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<title>Fibromyalgia Information and Resources | What is Fibromyalgia | Fibromyalgia Symptoms</title>
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<description><![CDATA[Fibromyalgia Articles and Information - Useful Articles related to Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia Symptoms, Fibromyalgia Support, FM and much more.]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 01 Mar 2007 12:34:05 -0500</pubDate>
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	<title>Some Things About The Fibromyalgia Syndrome</title>
	<link>http://www.LookUpFM.com/info/Fibromyalgia/Some-Things-About-The-Fibromyalgia-Syndrome.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 01 Mar 2007 12:34:05 -0500</pubDate>
<category>Fibromyalgia</category>
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	<description><![CDATA[There are a few events that can determine the apparition of the fibromyalgia syndrome. For example, an automobile accident, a viral or bacterial infection, or a disorder like lupus, hypothyroidism, or rheumatoid arthritis. It is not sure if these factors really lead to fibromyalgia syndrome, but there is a great chance that they will awaken an underlying physiological abnormality that already exists. In order to find out what exactly this abnormality is, there are being made investigations that concern the hormonal irregularities, immune system function, the pain-related chemical transmitters, especially some alterations are searched. There are modern brain imaging techniques that explore various aspects of brain function. Also, it is being evaluated the body&rsquo;s response to stress and exercise, and alterations in the operation of the autonomic nervous system. It was discovered that in the spinal fluid of people having fibromyalgia syndrome, substance P is increased threefold, and nerve growth factor is increased fourfold, and the scientists are working to find out why this situation exists. It is known that deep level sleep is important for many body functions, for example for antibody production, tissue repair, the regulation of various neurotransmitters, hormones and immune system chemicals. Sleep disorders are a fact that often appears in fibromyalgia syndrome patients. It is very important that the sleep disorders to be treated first, because they can contribute to the symptoms of the fibromyalgia syndrome. There can be prescribed medications that increase the level of serotonin and norepinephrine. Usually, these medications are prescribed in low doses, and we can mention here cyclobenzaprine, amitriptyline and Cymbalta. Medications that are used to aid sleep are: clonazepam, trazodone, Ambien, and Lunesta. Other medications, such as Ultram are being used to treat the pain, and in moderate and severe cases, stronger opioids may be needed. There can be also prescribed muscle relaxants, anti-epileptics like Lyrica and Neurotin, and other drugs categories too. Also, many patients will have to follow other treatment methods too, like acupuncture, acupressure, trigger point injections with lidocaine, chiropractic care, therapeutic massage, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or a gentle exercise program. There were made long-term studies, that followed the fibromyalgia syndrome evolution. It was revealed that this disease is chronic, but its symptoms may vary, they may sometimes rise, and sometimes decrease. The fibromyalgia syndrome has different impact among patients, it affects them differently. This syndrome can affect the daily living activities, and here we must also mention that it can affect ability to work a full-time job. In conclusion, we may say that fibromyalgia syndrome can produce harm just as rheumatoid arthritis, can affect patients differently, and first, it is necessary a treatment to improve the quality of sleep and to release the pain]]></description>
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	<title>Signs and Symptoms of Fibromyalgia</title>
	<link>http://www.LookUpFM.com/info/Fibromyalgia/Signs-and-Symptoms-of-Fibromyalgia.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 01 Mar 2007 12:33:44 -0500</pubDate>
<category>Fibromyalgia</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.LookUpFM.com/info/Fibromyalgia/Signs-and-Symptoms-of-Fibromyalgia.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[The signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia include pain, fatigue and stiffness. Many people describe it like the muscle aches that sometimes accompany a bad flu. People who are diagnosed with fibromyalgia have had pain in several places for over three months and are tired a lot (fatigued), and don&rsquo;t sleep well. Many people also have other problems, like frequent diarrhea or constipation, headaches, or poor memory. Most patients with fibromyalgia feel these symptoms starting over a period of long time, sometimes back to childhood. About one fourth of fibromyalgia patients remember a specific event that set off their symptoms, like a car accident, bad flu, or surgery. Doctors don&rsquo;t have any blood tests or scans