Living a Healthier Lifestyle with Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that is often difficult to diagnose. It affects almost 5 million people in the United States; 80% to 90% are women. Fibromyalgia usually is diagnosed in adults between the ages of 30 and 50, but the symptoms—such as widespread chronic pain and fatigue—can show up earlier.

The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but it's thought to be due to changes in how the nervous system processes pain. It might be triggered by trauma, surgery, infection, arthritis, or major emotional stress, or it may develop gradually over time. Fibromyalgia isn't just one condition; it's a complex syndrome involving many different factors.

With fibromyalgia, you may have: 

1. Widespread pain, often a dull achiness, on both sides of the body above and below the waist  

2. Spots on your head, neck, chest, shoulders, elbows, hips or knees that are tender to a firm touch; these “tender points” may move around or come and go

3. Muscle stiffness, especially in the morning

4. Headache

5. Thinking and memory problems

6. Fatigue

7. Depression

8. Anxiety

9. Pain or cramps in the abdomen or pelvis

10. Irritable bowel syndrome

11. Irritable bladder syndrome

12. Difficulty sleeping; waking unrefreshed

13. Jaw pain

14. Numbness or tingling

Extensive research supports the use of patient education such as breathing techniques, low-impact aerobic exercise, gentle stretching and strengthening exercises, and relaxation exercises to help counter fibromyalgia.                                                                                                                                              #                    

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On Jan. 3, 2012, Meryle Richman, PT, DPT, a registered yoga teacher, will speak at the Living A Healthier Lifestyle/Fibromyalgia Support Group (part of the Hudson Valley Branch of the Arthritis Foundation) and present:

“Yoga Can Help Chronic Pain and Fibromyalgia.” This lecture and gentle yoga practice will be held at Physical Therapy at Briarcliff, inside Club Fit in the Conference Room, 584 N. State Road, Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. or call (914) 762–2222.

Reference:

Move Forward. Physical Therapy Brings Motion to Life.