Fibromyalgia Signs & How To Get Relief From Symptoms

A few years ago if you visited your doctor complaining of tiredness, a sore neck and back, and depression you'd probably have been prescribed painkillers and told to take it easy.

Thankfully these days, doctors know more about the condition that affects about one in 100 people in the UK. The condition known as fibromyalgia or fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).

Note that I said doctors know more about fibromyalgia, not a lot more. Today we will take a look at this mysterious condition.

Fibromyalgia is often misdiagnosed

Fibromyalgia is mysterious as there is no known cause, signs and symptoms may come and go, and there is no definitive test that can pin point the condition. In some cases it is easier to diagnose by ruling out other diseases such as arthritis or an underactive thyroid.

FMS causes pain in the muscles and fibrous tissues in the neck and back or anywhere in the body. Certain areas on the body become very tender to touch and many sufferers often feel exhausted as a result of poor sleep patterns.

Other symptoms may include: Pins and needles in fingers/toes, frequent urination, feeling like you have swollen hands or feet, painful periods, headaches and an irritable bowel.

Most cases are diagnosed in women aged between 40 and 60 (about 9 in 10 cases). The painful symptoms and the not knowing what you are suffering from can lead to depression.

But here is some news that might lift your mood. Research shows there may be something you can do to ease your pain.

Reduce fibromyalgia symptoms with a vegetarian diet

So what can you do to manage the pain?

Dr Mark Atkinson, who contributes to the organisation UK Fibromyalgia, states that nutrition and diet can play a big part in reduction of pain. He recommends foods that are high in sulphur such as asparagus, eggs, garlic and onions as they help to maintain bone, cartilage and connective tissue. Leafy and fresh vegetables, non-acidic organic fruit, whole grains, oatmeal, brown rice and fish will also help by providing more energy.

Dr Atkinson suggests fibromyalgia sufferers avoid dairy products, gluten, corn, sugar, potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers and tobacco as these foods may exacerbate the condition.

A good quality multivitamin is also beneficial as vitamin B3, B6 and magnesium deficiencies are common in FMS patients. Coenzyme Q10 can give you much needed energy.

An American study, featured on the BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine website, investigated whether a mostly raw vegetarian diet would improve fibromyalgia symptoms. The 30 participants followed strict diets consisting of raw fruits, salads, carrot juice, tubers, grain products, nuts, seeds and a dehydrated barley grass juice product.

The researchers measured dietary intake, physical performance, a fibromyalgia questionnaire, and health and quality of life surveys. Of the 30 subjects, 19 were classified as responders who showed significant improvements on all outcomes. The researchers concluded that many fibromyalgia sufferers can be helped by a mostly raw vegetarian diet.

Switching to a raw vegetarian diet may be daunting for some, but these days there are so many options at your local supermarket. And if it means improving your quality of life surely its worth a try?

Exercise improves mood and pain

Several studies have shown that exercise greatly improve fibromyalgia symptoms.

One such study was conducted by the University Health Network and University of Toronto in Canada. The objective of the research team was to measure mood and physical function of fibromyalgia patients after 23 weeks of aerobic exercise.

The study participants completed a course of land and water-based exercises after which the researches tested the outcomes at six and 12 months. After the follow up periods the researchers found improvement in cognitive scores, anxiety levels, physical function, exercise duration and mood. Although tender points were unchanged, the team found exercise to be significantly beneficial in reducing the severity of pain, and improved all round movement for at least 12 months.

I can imagine if youre feeling tender and fatigued, going to the gym is probably the last thing on your mind. But Im not suggesting you take part in a high-impact Body Pump class. Have a chat with a qualified trainer about the best exercise for you. Perhaps a gentle aqua aerobics class would help as studies have also shown exercising in a heated pool soothes the symptoms of this persistent disease.

If you would like some support you may wish to contact the Centre for the Study of Complementary Medicine which specialises in treating people suffering from fibromyalgia. Their website is http://www.complemed.co.uk