they can do to make sure someone has fibromyalgia. There are two main things doctors look for in a clinical examination to diagnose fibromyalgia: 1) pain in the left side of the body plus the right side of the body, plus pain above the waist plus pain below the waist, plus neck pain or back pain or chest pain; 2) the patient feels pain when the doctor pushes his thumb into at least 11 of 18 specific places (tender points) on the body. Some men will have fibromyalgia with the first set of symptoms, but won&rsquo;t have all the tender points. The doctor may check for arthritis to make sure this is not causing the symptoms. Sometimes people with fibromyalgia also have other chronic problems, like lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis. The doctor should ask about where the patient feels pain and how bad it is. The doctor should also ask whether the patient has trouble falling asleep, wakes up several times a night, has trouble staying asleep, and is tired in the morning. Most doctors will also ask about whether the patient feels sad or is under stress.]]></description>
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	<title>Is Treating Fibromyalgia with Medication For You?</title>
	<link>http://www.LookUpFM.com/info/Fibromyalgia/Is-Treating-Fibromyalgia-with-Medication-For-You.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 01 Mar 2007 12:33:16 -0500</pubDate>
<category>Fibromyalgia</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.LookUpFM.com/info/Fibromyalgia/Is-Treating-Fibromyalgia-with-Medication-For-You.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[Joining a fibromyalgia support group can be excellent psychological and emotional therapy. However, talking and sharing your experiences with others is not likely to take away any of the painful physical symptoms or fatigue you feel. Therefore, many fibromyalgia sufferers need to turn to alternative and medical remedies to find relief from their symptoms. There are different over-the-counter (OTC) and prescribed medications that a fibromyalgia sufferer may find beneficial to their condition. That being said, not every person with fibromyalgia will have the same response to medical treatment, and may require different treatment to address their specific symptoms. Although there are a number of medications that can be prescribed for specific symptoms, or those currently being used in clinical trials, the following are the most common medical treatments prescribed: Analgesics &ndash; Analgesics are drugs designed to relieve bodily aches and pains and are also known as painkillers. OTC analgesics include acetaminophen and the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Although NSAIDs are primarily used to reduce inflammation and inflammation is not a symptom of fibromyalgia, they offer effective pain relief. The problem with using NSAIDs for pain relief is that prolonged use of this medication can irritate the stomach lining, lead to digestive upset and cause stomach ulcers. Aside from OTC analgesics, doctors may prescribe opioid analgesics such as tramadol. Tramadol is a narcotic used to treat moderate to severe pain, and is typically used to treat surgical, arthritic and fibromyalgia pain. However, other stronger narcotics may be prescribed for sufferers with severe muscle pain. The problem doctors have with prescribing narcotics is that although effective, there is a high risk that those who take them will become addicted and dependent on these drugs. Furthermore, narcotics can have many side effects including altering moods, behaviors and fatigue. Antidepressants Antidepressants are one of the most common medications prescribed for fibromyalgia sufferers. This is because antidepressants elevate the levels of specific brain chemicals such as norepinephrine and serotonin. Low levels of these and other brain chemicals can result in depression, pain and fatigue. By increasing chemical levels these symptoms can be improved. Doctors provide different types of antidepressants to fibromyalgia sufferers based on how they feel. For instance, tricyclic antidepressants are provided to fibromyalgia patients who suffer from insomnia, as these meds help restore sleep. In addition, tricyclic antidepressants can help painful muscles relax and stimulate endorphins (body&rsquo;s natural painkillers). Different tricyclic antidepressants that may be prescribed include: amitriptyline, doxepin, cyclobenzaprine and nortriptyline. Additional antidepressant that may be used to treat depression and other fibromyalgia syptoms are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These include &ndash; fluoxetine, sertraline and paroxetine. Antidepressants can be habit forming and may cause side effects such as dry mouth, weight gain, anxiety, gastrointestinal upset, loss of libido, insomnia, and fatigue. Note: each antidepressant will have different side effects. Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines are psychotropic drugs that have been known to help fibromyalgia sufferers relax tense and painful muscles, and with restless legs syndrome, and insomnia. Benzodiazepines have hypnotic and sedative effects, and like antidepressants, dependence and addiction can occur in some patients. Other side effects may include depression, memory impairment, slow motor skills, etc. Benzodiazepines are usually prescribed to fibromyalgia sufferers who have not responded well to other treatments. Some Benzodiazepines meds prescribed include: diazepam, temazepman, clonazepam, and triazolam. Despite what medication you may be interested in or your doctor may recommend, you need to make sure you ask your doctor important questions before taking any medication so you can receive the most effective treatment that is right for you. 6 important questions to ask your doctor 1. What are the medications you recommend for my specific symptoms? 2. What side effects can I expect and will this medication have negative interactions with other medications, foods or activities? 3. Should I continue taking medications even if I feel better? 4. What are the long-term effects this medication will have on my health? 5. Can I take any alternative therapies with this medication, or are there any alternative therapies I can try which might provide me with relief for my symptoms? 6. Are there any clinical trials I may be eligible for?]]></description>
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	<title>Acupuncture vs Fibromyalgia</title>
	<link>http://www.LookUpFM.com/info/Fibromyalgia/Acupuncture-vs-Fibromyalgia.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 01 Mar 2007 12:32:47 -0500</pubDate>
<category>Fibromyalgia</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.LookUpFM.com/info/Fibromyalgia/Acupuncture-vs-Fibromyalgia.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[Acupuncture is another alternative treatment, like cupping therapy, which has been effectively used to provide some fibromyalgia patients relief from painful symptoms. However, unlike cupping therapy that has been adapted from traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is traditional Chinese medicine. What is acupuncture? Acupuncture has existed for more than three thousand years and originated in China. It is an ancient Chinese practice that has been used throughout time for treating painful symptoms that occur from a variety of health ailments. Its purpose is to improve the overall functioning of the body by restoring balance to the body&rsquo;s natural life force known as &ldquo;chi&rdquo;. Chi flows through 14 meridians (unseen channels within the body), and each meridian is connected to various trigger points (known as acupoints) throughout the body. Thus, everything is interconnected, which means when specific acupoints related to the health problem are stimulated, this helps to bring balance to the body as a whole. How is it performed? Acupuncture is a treatment that involves inserting short, solid hair-thin needles into specific acupoints on the body. There are numerous acupoints located all over the body. The ones that are focused on during a session are related to the health problem suffered by the patient. Usually, before an acupuncture session begins, the acupuncture therapist with ask a fibromyalgia sufferer specific question related to the symptoms they experience, and if there are any other treatments they are currently using. The therapist will then check the pulse and the texture and color of the tongue in order to determine which acupoints should be targeted. A therapist may target as many as 15 acupoints in one session. Once the acupoints are decided, the needles will then be inserted. The insertion of the needles is not and should not be a painful experience. Many people describe it as a slight pinch or a dull ache or tingling feeling in the affected area. Needles are usually left in the body for 20 minutes. After the session, some people find they are totally relaxed, their limbs feel heavy, or that they are energized. However, bear in mind that everyone responds differently to treatment. Are there any side effects? Some individuals experience side effects such as fainting, fatigue, headache and nausea, but this is extremely rare and usually only occurs in those suffering from complications, and when treatment is performed by someone who is not qualified. However, it&rsquo;s a good idea to talk to you doctor about acupuncture treatment before perusing it. How does acupuncture benefit fibromyalgia? Medical studies have found that acupuncture is quite successful at relieving fibromyalgia symptoms for up to one month after treatment. The symptoms it effectively relieves include: &bull; Decreases and relieves pain &bull; Reduces feelings of depression &bull; Increases energy and reduces fatigue It is believed that acupuncture needles help to increase blood flow in fibromyalgia sufferers, and the increase in circulation helps decrease the number of sensitive points and improve overall muscle health. It is also believed by Western medicine that the reason acupuncture is so successful at reducing and relieving pain is because it increases the level of endorphins (natural painkillers in the body) and may block pain impulses to the brain. How can you find an acupuncture therapist? Ask your&hellip; &bull; Health care provider &bull; Physical therapist &bull; Neurologist &bull; Hospital &bull; Fibromyalgia support group You can also do an online search using the keywords &ldquo;acupuncture&rdquo; or &ldquo;acupuncture therapy&rdquo; and your city name. Make sure you receive acupuncture therapy form a qualified and experienced acupuncture therapist. If a therapist does not have a license find out their educational background and how long they have been practicing acupuncture. It also doesn&rsquo;t hurt to ask for referrals. Remember, acupuncture can be painful, cause bleeding, organ puncture, and lead to side effects if not performed correctly.]]></description>
