Diagnosing, Natural Treatments, and Finding a Fibromyalgia Doctor by Dr. Leia
Question for Dr. Leia: I think I may have signs and symptoms of Fibromyalgia.
I have been feeling very low energy and having a lot of aches and pains which seem to be getting worse, and this has been going on for some time.
Some days I don't even want to get out of bed. Can you tell me how to locate a fibromyalgia doctor, because my physician doesn't seem to understand me. Also, what are some guidelines for getting better. I would like to know if there is a natural therapy for Fibromyalgia, including diet, teas, or special tests. Also what are other symptoms I should be looking for. Thank you, Patricia
Dr. Leia's Answer: Dear Patricia, Fibromyalgia can be a difficult syndrome to diagnose. Actually, even amongst doctors there is no consensus about the key symptoms which determine if a person can be diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia is characterized by constant aches and pains in different and various parts of the body. A definition of this syndrome states: when someone experiences tender points upon palpation in at least eleven designated areas of the body, and this pain exists for greater than three months, sometimes accompanied by fatigue and insomnia or sleeplessness, and depression.
The areas of pain or tenderness can include: shoulders, neck, lower back, shin, chest or sternum, rib cage, knee, buttocks, arms, legs and thighs. It can also include fatigue, insomnia, depression,
If your town has a medical center, you can call this center and ask for the Rheumatology department and seek out a specialist medical doctor called a Rheumatologist for testing and a complete examination and for the list of guidelines of signs and symptoms for fibromyalgia. Since the signs and symptoms are similar to rheumatoid arthritis although without the joint malformation, a Rheumatologist or arthritis doctor is considered the specialist when seeking a Fibromyalgia doctor. X-rays and laboratory tests can help to confirm the diagnosis. Also, you can contact the American Chronic Pain Association or the Arthritis Foundation for more information about this syndrome.
It is important to note that fibromyalgia is not life-threatening. It can manifest in various degrees of severity, from mild to moderate pain, depending upon the individual. It's cause is unknown, however, it has been noticed to occur after or during a stressful or traumatic event, or a viral or bacterial infection (although no causative organism has been found). The stress or trauma can be from emotional, mental, or physical stress or a combination of each. Also, it tends to be familial and can occur more often in members of the same family.
A natural therapy for fibromyalgia that has proven effective is Acupuncture treatments. Also, the Mayo Clinic has carried out a convincing study whereby Acupuncture did indeed prove to help ease the pain and discomfort of this syndrome. Usually one or two acupuncture sessions per week are effective in balancing the energy system and meridians of the body, and as an added benefit, help other problems as well.
Healthy diet, adequate sleep, relaxation techniques, decreased stress, and regular exercise, especially swimming, walking, stretching, and yoga, also has been proven to help the chronic pain associated with the Fibromyalgia syndrome. In place of chemical drugs and antidepressants, natural medicines such as SAM-e, St. John's Wort herb, and individualized homeopathic remedies can help.
For a deeper sleep herbs, either in tea or capsule form, such as Lemon Balm, Chamomile, Peppermint, Spearmint, and other relaxant herbs can be used in place of sleeping pills. Melatonin, another natural substance may be helpful for some people to induce deeper levels of sleep. In place of muscle relaxants, making sure that your mineral intake of calcium and magnesium meet the minimum daily requirement of 1200 mg. per day and are in correct balance can also relax the muscles and act as a natural physiological tranquilizer for the body. Malic acid is also another substance which appears to be helpful with the pain. Natural anti-inflammatories such as fish oil capsules, pycnogenol, celadrin, and bromelain-quercitin complex can also help to ease Fibromyalgia pain.
Another valuable tool for helping to control the pain is a self-help method called Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), which involves pressing on various acupressure points on the body while breathing deeply and stating affirmations. EFT is one of many thought field therapy techniques which produce amazing long-lasting results by working on the emotional, mental, and physical levels of the problem.
By Dr. Leia Melead
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