Yury Bayarski asked:




Muscle relaxants are one of the many treatments used in the management of low back pain. About thirty-five percent of patients visiting a physician for low back pain are prescribed skeletal muscle relaxers.

For acute low back pain, muscle relaxaers improve pain, muscle tension, and mobility more effectively than a placebo does. For chronic low back pain, they may relieve pain and lead to overall improvement. However, side effects are common.

The term “muscle relaxants” is very broad and includes a wide range of drugs with different indications and mechanisms of action. Muscle relaxants can be divided into two main categories: antispasmodic and antispasticity medications.

Antispasmodics are used to decrease muscle spasm associated with painful conditions such as back pain. Antispasmodics can be subclassified into benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, tetrazepam) are used as anxiolytics, sedatives, hypnotics, anticonvulsants, and skeletal muscle relaxants.

Non-benzodiazepines include a variety of drugs that can act at the brain stem or spinal cord level. The mechanisms of action with the central nervous system are still not completely understood.

Carisoprodol and metaxalone have moderate antispasmodic effects and are mildly sedative. Carisoprodol blocks interneuronal activity in the descending reticular formation and spinal cord. Carisoprodol is metabolized to meprobamate. Meprobamate was introduced as an antianxiety agent in 1955 and is prescribed primarily to treat anxiety, tension, and associated muscle spasms. Its onset and duration of action are similar to the intermediate-acting barbiturates. Excessive use can result in psychological and physical dependence.

Cyclobenzaprine is structurally similar to the tricyclic antidepressants; however, it has strong side effects such as sedation. It is currently believed that cyclobenzaprine acts in the brain stem rather than at the spinal cord level. Cyclobenzaprine has anticholinergic activity (which is responsible for some side effects such as dry mouth).

The use of muscle relaxants for low back pain continues to be a source of controversy among physicians, mainly because of their side effects. In addition to sedation, potential side effects include drowsiness, headache, blurred vision, nausea, and vomiting. Potential for abuse and dependency has also great drawback. Some guidelines recommend these medications alone or in combination with NSAIDs as optional, others clearly do not recommend using these drugs. Despite this controversy, 91% of doctors report using muscle relaxants even if they are conditionally discouraged by guidelines.

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Jane Thompson asked:




Joining a fibromyalgia support group can be excellent psychological and emotional therapy. However, talking and sharing your experiences with others is not likely to take away any of the painful physical symptoms or fatigue you feel. Therefore, many fibromyalgia sufferers need to turn to alternative and medical remedies to find relief from their symptoms.

There are different over-the-counter (OTC) and prescribed medications that a fibromyalgia sufferer may find beneficial to their condition. That being said, not every person with fibromyalgia will have the same response to medical treatment, and may require different treatment to address their specific symptoms.
Although there are a number of medications that can be prescribed for specific symptoms, or those currently being used in clinical trials, the following are the most common medical treatments prescribed:
Analgesics – Analgesics are drugs designed to relieve bodily aches and pains and are also known as painkillers. OTC analgesics include acetaminophen and the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Although NSAIDs are primarily used to reduce inflammation and inflammation is not a symptom of fibromyalgia, they offer effective pain relief. The problem with using NSAIDs for pain relief is that prolonged use of this medication can irritate the stomach lining, lead to digestive upset and cause stomach ulcers.

Aside from OTC analgesics, doctors may prescribe opioid analgesics such as tramadol. Tramadol is a narcotic used to treat moderate to severe pain, and is typically used to treat surgical, arthritic and fibromyalgia pain. However, other stronger narcotics may be prescribed for sufferers with severe muscle pain.

The problem doctors have with prescribing narcotics is that although effective, there is a high risk that those who take them will become addicted and dependent on these drugs. Furthermore, narcotics can have many side effects including altering moods, behaviors and fatigue.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are one of the most common medications prescribed for fibromyalgia sufferers. This is because antidepressants elevate the levels of specific brain chemicals such as norepinephrine and serotonin. Low levels of these and other brain chemicals can result in depression, pain and fatigue. By increasing chemical levels these symptoms can be improved.

