Fibromyalgia…Helping Solve an ‘Identity Crisis’

Fibromyalgia or FMS, is a syndrome or group of conditions with a history of having an ‘identity crisis’.  It is not a new diagnosis and has been labeled many ways over the years.  Fibromyalgia is earmarked by prolonged chronic pain or painful trigger points that seem to have no easily explained origin.  Health Care providers have struggled with the label, the method of diagnosis and proper treatment for years

Treatment has been a mystery as there is no single approach that works for all who suffer with FMS.  Though there many questions remain, there is an increased awareness and recognition of this condition. Patient feedback indicates the highest level of success in treating FMS lies in using a multi-faceted approach, integrating mind and body techniques and includes the patient by encouraging pro-active involvement in his or her treatment plan. Helping the patient ‘buy-in’ to their care is of paramount value.

 The importance of using extreme caution when recommending pharmaceutical or OTC approaches is well-documented. Perhaps the higher success rate of lifestyle changes is most significant.  An improved successful outcome occurs when the Health-Care Provider supports and recommends these changes, rather than seeking solutions by relying only on medicine.

More individuals who have Fibromyalgia (FMS) are becoming proactive in seeking treatment and are no longer willing to waiting the 3-5 years that it takes to be given a diagnosis. Their voices are being heard as they insist on answers and validation of Fibromyalgia not being a condition ‘in their heads’.  

Here is information that can help add tools to your toolbox as you team up with patients who have FMS. Help your patients become detectives as they search out answers!

First, some facts;

·         Approximately 3-7 million suffer from FMS in the USA.  Due to many who are still undiagnosed, this may be an  understated number.

·         Fibromyalgia affects most ages and is easily confused with other conditions. 

·         Juvenile FMS is being recognized in greater numbers

·         More women than men have FMS

·         In general, a century ago, life-expectancy was 43…today it is 77.  This lends to an increased incidence of FMS and the usual patient is a middle-aged female.

·         There is no single laboratory test to firmly establish a diagnosis of FMS

·         FMS is frequently grouped with the diagnosis of either Arthritis or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Gulf War Syndrome… and other conditions affecting the Immune System.

·         FMS is not fatal.  (Improper use of medications can be fatal).

·         It is possible to significantly relieve most of the symptoms, but the condition is life-long.  Disability can occur, but this outcome can be diminished when pro-actively looking for treatment options.

·         It takes an average of two or more years to finalize a diagnosis of FMS and may require going to up to a national average of 5 physicians prior to confirming a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

·         More physicians are recognizing this complicated diagnosis, but treatment is not standardized. There is no ‘pill’ to cure FMS or relieve the symptoms.

·         There are many valuable Support Groups. The most successful FMS groups focus on treatment options and positive Self-Care approaches.  Find a support group on-line if none are available locally. The following warning NOTE applies to ‘live’ groups and on-line groups.

      NOTE:  If a group focuses more on symptoms and physical complaints with minimal little attention on solutions or effective approaches, please find or start a new Support Group!  

·         One of the most dangerous side-effects of having FMS is having inappropriate or excessive medications ordered or prescribed. Unfortunately, damage to the liver or other systems may occur due to accumulation of drugs, over-medicating or drug interactions.

·         DOING ‘NOTHING’ MAY INCREASE THE SEVERITY of FMS symptoms and decrease quality of life.

·         MOST IMPORTANTLY, treatment of Fibromyalgia can begin before a firm diagnosis is determined. This will help the patient reach optimum health and reduce or prevent increasing debilitating chronic pain while waiting for confirmation of diagnosis. Most treatment modalities fall under the category of Self-Care. A skilled Health Care Provider can recommend, guide and educate a person with Fibromyalgia about techniques and effective approaches. This is the preferred protocol for FMS rather than paint a dismal future untreatable by drugs. 

Now, for some Self-Care solutions!

·         FMS is a treatable condition that requiring a multifaceted approach that may include;

Dietary and nutritional changes … determine food sensitivities… usually sugar, white flour, focus on well-balanced diet, increase water intake, no synthetic sweeteners, etc.

Specific types of exercise regimes … gentle stretching, Yoga, Tai’Chi, class or videos, special seated exercise videos are available.  Working with a Personal Trainer may help.

Daily walking … start small, increase slowly and steadily.

Massage … specific techniques can significantly relieve pain for 7-10 days.

Avoid deep massage techniques.  Work with skilled, experienced Licensed Massage Therapists who will listen to your feedback and what provides a positive outcome.

Support groups … note above comments about Support Groups for more tips.

Warm-water exercise …find Warm Water (92-95 degrees) exercise, not ‘lap’ pools that maintain a cooler temperatures can easily trigger a Fibro Crisis, use warm tub, shower, home Jacuzzi, etc.

Self-education … find well-written, balanced materials that are objective and based on trusted organizations, not directed by pyramid, network or multi-level selling techniques.

Heat, compression and stretching … weighted heat is beneficial and therapeutic.  Warmth should dissipate gradually and not be used for hours at a time.

Not recommending:  electric heat, flat heat, heating pads or heated water beds.

Adjustment of stress levels … find a solution-based therapist or support professional or coach to help decrease co-dependency and help patient set healthy boundaries in family and social settings.

Improve sleep levels… follow routines, use warmed herbal pillows, massage, Guided Imagery tapes.

Breathing… using yoga breathing techniques to help reduce headaches, generalized aching. Guarded posture and sedentary life-style often leads to decreased Oxygen intake.

Music Therapy, Meditation, Spiritual Health, Art Therapy, Journaling … taps into the creative mind.

Aromatherapy  … will affect the Limbic system without side effects and can diminish muscle tension and pain.  Essential Oils (EO’s) of Lavender, Marjoram, Eucalyptus, Roman Chamomile are known to be effective.                            

Use by; Inhaling … place a dab on tissue or pillow or use a room diffuser

Topical Application (diluted application) by massage in Carrier Oils of Almond, Grape       seed, Canola or Olive Oil or diluted in bath water or as a warm compress)

Chiropractic Care & Acupuncture … may help some individuals.

Fibromyalgia is a condition that will respond positively to support.  Team-work and goal-setting between the patient and Health Care Provider are vital as lifestyle changes are implemented.  Adopting an attitude that pain can be diminished or overcome by finding an individually crafted blend of treatment approaches will achieve optimum outcomes and benefit your patients.

 For further information;

http://www.fmaware.org/

http://nccam.nih.gov/

Fibromyalgia AWARE Magazine …  a Lifestyle, Health, Research Magazine produced by the National Fibromyalgia Association. Send an email to: mailbox@FMaware.org to subscribe to this exceptional magazine that includes an insert for health-care professionals about current clinical trials, research abstracts and Journal Articles. 

The Paragon Clinic in Chicago, IL is noted for treating Patients with Fibromyalgia.  The staff has taught their FMS patients techniques using Mother Earth Pillows® for the past three years for Self-Care. Every FMS patient entering their Clinic  receives one of these products with instructions to relieve specific individual pain. 

Kowal, RN, LMT, NCTMB, has developed and studied non-invasive approaches to help reducing chronic pain and Triggerpoint Pain. She has worked with FMS patients since 1994 on local, state and national levels.