Fast Facts about Fibromyalgia
- Did you know every 1 in 73 Americans suffer from fibromyalgia? This makes for about 3 to 6 million people in America currently living with fibromyalgia.
- According to the statistics presented by National Institute of Health, the disease is most prevalent in women. 90% of the cases reported are in females. But adults and children can also be affected.
- The symptoms of fibromyalgia are sot commonly observed in middle-aged individuals.
- People who are at a higher risk of fibromyalgia include those who suffer from lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or spinal arthritis.
- Medical experts are still baffled as to what causes fibromyalgia in the first place. However, it isn’t a chronic disease and therefore can be treated and managed.
- Some studies suggest that fibromyalgia could be hereditary. Women who have relatives with fibromyalgia can develop it too.
The word fibromyalgia has Greek origin. It is the amalgamation of two Greek words myos meaning muscle and algos meaning pain.
When one experiences a widespread musculoskeletal pain that is accompanied by sleep, fatigue, memory and mood tissues, it is termed as fibromyalgia. According to researchers, fibromyalgia intensifies painful sensations in the body by affecting the way one’s brain processes pain. Although, medical experts still aren’t sure what causes it in the first place, the decades of research has put together a list of risk factors that might make one prone to fibromyalgia.
These risk factors include:
- Genetics: The first and foremost cause as suggested by researchers is genes. If the disease runs in the family, the chances of developing one; increases. Although, it is just a theory.
- Infections: Many prior diseases might trigger the symptoms of fibromyalgia or worsen the already existing ones.
- Stress: Stress can leave one feeling low, blue or down for months, despite medication. The prolonged condition might give rise to some hormonal disturbances which lead to fibromyalgia.
- Trauma: People who suffer from some form of physical or mental trauma are also at a high risk of developing fibromyalgia. Many symptoms of fibromyalgia are also linked with PSTD.
Symptoms
Some of the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
- Morning stiffness
- disruptive sleep patterns
- Headaches
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Restless leg syndrome
- Aching menstrual periods
- feelings of numbness san tingling in the fingers and toes
- Fibro fog
-
Sensitivity to cold or heat
In some severe cases of fibromyalgia, the following symptoms can also be observed:
- Widespread pain
- Vision problems
- Nausea
- Weight gain
- Urinary and pelvic problems
- Dizziness
- Breathing problems
- Skin problems
- Cold/flu
- Pain in the jaw
- Stiffness
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Myofascial pain syndrome
Recommended Supplements
While eating a healthy diet and regular exercise helps to manage fibromyalgia, it is not enough to keep you fit and healthy. Supplements are essential for managing fibromyalgia and reducing its symptoms. But it should be kept in mind that supplements should not be used to replace the treatment for fibromyalgia. It is not always true that natural products are safe for use. Many products can react with your body and produce an adverse reaction. Thus, it is better to be safe and consult your before starting to use any supplements for managing your condition.
The following supplements have proven to benefit people with fibromyalgia:
Ashwagandha
Also referred to as Ayurvedic Ginseng; the benefits offered by this herb are uncountable. It is known to treat a wide range of health conditions including fibromyalgia. It reduces body pains and readies the body by boosting the energy levels. It comes highly recommended for those who have a hard time channeling their breakdowns.
Astragalus Root
The root of Astragalus come packed with many healthy nutrients. Its extract is used in a number of medications to treat bacterial and viral infections, control diabetes, treat cases of upper respiratory infections and fibromyalgia. When used as a dietary supplement, it can also improve overall weakness in the body.
Passion Flower
Passion flower has long been used as a mild sedative to calm the nerves. The herb is known to reduce muscles strain caused by overexertion, athletic workout, accident or fibromyalgia. it does so by making the pain tolerable and reducing its severity.
FM (Fibromyalgia)
FM is a long-term tonic of r fibromyalgia. It helps reduce muscle pain and inflammation and also increases blood circulation the muscle. FM is ideal to be used after one feel tired after a hardcore workout or experiencing aches due to some accident or sprain. Although, it may not complete alleviate the pain, it most certainly brings it to a level where it becomes tolerable.
SLEEP w/ Valerian & Melatonin
These three words put together might make one think that the following medication has been wrongly placed under t this health condition, but it isn’t. These supplements can be taken to treat jetlag, cure macular degeneration, epilepsy, fibromyalgia and suborns etc. It alleviates pain and calms the nerves.
The above natural supplements are known to help in controlling and managing fibromyalgia, but you should exercise proper caution and ask your doctor before adding any such supplements for in your diet. Herbs have lasting and strong effects on the body and can also interact with other drugs and medications, causing dangerous and adverse reactions. If you use any medication for your disease, talk to your doctor before you decide to start any supplements or herbal products to manage your health condition.