Doctors provide different types of antidepressants to fibromyalgia sufferers based on how they feel. For instance, tricyclic antidepressants are provided to fibromyalgia patients who suffer from insomnia, as these meds help restore sleep. In addition, tricyclic antidepressants can help painful muscles relax and stimulate endorphins (body’s natural painkillers). Different tricyclic antidepressants that may be prescribed include: amitriptyline, doxepin, cyclobenzaprine and nortriptyline.

Additional antidepressant that may be used to treat depression and other fibromyalgia syptoms are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These include – fluoxetine, sertraline and paroxetine.

Antidepressants can be habit forming and may cause side effects such as dry mouth, weight gain, anxiety, gastrointestinal upset, loss of libido, insomnia, and fatigue. Note: each antidepressant will have different side effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are psychotropic drugs that have been known to help fibromyalgia sufferers relax tense and painful muscles, and with restless legs syndrome, and insomnia. Benzodiazepines have hypnotic and sedative effects, and like antidepressants, dependence and addiction can occur in some patients. Other side effects may include depression, memory impairment, slow motor skills, etc.

Benzodiazepines are usually prescribed to fibromyalgia sufferers who have not responded well to other treatments. Some Benzodiazepines meds prescribed include: diazepam, temazepman, clonazepam, and triazolam.

Despite what medication you may be interested in or your doctor may recommend, you need to make sure you ask your doctor important questions before taking any medication so you can receive the most effective treatment that is right for you.

6 important questions to ask your doctor

1. What are the medications you recommend for my specific symptoms?

2. What side effects can I expect and will this medication have negative interactions with other medications, foods or activities?

3. Should I continue taking medications even if I feel better?

4. What are the long-term effects this medication will have on my health?

5. Can I take any alternative therapies with this medication, or are there any alternative therapies I can try which might provide me with relief for my symptoms?

6. Are there any clinical trials I may be eligible for?

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Tamara Baruhovich asked:




Fibromyalgia or FMS is a chronic musculoskeletal syndrome characterized by pain, tenderness, achiness and stiffness in the muscle tissue, the ligaments, and the tendons. It is like a type of rheumatism but it does not affect joints. Some people report that having fibromyalgia is like living in a permanent state of having the flu.

FMS is a relatively new diagnosis. The very first diagnosis of “Fibromyalgia Syndrome” as such took place in the early 1980’s. Many have claimed a fibromyalgia cure; still most remain in pain without knowing how to help themselves. However, the visibility of fibromyalgia is no doubt attracting more attention amongst medical professionals giving fibromyalgia sufferers hope for a fibromyalgia cure in the near future.

There are about 5 million people affected with FMS in the United States alone. Most affected are women of childbearing age. It can also affect men, children and the elderly but it is less common.

Causes

The exact causes of this complex and perplexing condition are not yet fully understood. There are many theories, but none have been proved conclusively. It is very likely that there are a number of factors involved.

The condition usually appears after an injury, surgery or long illness; nevertheless, no specific illness causes fibromyalgia. It is also thought to be brought on by emotional, psychological, or physical drastic changes or trauma. Prolonged periods of stress have also been considered as a possible cause. It is also suspected that there are underlying biochemical causes -alterations in certain body chemicals produced in excess- even though there is no known anatomical reason for the syndrome.

Another aspect of fibromyalgia is its close association with hypoglycemia, although it is not known if fibromyalgia causes hypoglycemia or the other way around. There may also seem to be a direct relationship with people affected with Candidiasis. Vitamin deficiency has also been linked to FMS.

Yet, some researchers believe that fibromyalgia is caused by an imbalance of the brain’s chemistry, which could be a direct result of mercury toxicity, while others believe its directly related to diet.

