibromyalgia. It may also ease depression and anxiety as well as increase range of motion in previously stiff joints.
During trigger point therapy, pressure is applied to the trigger points to increase blood flow to the area. By doing so, nutrients and oxygen are able to reach the tender point and restore health as well as encourage the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers.
Neuromuscular therapy (NMT) for fibromyalgia in Clearwater, FL is an effective treatment for managing fibromyalgia. NMT focuses on restoring health and function of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems as well as the anatomy, physiology and mechanics of the human body.
Static pressure is used to manipulate soft tissue and restore nerve function. Used on fibromyalgia patients, NMT may improve or correct pain signaling between the brain and nervous system thus reducing pain.
Pain relief for fibromyalgia patients in Clearwter, FL is right around the corner with Frank’s perfect skill set that marries several disciplines and brings you the best of many specialties that are highly effective in restoring musculoskeletal health.
Feel free to click around the site and learn about what Corrective Therapy Pain Relief Center can offer you! Be sure to play the patient testimonial movie to hear how Frank gave his patients a new lease on pain free lives!
