When debilitating pain and unexplained fatigue take over, it can be exhausting, both physically and emotionally. Fibromyalgia is a complex pain disorder characterized by chronic widespread pain, multiple tender points, abnormal pain processing, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and often psychological distress. If you have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, it's important to manage your pain and be empowered by education so you can still do the things you enjoy in life.
The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but there may be a strong genetic basis, as the disorder is often seen in families. It can be triggered by a physical trauma or acute illness, but it has been suggested that fibromyalgia patients have a generalized disturbance in pain processing and an amplified response to stimuli that would not ordinarily be painful in healthy individuals.
With fibromyalgia, there may not be any observable injury in any specific location of your body; rather normal sensory messages from all over your body are being processed by your brain as pain. This helps to account for the experience of fibromyalgia being widespread and seeming to move around the body to different locations. At this time, there is no known cure, so treatment focuses on relieving symptoms.
Prescription medications are often indicated to manage pain, however medications can have unpleasant side effects. Alternative therapies such as exercise, massage, acupuncture, and yoga can be effective tools in managing symptoms. Milkweed Balm is a natural, anti-inflammatory solution that may help promote bone, joint, and muscle health. Used alone, or in conjunction with your doctor's recommendations, Milkweed Balm can soothe and help restore your hope.
Every day, advances are being made in awareness, research, and the treatment of fibromyalgia. Manage your symptoms and continue to find ways to improve your quality of life.