"Managing Fibromyalgia Pain"

Treatment of this condition involves exercise, stretching, relaxation techniques and medications and/or supplements. This page will discuss some of the more useful supplements for this condition.

First, fibromyalgia is not just a disease but a syndrome. A syndrome is a condition characterized by numerous problems, each with unique characteristics.

There may be as many as 3.7 million Americans with this condition, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Fibromyalgia is a condition that is characterized by intense chronic pain and increased sensitivity, often accompanied by irritable bowel syndrome, a lack of quality sleep and tremendous fatigue.

It is generally thought to be a type of arthritis, but unlike arthritis, it affects the muscles in your body instead of your joints.

Individuals suffering from this condition feel fibromyalgia pain in various tender points on their bodies. These tender points are areas on the body that are overly sensitive to pressure.

Another debilitating symptom of this condition is fatigue. Fatigue may be experienced as a lack of muscle endurance, or just a decrease in energy levels. It is thought that much of this fatigue is because of a lack of quality sleep.

Other symptoms include:

• Abdominal bloating (with alternating constipation and diarrhea)
• Anxiety
• Bladder spasms
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Memory and concentration problems
• Migraine headaches
• Muscle tremors
• Raynaud's Phenomenon (poor circulation to the hands or toes)
• Tingling and numbness

However, recent research on fibromyalgia reveals that the pain may be caused by a biological problem in the brain.

Their thresholds are so low, that even a gentle touch can cause excruciating pain in those with fibromyalgia.

This research further revealed that fibromyalgia patients only require half of the stimulus normally needed to produce pain signals in their brains.

Furthermore, those individuals with this condition tend to "remember" the pain for longer periods also. That is, they continue to feel pain even after the event that initially caused it has subsided.

Vitamin D -- German research reveals there may be a correlation between low levels of vitamin D and muscle aches and pains. In a study that was published by the Mayo Clinic of 150 people with persistent, non-specific musculoskeletal pain, the scientists learned that 93% of them had low levels of vitamin D.

5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) -- The amino acid 5-HTP is thought to work because it increases levels of the brain neurotransmitter, serotonin. Preliminary research indicates that it may reduce the number of tender points and individuals with fibromyalgia.

In one double blind, placebo controlled study of 50 people with fibromyalgia; half were given 5-HTP while the other half were given a placebo. At the end of four weeks, those given 5-HTP saw major improvements in their fibromyalgia pain; the number of tender points, while anxiety levels and fatigue were improved.

Valerian -- This herb is a beneficial treatment for fibromyalgia as it is a natural sedative that improves the quality of sleep for those with this condition. It also enhances concentration, while reducing the "brain fog" that frequently recurs in individuals with this condition.

Magnesium -- Magnesium is a mineral that is found in green leafy vesicles, nuts, seeds and whole grains. It is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions.

Magnesium, and malic acid (an acid typically found in apples) are often recommended for people with fibromyalgia, because they are both needed for the production of energy in cells in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). However, for it to be effective, recommended daily dosages of magnesium are 300 mg plus 1200 mg of malic acid.

Here are some other herbs that may help:

• Black cohosh
• Boswellia
• Chamomile
• Dandelion root
• Garlic
• Goldenseal
• L-carnitine
• Melatonin
• Omega 3 fatty acids
• Red clover
• Rhadiola
• SAM-e
• St. John's wort
• Turmeric
• White willow

For years, physicians have thought that fibromyalgia pain was psychological, with no physiological basis. However, it is now thought that there are various causes for this very real condition, which can be a very debilitating and painful problem. Although there is no cure for this condition, I hope that some of the above-mentioned herbs and supplements can help.

Free Filemaker Pro Herbal Database

If you are wanting a way to keep information about all of your favorite herbs, then this free Filemaker Pro database is for you. Included in this database are records for some of the most popular herbs and includes the following information:

• Photographs for over 90 herbs
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• What conditions these herbs help to treat
• The recommended dosage for each herb
Any side effects and contraindications for each herb including a pop-up menu of over 116 side effects so that you don't have to type in each side effect for each new record you create
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