subject: Fibromyalgia Causes, symptoms, Treatment and Natural Home Remedies for Fibromyalgia [print this page] Fibromyalgia is a condition in which one experiences severe pain in muscles. The muscle becomes stiff, tender, and achy. Improper sleep, several muscle-related diseases, cold and rainy weather, etc. are some of the causes of fibromyalgia. Patient suffering from fibromyalgia cannot move comfortably, as the muscular pain does not let them do so
Fibromyalgia Causes
While there is no known cause for fibromyalgia, recent research has revealed some new facts about the disease. One of the new discoveries is that people with fibromyalgia process pain differently. The level of chemical in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) called substance P, which transmits pain impulses to the brain, is three times higher in people with the disease than in those who do not have the condition. This likely causes someone with fibromyalgia to experience pain more intensely.
Other researchers believe fibromyalgia is caused by a lack of deep sleep. It is during stage 4 sleep that muscles recover from the prior day's activity, and the body refreshes itself. Sleep studies show that as people with fibromyalgia enter stage 4 sleep, they become more aroused and stay in a lighter form of sleep. Even though they may sleep for a long period of time, they get poor quality sleep. Also, when researchers took normal volunteers and did not allow them to enter into stage 4 sleep, they developed symptoms similar to those of fibromyalgia.
Signs and Symptoms
1. Chronic, widespread pain that lasts three months or more, with no clear cause, combined with tenderness in at least 11 of 18 well-defined tender point sites on the body
2. Pains, aches, and stiffness in several muscle groups, joints, and in all four quadrants of the body
3. Pain that moves from one part of the body to another, most commonly felt in the neck, chest, arms, legs, hips, and back
4. Pain that may be variously characterized as deep aching, radiating, gnawing, shooting, or burning
5. Body aches and stiffness upon awakening
6. Headaches and jaw pain
Home Remedies for Fibromyalgia
1. Reduce stress. Develop a plan to avoid or limit overexertion and emotional stress. Allow yourself time each day to relax. That may mean learning how to say no without guilt. But try not to change your routine completely. People who quit work or drop all activity tend to do worse than those who remain active. Try stress management techniques, such as deep-breathing exercises or meditation.
2. Get enough sleep. Because fatigue is one of the main characteristics of fibromyalgia, getting sufficient sleep is essential. In addition to allotting enough time for sleep, practice good sleep habits, such as going to bed and getting up at the same time each day and limiting daytime napping.
3. Exercise regularly. At first, exercise may increase your pain. But doing it regularly often decreases symptoms. Appropriate exercises may include walking, swimming, biking and water aerobics. A physical therapist can help you develop a home exercise program. Stretching, good posture and relaxation exercises also are helpful.
4. Pace yourself. Keep your activity on an even level. If you do too much on your good days, you may have more bad days.
5. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eat healthy foods. Limit your caffeine intake. Do something that you find enjoyable and fulfilling every day.
Fibromyalgia Causes, symptoms, Treatment and Natural Home Remedies for Fibromyalgia