Diagnosis

As we mentioned earlier, the cause of fibromyalgia is not known yet. Subsequently, it is often misdiagnosed as anything from arthritis to psychological problems. A true diagnosis takes place only after other diseases with similar symptoms have been ruled out such as Lupus, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Arthritis and Rheumatism amongst others. Usually, lab tests show no abnormalities of any kind. This is why up until recently FMS was believed to be a “just in your imagination” condition. Nevertheless, FMS is a very real condition.

After learning these facts the question remains… is there hope for fibromyalgia sufferers? Is there a fibromyalgia cure? Let’s find out…

Treatment

The initial treatment for fibromyalgia is a trial and error process, as the variety and severity of symptoms caused by this condition vary from person to person. Therefore, treatment programs must be individualized.

Several drugs have been prescribed for the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Two of the most common ones are Guaifenesin and Amitriptyline (Elavil). Antidepressants have also been used to treat certain symptoms of fibromyalgia, and cyclobenzaprine has been prescribed to treat the pain, stiffness, and sleep problems associated with FMS. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) has also proven effective to ease the pain and stiffness caused by fibromyalgia.

On a more holistic note, adding a soy supplement to the diet has helped alleviate pain and improve the quality of life. Some patients have stated that massage therapy, relaxation therapy, and hydrotherapy have helped alleviate their symptoms. Chinese herbal medicine, biofeedback and psycho-therapy have also been helpful in the treatment of FMS. According to a Mayo Clinic study, acupuncture significantly improved symptoms in fibromyalgia patients.

These types of practices can help control pain, increase energy and improve sleep and other symptoms. Taking extra magnesium, calcium and potassium are also recommended.

The good news

Yes, there is good news! First of all, fibromyalgia is NOT a life threatening condition. Fibromyalgia is diagnosable, is treatable and can be reversed. Numerous individuals claim that their symptoms have disappeared for long periods of time. Others claim total remission.

Every time one patient claims a fibromyalgia cure, there is hope for the rest of fibromyalgia sufferers! One thing you can start with to achieve your fibromyalgia cure is making an effort to become more aware of your day to day routine. What do you do? Where do you go? Learn what factors aggravate your symptoms and avoid them, if possible. Symptoms of fibromyalgia may come and go at first. You need to watch what triggers them. Also, watch your diet. Certain dietary and lifestyle changes may help ease the symptoms.

Also, remember that stress can exacerbate fibromyalgia symptoms. For women, hormonal changes throughout the month can play an important role. And overworking at home and work can bring on symptoms of fibromyalgia too.

FMS is not an imaginary condition. It is REAL. Many of its underlying causes can be treated and possibly 100% eliminated. Seek medical attention. Get help. You will feel better!

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Nathan Wei asked:




The cause of fibromyalgia (FM) is unknown but theories pointing toward abnormal hypothalamic pituitary axis function or dysfunction of neurotransmitter pathways in the brain are currently popular.

Several studies have demonstrated different abnormalities in central nervous system functioning. Abnormal sleep studies showing alpha intrusion during delta (stage 4) sleep and a reduction of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep have been seen. In addition, abnormal SPECT scans have suggested lower blood flow to the thalamus and caudate nucleus in the brains of fibromyalgia patients.

Approximately 2 percent of the population has fibromyalgia. About 80 percent of patients with fibromyalgia are women. While fibromyalgia may occur as a primary condition, it is also a secondary condition, occurring in as many as 30 percent of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Patients with fibromyalgia complain of generalized pain affecting both sides of the body and both the upper as well as lower part of the body.

Pain tends to be aggravated by weather changes as well as by stress.

While patients will complain of subjective joint swelling, objective swelling is absent.

Sleep disturbance occurs in almost all patients. Complaints of chronic fatigue and non restorative sleep (feeling as if they haven’t slept) are common. Sleep apnea may aggravate the situation.

Tender trigger points are noted in all patients. A patient with 11 of 18 tender trigger points fulfills a major diagnostic criterion for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia. These trigger point tender areas are stereotypic meaning the same areas are tender in all patients with the diagnosis of FM..

