Fibromyalgia is a syndrome that affects muscle and soft tissue. Experts believe it may be related to rheumatic diseases such as arthritis. Symptoms include chronic muscle pain, sleep disturbances, painful tender or trigger points, and fatigue. More than 12 million Americans suffer from fibromyalgia, most of them women. Women are 10 times more likely to have fibromyalgia syndrome.

The primary symptoms are body-wide aching and debilitating fatigue even after waking from a full night's sleep. There is no specific test for fibromyalgia. Diagnosis is made by excluding other causes of symptoms.

There is no cure for fibromyalgia. Recently two medications were approved for treatment of the condition, Lyrica and Cymbalta. Lyrica is used primarily to treat nerve pain. Cymbalta is an antidepressant in a class known as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Low doses of tricycyclic antidepressant related muscle relaxants such as Flexeril and dual reuptake inhibitor antidepressants such as Effexor have also shown positive effects on fibromyalgia symptoms. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and narcotic pain relievers do not appear to help fibromyalgia pain. Depression is often associated with fibromyalgia, anti-depressants prescribed to treat depression often help relieve pain as well.

Therapeutic massage and myofacial release therapy help to stretch, relax, and realign soft tissues and offer some relief from symptoms. The American Pain Society (APS) recommends intense aerobic exercise at least 2 to 3 times per week. The APS also recommends clinician-assisted treatments such as hypnosis, acupuncture, therapeutic, and chiropractic for pain relief. It is important to get adequate rest each day. Regular bedtimes and lengths of sleep time are important. Deep breathing relaxation techniques can help reduce stress-related triggers.

A November 3 report on a brain scan study concludes that fibromyalgia may be related to abnormalities in brain blood flow. These abnormalities coincide with the severity of the symptoms. Increased blood flow to areas of the brain involved in sensing pain and decreased flow to areas of the brain thought to be involved in the emotional response to pain were observed. The small study conducted in France indicates that more research in this area is needed as it offers hope that more effective treatments may be discovered.

References: http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/default.htm, http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/news/20081103/fibromyalgia-a-real-disease-study-shows.

FLU SHOTS ARE STILL AVAILABLE BY APPOINTMENT AT THE TOTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER OF TAOS. THE COST IS $25.00. CALL (575) 737-5810 TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT.

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