What is Fibromyalgia?

Pretty much everyone knows someone with Fibromyalgia; that chronic pain that they have trouble explaining.  Fibromyalgia is a poorly understood syndrome that causes mild to severe diffuse muscle pain, poor quality sleep, stiffness, fatigue, headaches, tender points, memory and concentration problems (the Fibro Fog), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and many other symptoms. Not everyone experiences all of the symptoms.

A surprisingly large number of people with IBS, when questioned about other symptoms are found to have Fibromyalgia. When the Fibromyalgia symptoms are controlled, the IBS also often resolves.

There is no known cause of or cure for Fibromyalgia. Rather, it is a confusing and frustrating collection of symptoms that come and go and vary in intensity. It is thought that the nervous system (nerves, spinal cord, and brain) is not able to accurately control what it feels, so ordinary feelings from the muscles, joints, and soft tissues are experienced as pain.

Fibromyalgia does not cause outward physical deformity like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can. Fibromyalgia is a very real syndrome, though that can cause severe disability. From the outside the Fibromyalgia sufferer usually looks completely normal to others. Some may think that the Fibromyalgia sufferer is "faking it for attention". Fibromyalgia sufferers are sometimes told it's "all in your head". Well, Fibromyalgia is NOT "all in your head". However, you can use your head to manage the pain and other symptoms of Fibromyalgia.   

What can be done for Fibromyalgia?

The current medical therapies most frequently used are pain medications, anti-depressants and/or sleep medications. While Fibromyalgia is not caused by depression, the chronic pain and poor quality sleep can certainly result in depression developing. The goal of medical therapy is to improve the quality of sleep and reduce the pain in an effort to return the individual to a more normal life style.

Fibromyalgia has been the subject of considerable research. It has been determined that a multidisciplinary approach is far more effective in providing the greatest relief from the debilitating symptoms of Fibromyalgia. In a controlled study published in the Journal of Rheumatology, Fibromyalgia patients were randomly assigned to treatment with physical therapy or hypnotherapy for 12 weeks with a follow-up at 24 weeks. The results were amazing. The authors of this peer-reviewed study published in a renowned medical journal concluded that hypnotherapy was significantly more effective in relieving the symptoms of Fibromyalgia than physical therapy.

Over 97% of Fibromyalgia sufferers nation-wide who complete this program offered by Cynde experience significant and sometimes dramatic relief while eliminating or significantly reducing their need for medications. Many become and remain symptom-free after completing this program.

Cynde Gardner is a certified Fibromyalgia specialist in Murrieta serving the Temecula Valley and surrounding areas.  She will work with your physician to help you reach your best possible quality of life.  

Contact us now so that you can start on your road to a better quality of life.

Information on this site is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You should consult with the appropriate licensed health care practitioner in case of any medical condition. Referral from your licensed health care practitioner may be required.