Other symptoms include migraine headache, decrease in short term memory, cognitive dysfunction, blurred or double vision, hypersensitivity to sound and smells, shortness of breath, chest pains, palpitations, irritable bowel, irritable bladder, painful menses, painful urination, multiple drug allergies, multiple sensitivities to chemicals.

Laboratory testing will not be diagnostic. However, laboratory testing will help to exclude other conditions such as polymyalgia rheumatica, hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, etc., that might masquerade as fibromyalgia. FM is a diagnosis of exclusion so it is imperative that other possible causes of aches and pains are ruled out.

Imaging tests may also be helpful in establishing the presence or absence of FM.

Treatment must be individualized. Most patients will respond to a combination of non impact aerobic exercise (swimming, stationary bike, elliptical trainer), cognitive behavioral therapy, and medication.

Medications that have been found to be helpful include tricyclic antidepressants in low doses, muscle relaxants such as cyclobenzaprine, also in low doses, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Other medicines such as gabapentin and tramadol may also be helpful.

Migraine

David J Horton asked:




TMJ (Temporomandibular joint disorder) is an extraordinarily painful affliction that affects many people all around the world. Drug treatments can not cure the disorder, but can give some relief to the semi-regular symptoms that are associated. One such drug is Flexeril (generic Cyclobenzaprine).

This medication is a muscle relaxant. It is used in combination with rest and physical therapy to help relieve muscle strain, spasms or other muscle injuries. Flexeril is taken as prescribed by a doctor. Dosage may vary depending on your medical condition and response to therapy. The normal dosage however is three times a day. This drug is intended to be used for short periods of time, usually a maximum of three weeks.

Side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, blurred vision, or constipation may occur as one’s body adjusts to the medication. If any of these symptoms continue or worsen, please contact your doctor without hesitation. Your doctor will prescribe this medication because he or she feels the benefit of taking Flexeril outweighs any side effects which may occur. In rare occasions other side effects may occur such as mental/mood changes, difficulty in urination, pounding irregular heartbeat, fainting, yellowing of the eyes, stomach and abdominal pain, nausea, lack of appetite, seizures, and loss or coordination.

A serious allergic reaction is uncommon but please seek medical attention if you experience a rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.

This and many other drugs do serve a benefit as they relieve the symptoms of TMJ, but they do not cure the disorder. As you consider the fact that taking any drug brings with it additional regular costs and possible side effects, would you like to consider a way of not only relieving your symptoms but eliminating the disorder itself?

There is a natural way to bring relief!

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Nathan Wei asked:




At one moment, a life of activity consumed with enjoyable activities like biking, golfing, going to the movies, out to dinner. Then one day, it’s gone. Replaced with constant pain and fatigue. Here’s the lowdown on fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is one of the most common forms of arthritis seen in a rheumatology practice. It is actually a soft tissue form of rheumatism. Typically, a patient will complain of feeling achy all over, being chronically tired, and feeling like they’re walking around in a constant fog. Often a patient will complain of short term memory problems.

The American College of Rheumatology has set criteria by which fibromyalgia symptoms can be classified. These consist of a history of widespread pain for three or more months and pain in 11 of 18 tender point sites when 4 kilograms (about 9 pounds) of pressure is applied. When accompanied by a history of chronic fatigue and non-restorative sleep (waking up and feeling as if you haven’t slept), there is a strong suspicion that fibromyalgia is to blame.

People affected by fibromyalgia experience two unique responses to stimuli. They perceive normal stimuli as being painful and they perceive painful stimuli as being more painful than it should be.

These abnormal responses are thought to be due to an abnormality involving pain-processing pathways within the central nervous system.

