Fibromyalgia has been a poorly misunderstood disease. Symptoms have been dismissed, often as all in the head, and as a result the disease has been stigmatized. But continued research gives us hope and I have included some information here to help understand this often debilitating disease.
Fibro means “fibrous” and refers to connective tissue and muscle – myo being from muscle. Take a look at Step 3 which has very interesting videos on Fascia – the basis of Fibromyalgia. Nerves are also affected in Fibromyalgia – the video below and the second video in Step 3 explain how this happens.
Another form of pain is Myofascial Pain Syndrome. Myofascial pain – is muscle pain – myo and fascia pain – also connective tissue.
Chronic Pain, especially fibromyalgia, results in severe stress. Chronic pain is physical but it also causes emotional trauma.
The causes of fibromyalgia are complicated, many questions and we certainly don’t have all the answers. Genetic predisposition, trauma, central sensitization, many reasons for pain. Below are some videos which could help explain some theories of Fibromyalgia.
Simply explained – it’s far more complicated – is that fibromyalgia is often in people who have a genetic predisposition to pain and myofascial pain is in certain areas of the body – rather than widespread pain – and it occurs usually from trauma / repetitive trauma or ageing – degeneration
Fibromyalgia affects millions of people. It also affects their loved ones. 40% of people suffering from fibromyalgia require help with daily chores.
For more information on forms of fibromyalgia, Take a look at Widespread Pain and IBS
You can rate our pain – Step 1
Your health will improve if you learn how to perform paced abdominal breathing. Step 2
Social Media can be extra-ordinarily helpful. Many people across the world learn from each other and provide support. Try social media groups like Facebook and Twitter and search under chronic pain and fibromyalgia.
if you have fibromyalgia tFibrhen routine is your friend. Get up the same time every morning and go to bed same time every night. You may notice that any change in routine causes increased symptoms – even a happy holiday can mess with fibromyalgia. Keep to same healthy diet, exercise should be moderate – don’t overdue it. No marathons or breakdancing.
Once your pain has improved and you become more active, be sure to watch Step 5 Pain and Pacing
You can find gentle activities, starting with the Recovery Program, then Daily Program, and Gentle Chair Yoga Step 6
Below are videos explaining theories of fibromyalgia
No matter the cause of fibromyalgia, the fascia is involved. The healthier your fascia, the less pain you have. Step 3 explains fascia. Listen to all 3 videos.
Fibromyalgia is best managed with a BioPsychoSocal Approach. That is a bit of a mouthful. Bio- means biology – that’s the stuff talked about in the videos above, Psych – means anything to do with your thinking and feeling – and Social – how you interact with your environment – people and the world around you. I suggest you try the Daily Program and look at the first video on Stress Anxiety PTSD.
Not everyone agrees on the cause(s) of fibromyalgia. Here is another explanation.
Fibromyalgia can be explained : Arthritis Society Canada
There are alternative views about fibromyalgia and many questions. Below is another point of view.
Fibromyalgia can cause widespread pain. It can result in flare ups.
Fibromyalgia can also be part of a freeze response in your body.