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	<title>Is Massage Effective for Fibromyalgia Pain?</title>
	<link>http://www.LookUpFM.com/info/Fibromyalgia/Is-Massage-Effective-for-Fibromyalgia-Pain.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 01 Mar 2007 12:32:18 -0500</pubDate>
<category>Fibromyalgia</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.LookUpFM.com/info/Fibromyalgia/Is-Massage-Effective-for-Fibromyalgia-Pain.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[Massage therapy has become one of the more popular treatments among those with fibromyalgia, and is actually turning out to be one of the most effective methods for treating fibromyalgia pain and fatigue. A number of studies have been done involving massage therapy and fibromyalgia patients. These studies have concluded that those who participated found the following relief of their fibromyalgia symptoms: &bull; Blood circulation was improved in the muscles which enabled faster healing &bull; Improvement in motion range and flexibility &bull; Reduction in stiffness &bull; Reduction in pain &bull; Reduction in stress &bull; Reduction in depression &bull; Improvement in sleep What is massage therapy? Massage therapy is one of the oldest forms of treating mental and physical illnesses. It is the process of using structured or unstructured tension, pressure motion, or vibration to the body&rsquo;s soft tissue (muscles, tendons, joints, ligaments, and vessels) to help alleviate tension, stiffness and pain in affected areas. It is still not entirely understood how massage therapy works to relieve pain, but many believe that massages effect the central nervous system. Thus, this therapy encourages the production of hormones that are the body&rsquo;s natural painkillers such as endorphins and serotonin, and is why pain relief is often so successful. What types of massage therapy is best for fibromyalgia? There are many different types of massages that can be used as massage therapy. The following are a few different massages that may be effective for providing relief from fibromyalgia symptoms: Deep Tissue Massage &ndash; This is a vigorous form of massage therapy that works to relax stiff or inflexible soft tissue. The deep tissue massage concentrates on the deep layers of muscles and tendons to release chronic tension and pain. The massage therapist uses pressurized strokes across or along the affected muscles. Due to the fact that this massage is designed to deeply penetrate muscles and tendons, it is common to feel pain directly following treatment, but this pain usually subsides in a day. Myofascial Release &ndash; Myofascial release is designed to alleviate the stiffness and tension in the fascia that has been caused by myofascial pain (pain caused by myofascial syndrome which can affect the entire body but is usually present in the face and jaw). Many people who suffer from fibromyalgia also have myofascial syndrome, which is a condition that can aggravate the already unpleasant symptoms of fibromyalgia. The fascia, a thin tissue layer, covers all of the muscles and organs in the body. The fascia of some fibromyalgia suffers can become exceptionally tight and short causing pain. Myofasical release message therapy works to relieve this pain through stretching methods. This is achieved by a therapists finding the tight area of the body and gradually stretching and holding this area to help the fascia relax. This massage is continued until the fascia is successfully relaxed. Swedish Massage &ndash; This is one of the most popular forms of massage therapy. Its purpose is to increase oxygen flow within the muscles. The increase in oxygen helps improve the health of the muscles by clearing out toxins and increasing flexibility. Swedish massage is performed by stroking the body with the palms, fingertips or thumbs with long, smooth flowing movements. That being said, this massage can also be performed with tapping or kneading techniques to allow the body to benefit from vibration. If you would like to give massage therapy a try, you should first speak with your doctor. Secondly, you must make sure that you obtain massage therapy from a qualified massage therapist who has experience with treating fibromyalgia symptoms. Although a massage may appear easy to perform, it can be done incorrectly. Therefore, in order to receive the best relief, trust a professional.]]></description>
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