History and physical examination is the first step in evaluation. Unfortunately, there are no specific laboratory tests that confirm the diagnosis. However, the tests can be helpful in excluding other conditions that can mimic fibromyalgia such as hypothyroidism, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Treatment consists of a combination of four approaches. The first is patient education. Talking with the patient about the diagnosis and presenting what he options are. The second is institute medications. These may include one or more of the following:

o Analgesics which help to control pain. An example would be a drug such as tramadol

o Antidepressants which are used for their ability to elevate serotonin and nor-epiephrine levels in the brain. Examples include amitryptiline, fluoxitene, and duloxitene.

o Muscle relaxants like cyclobenzaprine

o Anti-seizure medicines like gabapentin

o Anti-fatigue medicines (modafinil)

The third therapy is non-impact aerobic exercise which helps to increase endorphin production in the brain and helps to recondition muscles.

Finally, the fourth is cognitive behavioral therapy which helps with goal-setting, coping and other measures which reduce the sense of victimization that people with fibromyalgia often have.

Fibromyalgia can be treated effectively. It is important that a patient seek out a qualified and empathetic rheumatologist to help them.

Migraine

Jane Thompson asked:




Self help for fibromyalgia is out there and available. First off, let’s start by defining fibromyalgia. Following a simplified line of thought, we can say that fibromyalgia is best characterized by chronic pain that is felt in the muscles, ligaments and tendons.

The condition itself is related to arthritis and was once thought of as a psychological problem since laboratory tests found no indication that there was something wrong with individuals who had the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

However, later studies have verified the existence of the condition. The fact of the matter is it was only 14 years ago when the American College of Rheumatology recognized fibromyalgia and legitimized it as a human disorder.

Recent statistics indicate that fibromyalgia affects between 3 – 5 million of the U.S. population. Diagnosing the condition is now a formalized process. People who exhibit a history of widespread pain on both sides of the body in the upper and lower areas of the waist for at least three months, as well as pain in at least 11 of 18 specified tender-point areas are most likely suffering from fibromyalgia.

Modern medicine has already found ways of treating fibromyalgia, although there is currently no specific FDA approved fibromyalgia medication. However, there are drugs that are prescribed to relieve the pain. Such drugs include aspirin, ibuprofen and other pain relievers. Antidepressants are also commonly prescribed to help relieve depression and may also help with sleep disorders that often come with having fibromyalgia. Doctors also recommend muscle relaxants such as cyclobenzaprine among others.

However, the best treatment plan doesn’t involve drugs alone. It is actually a combination of exercise, medicine, physical therapy and relaxation that helps individuals with fibromyalgia to overcome the condition.

A study that was carried out on 84 fibromyalgia sufferers, where half the group where given normal medications and the other half followed a self-help program instead. This involved swimming, exercise, relaxation techniques and small modifications in diet.

The self-help group reported the most positive benefits, feeling less fatigue, depression and anxiety alone with added boost of more energy. The first group who followed the medical treatments reported no difference in their condition at the end of the trial.

So, to introduce self-help methods to your treatment plan try low-impact aerobic exercises such as walking and swimming. Interestingly, strength training has also shown to be helpful in treating fibromyalgia patients.

These types of exercises increase muscle and overall body flexibility and strength. These also help relieve pain and can help patients sleep. Plus, doctors have successfully tested that heat and massage offer short-term relief from pain and muscle stiffness. The key, however, is moderation. Just like normal exercises, the body cannot take too much of something. With this in mind, it is important to work closely with your doctor to determine the type of exercises and how much you should do.

Aside from regular exercises, there are a number of natural and self-care techniques that patients with fibromyalgia can observe for faster recovery.
For more natural methods of treating Fibromyalgia and other self-care tips sign up for the free Fibromyalgia newsletter below.

Patients with fibromyalgia should learn to reduce stress in their everyday life. This stress can be either overexertion from day to day activities, or emotional stress from family or personal life. It is vital that patients learn to relax and take it easy. The more stressed they become, the more their condition will worsen. Deep-breathing exercises or meditation can be very effective means to manage or control your stress.

