WHAT IS FIBROMYALGIA?

F.M.S. (Fibromyalgia Syndrome) is a widespread musculoskeletal pain & fatigue disorder for which the cause is still unknown.

Most people with FMS say thay ache all over.  Their muscles feel like they have been pulled or overworked.  Sometimes the muscles twitch & at other times they feel as though they are burning.

In addition to the pain, people with FMS feel absolutely drained of energy, as though someone has unplugged their energy supply.

The severity of symptoms does fluctuate from person to person & time to time but FMS & CFS (M.E.) are very similar illnesses and experts in the field of FMS and CFS believe that the two are one & the same.

Other symptoms many people suffer with are:

Pain, fatigue, sleep disorder, irritable bowel, headaches, pms. and painful periods, chest pains, morning stiffness, cognitive or memory impairment, numbness & tingling sensations, muscle twitching,irritable bladder, the feeling of swollen extremeties, sensitivities, dry eyes & mouth dizziness & impaired co-ordination

Not everyone suffers all of these symptoms.

There are also aggravating factors which make symptoms worse, these include:

Changes in weather, cold or draughty environments, hormonal fluctuation, anxiety, & over exertion.

Treatments for FMS are geared towards improving quality of sleep, as well as reducing pain.

Learning to "pace yourself" & knowing your own limits often helps a lot too.

Relaxation techniques, massage, acupuncture & osteopathic manipulation are other treatments that may help.