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There is nothing imaginary about the pain and fatigue symptoms of
Fibromyalgia. This often debilitating disorder causes pain in the muscles,
ligaments, and tendons, providing many sufferers with the characteristic feeling
that they “ache all over.” Accompanying fatigue can range from a mild “tired”
feeling to flu-like exhaustion.
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia change in severity from day to day, as well as change
location, becoming worse in parts of the body you use most, such as your neck,
shoulders, and feet. Fibromyalgia exists in all races and may affect up to 10
million sufferers in the United States alone. Curiously, working age women make
up the majority of Fibromyalgia patients.
The cause of Fibromyalgia remains unknown, but it is believed that sometimes a
triggering event may precede its onset. An infection, an auto accident, even the
development of another disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis, may awaken a
preexisting physiological problem.
Symptom flare-ups may occur from things as simple as a change in the weather or
being exposed to a drafty environment. Other aggravating factors include
infections, allergies, premenstrual and menopausal hormones, stress, depression,
anxiety, and over-work.
Associated Conditions and Syndromes
If an all-over sense of pain and fatigue were not enough, Fibromyalgia
sufferers have a number of syndromes and symptoms associated with their
disorder.
Disrupted Sleep. Many Fibromyalgia patients report having
difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or report unrefreshing sleep. Studies
show that bursts of brain activity in the stage 4 (deep sleep) level of
Fibromyalgia patients appears to disrupt the restful benefits of sleep. Other
sleep disorders common to Fibromyalgia patients are sleep apnea and “restless
leg” syndrome.
Chronic Headaches and Facial Pain. Up to one half of Fibromyalgia suffers
develop temporo-mandibular joint disorder (TMJ). That, along with stiff neck and
shoulder muscles can contribute to unpleasant head and facial pain.
Trouble Concentrating. From memory lapses to feeling overwhelmed when
faced with multiple tasks, Fibromyalgia can result in a feeling of “brain fog”
which also varies in severity from day to day.
Digestive Complaints. Abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and/or
diarrhea are common in Fibromyalgia patients. Taken together, these symptoms are
referred to as Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Some Fibromyalgia sufferers even have
trouble swallowing.
Sensory Sensitivity. Fibromyalgia patients are often sensitive to odors,
loud noises, and bright lights.
Other Symptoms. Genito-urinary problems, premenstrual syndrome and
painful periods, chest pain, morning stiffness, numbness and tingling sensations
(paresthesia), painful spots (myofascial trigger points) muscle twitching,
irritable bladder, swollen extremities, and impaired coordination
Beyond Therapy
While there is no cure, Fibromyalgia treatment can be effective and the
symptom of the disorder lessened, allowing patients to lead happy and productive
lives.
At Beyond Therapy in Greensburg, PA, we have many years experience in working
with Fibromyalgia sufferers and leading Fibromyalgia support groups.
Robbie Greenfield, MA, LSW, has over 9 years of hypnotherapy experience and is
certified by the National Association of Cognitive Behavior Therapists (NACBT).
Robbie has run a group practice in Greensburg, Pa (near Pittsburgh) since 1996,
treating chronic pain disorders, mood disorders, panic, phobia, anger, cutting,
fibromyalgia, Tourettes syndrome and PTSD. Her clients include adolescents and
adults for individual, couples, and group therapy. She serves as an advisor for
the National Association of Cognitive Behavior Therapists and achieved the
Diplomate status in Cognitive Behavior Therapy.
Please call our office at 724-832-7157 to learn more about how Beyond Therapy
can help you overcome the debilitating effects of Fibromyalgia.
Service Area
Beyond Therapy, located in Greensburg, PA, provides Fibromyalgia treatment
for patients in Westmoreland and Allegheny Counties, as well as the Pittsburgh
region. Treatment and support group attendees come from Greensburg, Latrobe,
Harrison City, Penn Township, Jeannette, Irwin, North Huntingdon, Hempfield
Township and other nearby localities.
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The term Fibromyalgia comes from “fibro” (fibrous tissues such as tendons
and ligaments), “my” (signifying muscles), and “algia,” meaning pain.
To learn more about Fibromyalgia, you can visit the following web sites:
National Fibromyalgia Partnership
Fibromyalgia Network
Fibromylagia Aware
Support Group
Please click the following link to learn more about Beyond Therapy’s
Fibromyalgia Support Group
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Tips for Managing Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrom
There are steps that one can take who have these illnesses. Our Self-Help Support Group will help you to establish coping skills that work if you work them
1. Acceptance and Change
2. Education
3. Find a Health Professional or rheumatologist that will work WITH you
4. Develop a support system
5. Reduce your daily stress, pain & fatigue
• several steps
• Change your lifestyle gradually
• Let go of perfectionist ways
• Seek professional counseling if needed
• Learn to say no
• Look for new goals
6. You are more than your illness
7. Look at thought that worsen symptoms
Managing chronic illness is a full time job. First an individual needs to be educated about the illness.
It can be managed by using proven self-help strategies that you can learn through our Fibromyalgia Support Group.
Living with Fibromyalgia or CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) adds a tremendous amount of stress to daily life. In addition to normal stresses, the person with endures daily pain, fatigue, physical limitations, concentration or memory impairment, and other difficulties.
Trying to work and carry on a normal life with severe pain and fatigue is very stressful.
Lessening the stress of daily frustrations may help reduce flare-ups and the overall pain of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. When the source of stress cannot be reduced or eliminated, the response to stress should be changed to avoid making the symptoms worse.
Stress management through the use of relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, mental imagery and self-hypnosis are effective for managing chronic pain.
Daily fatigue is one of the most challenging and disabling problems experienced. It’s essential to use your energy wisely and learn to work smarter.
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