Another option you might consider is to avoid fatigue. Rest whenever you feel fatigued and make sure that you get sufficient sleep everyday. However, you should limit your daytime naps, and set up a regular go-to-sleep ritual that relaxes you and helps you prepare for a good night’s sleep.

The study also included dietary changes and you’ve no doubt heard often about the importance of a healthy diet, and it has never been truer than with fibromyalgia. Be sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, and other nutritious foods. Drink plenty of water and stay away from processed, fast or fried foods. Also now is the time to give up smoking and possibly also alcohol. Live a healthy life and go out and play and feel happy, satisfied and fulfilled. Having a positive predisposition in life also has an effect on your health.

Self help for fibromyalgia is very much available, and accessible if you start putting some of these simple steps into practice.

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Susun Weed asked:




“Dear woman,” Grandmother Growth’s voice seems to float in the deepening twilight, echoing, reverberating, ringing in your ears. “Bring me your soreness. Bring me your pain. Bring your aches to me. Bring your burdens. Bring all you can no longer stand, can no longer bear, can no longer carry, can no longer shoulder, can no longer be responsible for. Give it to me. Put it down. Let us sit in council together and listen to the stories your pain tells. Menopause is a journey which requires you to pack light. Heavy things – bitterness, regret, vengeance, clinging to pain – will make your travels wearisome and bring you down. Take only the stories. Leave the rest behind. Burn the soreness in your hot flashes. Let it leave you. This is the Change. Let it change you, dear woman; let it change you.”

Step 0: Do Nothing

Women dealing with fibromyalgia have less pain if they sleep in a completely dark room. If that’s impossible, wear a sleep mask.

Step 1: Collect Information

The chronic pain disorder I called “sore all over” when I wrote this section ten years ago is now big news. Ninety percent of the 4 million Americans dealing with this debilitating, frustrating condition – known as fibromyalgia – are white women, and many of them are menopausal.

Neither cause nor cure for fibromyalgia is known. It is not a disease but a range of symptoms characterized by chronic, widespread pain on both sides of the body, above and below the waist. (As one of my apprentices put it: “But I don’t hurt in all those places at once. The pain moves around. I never know where it will be next.”) Some women have a low fever in addition to pain. More than half of those with fibromyalgia also suffer from headaches, endometriosis, and/or irritable bowel syndrome.

The symptoms of fibromyalgia are quite variable, making diagnosis difficult. (Orthodox diagnosis is predicated on finding soreness at specific trigger points.) Fibromyalgia mimics aspects of multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, hepatitis C, hypothyroidism, lupus, polymyalgia rheumatica, and early dementia. Many women with fibromyalgia are told their distress is “all in your mind.”

It isn’t in your mind (alone). Menopause can leave you feeling like you’ve been beaten on. Muscles respond to hormonal changes by feeling sore and cranky. Sleep loss can make you ache. (Non-restorative sleep is a hallmark of fibromyalgia.) Lack of calcium (and other minerals) can make your bones ache. Whether you are dealing with these challenges, or the greater problem of fibromyalgia, why not give Wise Woman Ways a try? The remedies listed here have been remarkably successful in helping many women.

“People with fibromyalgia aren’t just sensitive to pain; they also find loud noises, strong odors, and bright lights aversive.” – Daniel Clauw, MD, Director: Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, Georgetown University

Step 2: Engage the Energy

Having a support group is one of the strongest factors in keeping fibromyalgia under control. Homeopathic Arnica is an amazing remedy for sore and aching muscles. Daily use of homeopathic Rhus toxicodendron reduced pain by 25 percent in those with fibromyalgia. Make a list of things you are sore (upset, angry) about. Where do these things live in your body? With the help of an experienced bodyworker, loosen those places. Women with fibromyalgia are very likely to be survivors of trauma (sexual or domestic violence, alcoholism). Go back to your Mother. Float in the ocean. Lie belly down on the earth. Naked. Let her ease you. Let her heal you. Listen to a relaxation tape. Have someone show you how to do the yoga position called the “Corpse Pose”. Learn how to bring yourself to a deep state of inner quiet and peaceful mind. Hypnotherapy can help you gain some degree of mental control over their symptoms. Cognitive behavior therapy is also helpful.
Step 3: Nourish and Tonify

