Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain in the muscles, joints and tendons. The pain usually occurs at even the slightest and gentlest of touches.
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia range from joint stiffness, difficulty with swallowing, bowel and bladder problems, trouble breathing, irregular motor skills and other symptoms.
The origins of Fibromyalgia are not yet known but it is understood the Fibromyalgia is associated with more than just pain. The chances of suffering from Fibromyalgia are slim. Only two percent of all the population in the U.S. suffer from symptoms that are related to Fibromyalgia. Women are more prone to the disorder and their chances increase greatly as they get older. Studies have shown that Fibromyaglia can often be brought on by a physical or traumatic event.
Fibromyalgia is a very controversial diagnosis in the medical and psychological world. Some critics say that their is a lack of abnormalities that are exposed during a bodily examination and or there are limited medical images to support the claim.
Doctors have found evidence over the last three decades that there are abnormalities in the central nervous system which affect certain areas in the brain. This evidence could be linked to Fibromyalgia.
It is impossible to call Fibromyalgia a standard disease because the pain is biological, psychological and social. It touches on all areas of life and because of this it has at times been labeled a very spiritual disorder by certain individuals throughout history.
There is no direct cure for Fibromyalgia but there are plenty of alternatives and other treatments that are available. There are controlled clinical trials that some patients who suffer from the symptoms of the disorder may qualify for, exercise, behavioral modifications and alternative therapies. There are even studies that are done on the disorder. There was one study that was conducted this year at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Nursing. The goal was a ten week study of relaxation and guided imagery for Fibromyalgia sufferers. At the end of the ten week study there were many patients said that they could manage their pain better and overall they had a better functional status.