Everyday pain management ideas

Even though fibromyalgia seems to be mystifying disorder, it really does exist. Just ask any one of the approximately five million diagnosed persons in the US alone.  Here is a quick list of some truths and myths about the disorder. Source: OneHealthyLifestyle

   A treatment that is already used to treat depression is showing promise in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Dr. Max Gomez of  CBS New York recently reported on the use of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or TMS   in some patients--with good results.  A new study in the Journal Neurology finds that magnetic stimulation can actually improve the non-pain symptoms of fibromyalgia, like depression, mood and overall quality of life. Other studies have found that TMS also alleviates the pain symptoms. The difference is where and how the magnetic pulses are used.   Since the brain is an electrical device, the electromagnetic pulses that are pushed into the brain during treatment seem to modulate brain activity.  Treatment of fibromyalgia in this manner is an off-label use at present. Results are preliminary but offers some hope to the 12 million Americans who suffer from this chronic ailment.  Traditional medicine seems to be of little use to most fibro patients, so the search

I saw an article some time ago about this topic and put it aside for a while.  I have already discussed some of these concepts in some of my earlier posts.  I am going to give you the nutshell version here: you can read it in entirety by going to the link I am providing at the end! Medications--at least to date-- are of limited use in Fibromyalgia (and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome as well).  So it is very important to know some coping skills.  It might take some experimentation and/or practice to see what works for you. So, without further ado-- 1) Pace yourself. It's important to know what your limits are and to live within the confines of those limits. No permission is needed from anyone except you! 2) Relax! Muscle tension and anxiety can really enhance the pain you are feeling. Take time out for a massage , a whirlpool bath, or a little meditation .  It will pay off in the long run. 3) Know your triggers . In knowing what activities, foods, sleep situa

In the months that I have been writing this blog, it has come to my attention that many are on the lookout for help with fibromyalgia.  This mystifying condition affects about 10 million people in the US alone. Efforts to find a cause and/or treatments for this chronic pain condition are still in their infancy. For that reason, I am sharing a link in this post to the National Fibromyalgia Association . Here you can find a number of resources: support groups, chat room,community resources, latest news and information, and the like. I have also posted a graphic of their magazine, Fibromyalgia Aware ( You can view this online or subscribe as well!) I hope you will take a few minutes to have a look around! Sources: National Fibromyalgia Association; Flickr