Consistent use of nourishing herbal infusions, especially comfrey leaf and stinging nettle, in place of coffee, tea, and sodas is the single most effective thing I know for mitigating and overcoming fibromyalgia. Gentle exercise – walks, yoga or tai chi practices – keeps muscles from weakening and becoming more painful. Experts suggest starting with as little as three minutes a day, and gradually building to at least four sessions of five minutes each per day. Persist; the reward is worth it. Regular consumption of yogurt also proves very helpful for those with fibromyalgia. Perhaps it is due to yogurt’s ability to strengthen and nourish immunity; some suspect fibromyalgia is a result of immune system malfunction. Magnesium is a critical nutrient for preventing pain in muscles and connective tissues. Legumes, whole grains, leafy greens and nourishing herbal infusions – like nettle and oatstraw – are the best sources. Moxibustion is also known as needleless acupuncture. Safe and easy to do at home by yourself, moxibustion gives fast relief from sore joints and aching muscles. It not only relieves pain but tonifies, decreasing future pain and gradually effecting a “cure.” You can buy a moxa “cigar” at an Oriental pharmacy or health food store. Bring the glowing end of the moxa (after lighting it) near the painful area and move it around in small slow spirals until the heat becomes too intense. (This may take a few minutes or many.) Pain relief is usually immediate and often lasts for twelve or more hours.
Step 4: Stimulate/Sedate

Tinctures of willow bark or spirea (1-2 dropperfuls/1-2 ml is a dose) are highly recommended as important green allies by women dealing with fibromyalgia. St. Joan’s wort tincture – not capsules, not the tea – is a powerful ally for women with fibromyalgia. It is one of the best muscle relaxants I have ever used. A 25-30 drop dose not only stops but also prevents muscle aches. I have used it as frequently as every twenty minutes (for ten doses) when the occasion has necessitated it. St. Joan’s wort prevents soreness when taken after exercise; and even better if taken before. I take a dose every hour while on an airplane to prevent muscle aches and jetlag. Regular massage from an experienced therapist stimulates the circulation of blood and energy, relieves pain, reduces fatigue, and eases stiffness. Avoid deep tissue massage; it increases pain. Light strokes and gentle myofascial releases are more helpful. Chiropractic manipulations are of little benefit. Massage with heated stones and other heat treatments works wonders for some women. For others, cold treatments work better (but not too cold, and not for too long either, please). Ginger compresses, hot or cold, stir up circulation and mobilize the body’s own healing agents to take action and ease your pain. I grate several ounces of fresh ginger into simmering water, cook it gently for ten minutes, then soak a cloth in the liquid and use that as an application to the sore area. The National Institute of Health lists fibromyalgia as one of the few conditions that acupuncture can relieve. If lying down sleep makes the pain worse, slip into something relaxing: valerian, skullcap, or St. Joan’s wort tinctures, up to a dropperful/1 ml of any one, repeated twice if needed.
Step 5a: Use Supplements

A study found little benefit from those with fibromyalgia taking either SAM-e or 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan – a precursor to serotonin). Do not use 5-HTP if you are taking St. Joan’s/John’s wort. Lack of sleep can quickly aggravate symptoms of fibromyalgia. (See Step 0.) If sleep confounds you, melatonin at bedtime, the lowest dose you can get, may help.
Step 5b: Use Drugs

Essential oil of lavender was recommended by several women who have dealt with fibromyalgia for many years. Dilute with jojoba or olive oil and use as a rub. Orthodox treatment of fibromyalgia relies heavily on drugs, primarily antispasmodics, antidepressants and muscle-relaxants. But Celebrex, Vioxx, Valteran, amitriptyline (Elavil), fluoxetine (Prozac), vanlafaxine (Effecor), trazadone (Desyrel), alprazolam (Xanax), and cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) can adversely affect the liver and disrupt the immune system. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen do not reduce fibromyalgia pain for most women. Tramadol (Ultram) is a drug which addresses both the altered brain chemicals and the pain signals of those with fibromyalgia.
Step 6: Break and Enter

