What Is Fibromyalgia?: A Brief Overview

I can still vividly remember the moment in which I first learned of my condition

. I was 18 in Austin and was having regular visits with a chiropractor because of the chronic, widespread pain I had experienced since before the beginning of high school.

My chiropractor stopped me in the hallway at the end of one of these appointments and said, "I think I know what's wrong with you. Everything fits. It's fibromyalgia."

Instead of feeling relieved for finally receiving a prognosis, I was just confused. The only other time I'd heard the term was when my mother was explaining why her elderly boss was always so cranky. I needed information. And if you have just been diagnosed with fibro, so do you.

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread pain and soreness in the muscles, joints, and connective tissues of the body, plus feelings of exhaustion and lethargy. There are often many other troubles that accompany the disease, such as irritable bowels and sleep disturbances, but these are the primary characteristics common among all sufferers.

It tends to strike middle-aged or elderly women, but as was my case, it can even come upon the young. It effects men, too.

Though the medical community is still baffled by the root cause of this particular malady, it is frequently connected to a preceding illness or injury. For example, a friend of mine contracted Lyme's Disease and subsequently developed fibromyalgia.

Fibro is also connected to depression. Doctors are unsure of whether or not depression could be another point of origin or if it is a natural part of feeling tired and pained each day, but do NOT allow a medical professional to make you feel like this is your fault--as though if you would just be happy, you would not be in pain.

I have encountered physicians that acted this way, and they are not going to give you effective treatment or sound advice. Just walk away and find someone else to help you.

There is a wide variety of approaches to treating fibromyalgia. Many people prefer to take a natural approach, managing diet and exercise while taking herbal supplements and seeking therapies like acupuncture or massage, while others opt for prescription drugs.

I say that the best way is a combination of the best methods. It is vital to find an Austin pain management consultant and a counselor or support group. Surrounding yourself with supporters that are familiar with your condition will help you through your toughest times by pointing you toward effective treatments and reminding you that you can still have a life.

It may take awhile before you have discovered a routine that works best for you, but four years after my diagnosis, I am managing to live the life of my dreams. You can, too.

by: Art Gib

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