Fibromyalgia Syndrome

This book provides a comprehensive overview of fibromyalgia syndrome that focuses on integrating concepts relevant to the pathogenesis, epidemiology and treatment of the condition. Details of how to manage sleep disorders, assess related disabilities, use pharmacological and complementary treatments are provided. Relevant aspects of neuromodulation, genetics, and neuromodulation are also covered. Therefore, enabling the reader to develop a deep understanding of the underlying triggers of and tools for assessing and treating fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia Syndrome features a wealth of information on the basic science and contains guidance on how to make clinical decisions when treating patients with this condition, and is a valuable resource for any medical professional or trainee seeking a dedicated up-to-date resource on the topic.

This volume is the first comprehensive text devoted to fibromyalgia and other centrally mediated chronic pain syndromes. Leading experts examine the latest research findings on these syndromes and present evidence-based reviews of current controversies. Chapters discuss the definition, epidemiology, and pathophysiology of chronic pain and fibromyalgia, the clinical presentations of fibromyalgia syndrome, and central sensitization syndromes associated with chronic neuromuscular pain. The contributors thoroughly examine various approaches to evaluation and management of patients with fibromyalgia and chronic pain. Other chapters focus on disability issues, prognosis, and future research directions. A critically reviewed listing of Websites and other resources is included.

Fibromyalgia is a condition that’s often misunderstood by the general public and doctors alike. This book aims to dispel myths about fibromyalgia and offers practical strategies that can help anyone living with this condition manage it successfully and return to a fulfilling and enjoyable life. Drawing on decades of experience in treating fibromyalgia, Mayo Clinic Guide to Fibromyalgia offers research-supported, practical strategies that can help anyone with fibromyalgia live their best life now. From personal stories of people living with fibromyalgia to the compassionate expertise of its medical editors, this book seeks to first connect with people who have fibromyalgia in a way that they may not have experienced from loved ones and even doctors. From there, readers will learn about what fibromyalgia is – and isn’t – and find solace in knowing that they’re not alone in the challenges that they face. The half of the book sets the foundation for the second half, which outlines practical strategies shown to be effective in managing fibromyalgia. Along the way, worksheets will help guide readers toward finding the best mix of strategies for managing their symptoms. The entire book comes together in the last part, where readers will put everything they’ve learned into an actionable daily plan that they can start using right away. This book is divided into 4 parts: Part 1 defines fibromyalgia, describes what causes it, and lists the challenges it can pose Part 2 outlines treatment options Part 3 describes strategies for managing fibromyalgia Part 4 outlines steps toward working with your health care team and family and creating a daily action plan for managing symptoms From Publishers Weekly: Coming from one of the most reliable, respected health resources that Americans have, this book is the first one a newly diagnosed patient should consult. (Sept.)

Designed for anyone involved in the management of musculoskeletal pain, this practical guide to fibromyalgia syndrome and its treatment provides a multidisciplinary perspective on this multifaceted and frequently encountered syndrome. The updated and expanded 2nd edition rapidly distills contemporary research on the subject and relates it specifically to the problems of assessment, diagnosis, and management. Information on the diagnosis and management of fibromyalgia is provided with a quick and clear reference for dealing with a group of difficult to manage patients. The latest research findings are included in one place, eliminating the need to scan through multiple journals. All aspects of this multifaceted syndrome are addressed to help make a clear diagnosis and select the most appropriate management. Complementary approaches to treatment include answers to the questions many patients ask. Content is written by a well-known osteopath with contributions from other expert professionals - providing a multidisciplinary view of the problem and a variety of approaches to management. Two new chapters, expanded content, and additional illustrations reflect the emerging information on this syndrome. Material on physical therapy approaches to the syndrome has been added. The section on the cognitive/behavior approach to treatment has been expanded. A companion CD-ROM includes video clips, a narrative that shows how to assess and diagnose the syndrome, and techniques for treatment.

This guide to fibromyalgia discusses its various causes and symptoms, the role of stress and other factors, and the different conventional and alternative remedies available.

The pain you suffer from fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is not in your imagination. FMS is a real medical problem that can be as debilitating and demoralizing as it is mysterious. Fibromyalgia For Dummies, Second Edition, brings you the latest scientific findings on the symptoms and causes of this disease and guides you toward proven, practical steps you can take reduce or eliminate FMS-related pain. This plain-English guide is fully updated with the latest fibromyalgia treatment options, and evaluations of new medications that have shown great promise in reducing pain. You'll discover how to spot an array of symptoms and their possible causes, work with your physician to develop a treatment plan, and manage your pain at home and in the office. You'll learn how to: Identify your FMS trigger points Cope with chronic pain and sleep problems Find medications that work for you Locate a physician who can really help you Make healing lifestyle changes Use hands-on therapies to alleviate pain Find effective over-the-counter and prescription medications Choose among alternative therapies and treatments Reduce the emotional distress caused by FMS Help a child with FMS Featuring moving and inspiring stories from fellow FMS sufferers who share their stories and offer invaluable tips on working your way back to wellness, Fibromyalgia for Dummies, Second Edition offers serious and sensitive guidance to help you overcome FMS and start being yourself again.

A guide to coping with fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, and chronic fatigue syndrome • Reveals how to deal with each disorder and how treatments can interact or aggravate if more than one disorder is present • Offers techniques to dispel the side effects created by these illnesses Fibromyalgia, chronic myofascial pain, and chronic fatigue syndrome are often seen as interchangeable conditions, a belief held even by many health care providers. Nothing could be further from the truth--however, they do often coexist. Knowing if more than one of these disorders is present is extremely important because the treatment for one of them can often exacerbate the problems caused by the others. Written by a registered nurse and a psychologist who has been treating these conditions since 1994, this book presents an integrative medical approach to these three disorders with a strong emphasis on utilizing and strengthening the mind-body connection to restore well-being. The authors provide a thorough guide to numerous treatment options--from diet, exercise, and herbs to mindfulness meditation, chi kung, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They also offer techniques to dispel the “brain fog” that these disorders often create and show how to overcome the resultant obstacles to effectively communicating with your doctor. The additional information included on the psychological issues that accompany these chronic pain disorders allows this integrative treatment guide to open the door not only to physical recovery but also emotional and mental well-being.

Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are serious, debilitating conditions that affect millions of people in the United States and around the world. ME/CFS can cause significant impairment and disability. Despite substantial efforts by researchers to better understand ME/CFS, there is no known cause or effective treatment. Diagnosing the disease remains a challenge, and patients often struggle with their illness for years before an identification is made. Some health care providers have been skeptical about the serious physiological - rather than psychological - nature of the illness. Once diagnosed, patients often complain of receiving hostility from their health care provider as well as being subjected to treatment strategies that exacerbate their symptoms. Beyond Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome proposes new diagnostic clinical criteria for ME/CFS and a new term for the illness - systemic exertion intolerance disease(SEID). According to this report, the term myalgic encephalomyelitis does not accurately describe this illness, and the term chronic fatigue syndrome can result in trivialization and stigmatization for patients afflicted with this illness. Beyond Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome stresses that SEID is a medical - not a psychiatric or psychological - illness. This report lists the major symptoms of SEID and recommends a diagnostic process.One of the report's most important conclusions is that a thorough history, physical examination, and targeted work-up are necessary and often sufficient for diagnosis. The new criteria will allow a large percentage of undiagnosed patients to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care. Beyond Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome will be a valuable resource to promote the prompt diagnosis of patients with this complex, multisystem, and often devastating disorder; enhance public understanding; and provide a firm foundation for future improvements in diagnosis and treatment.