Beware invasive diagnostic tests. Many women report enduring endless rounds of tests trying to put a name to their pains with no success and at the price of physical, mental, and emotional distress. Injections of lidocaine, a drug that temporarily numbs nerves, are effective in relieving fibromyalgia pain for some women. Injections of capsaicin (from cayenne) relieve pain by destroying nerve endings.

________________________________________

Legal Disclaimer: This content is not intended to replace conventional medical treatment. Any suggestions made and all herbs listed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, condition or symptom. Personal directions and use should be provided by a clinical herbalist or other qualified healthcare practitioner with a specific formula for you. All material contained herein is provided for general information purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Contact a reputable healthcare practitioner if you are in need of medical care. Exercise self-empowerment by seeking a second opinion.

Pain Management

Steve A Johnson asked:




For many people, reaching for pain relievers is as instinctual as eating. Hungry? Go to the refrigerator and grab a bite. Pain? Swallow a pill. But pain pills have their costs.

Pain is a way for our body to let us know that something is wrong and should be fixed. One in 10 U.S. adults suffer pain that lasts a year or more. Fully a quarter of American adults say they have suffered a day-long bout of pain in the past month, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, part of the CDC. Lower back pain is among the most common complaints, along with migraine or severe headache, and joint pain, aching or stiffness. More than a quarter of adults interviewed said they had experienced low back pain in the past three months. Migraines or severe headaches affected 15 percent of adults in the past three months, and 4 percent of adults had used a narcotic pain drug in the past month for pain relief.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol, panadol, etc.) can cause liver damage. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as naproxen (Aleve) and ibuprofen(Advil, Motrin, etc.), can cause gastrointestinal bleeding and impaired kidney function. They can also inhibit cartilage repair in the knees, hips and other joints. In addition to being addictive, Lortab, Percocet and other narcotic painkillers can cause drowsiness and clouded thinking. The muscle relaxant cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) has been linked with dizziness, rash arrhythmia and even convulsions.

Pain may be sharp or dull, intermittent or constant, or throbbing or steady. Sometimes pain is very difficult to describe. Pain may be felt at a single site or over a large area. The intensity of pain can vary from minor to intolerable. Pain may also be acute or chronic.

In certain cases, the risks posed by the adverse reactions are offset by clear benefits. When pain is especially severe, nothing can replace the merciful relief of medication. But for run-of-the-mill discomfort-tension headache, ankle sprain, joint stiffness, back pain and postsurgical pain-it’s often better to skip drugs and opt instead for natural treatments.

Ice may seem old-fashioned, but it remains one of the best natural painkillers. It’s great for back pain, aching, swollen joints and headache. It reduces congestion, improves blood flow and promotes healing. A bag of frozen peas works as well as an ice pack, and it can be refozen and reused many times. Usually a 10-minute application, two or three times each hour, if effective.

If headaches are your problem, drinking lots of water is often all that’s needed. In particular, tension headaches and “toxic” headaches from drinking too much alcohol or consuming too much caffeine respond well to “hydrotherapy.: Have eight ounces of water every 10 minutes for one hour. Make sure a bathroom is handy before starting this remedy!

For acute sprains, strains and scrapes, bruises and other minor trauma, nothing beats arnica. This homeopathic remedy-available in health food stores and now many drugstores-reduces bruising and pain. Unless you are accident-prone, a single vial costing less than $10 should last several years.

For enndinitis and sciatica-and to speed recovery from surgery-I often recommend bromelain. This natural anti-enflammatory agent-an enzyme derived from pineapple-stimulates the breakdown of inflammatory compounds at the injury site.

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