The neutral sleep position

The best position for sleep for fibromyalgia sufferers is a modified fetal position. Instead of curling completely up, curl up on your side, but only about half way, so that your back is comfortable and your legs are slightly bent.

Muscle relief in the tub

Many people receive at least temporary relief from soaking in a warm (not too hot) bath with Epsom salts (or sea salt) or essential oils that are known to soothe sore muscles, such as juniper, lavender, marjoram and/or chamomile. You can add about 8 drops of essential oil to a 2 cup jar of Epsom salts (or sea salt), seal it and leave it for 10 days and then use as you would regular Epsom salts (or sea salt), with the added benefit of a nice scent and whatever therapeutic benefits the oil you chose has to offer.

New Studies released information

See these links to learn about the results of the studies:
Study Reveals Subgroups of Fibromyalgia Patients - Not All Experience Psychological Distress
&
Neurocognitive Defects & Brain Structure in Fibromyalgia: Are Pain & Cognitive Problems Related?

Is it all in the head?

The invisible disease

Fibromyalgia is sometimes known as the invisible disease. We don´t look sick. People find it difficult to understand that we really are sick and not just making excuses. You need to anticipate this, and the reactions that people will give you when you say no to things you don´t feel able to do. Your true friends will understand; the others don´t matter. And you must learn to say no or you will run the risk of causing a flare-up of your symptoms.

Read what Marilyn Smulders wrote about it. Click her name to open article.

Attitude Adjustment

Treat yourself

Set aside one day a week as "Be good to yourself day." On this day make sure to take some time for yourself – absolutely guilt free. Take a bubble bath or give yourself a manicure, pedicure or facial. Go shopping online for a special treat for yourself. This seems hard for many of us to do, because we feel we don´t deserve it - we aren´t achieving like we once did. But we also need to keep a positive attitude - and that means a bit of self-indulgence.

Tips from LifeTips

Fibromyalgia Tips

Therapy for trigger point pain

Pain from TrPs can be reduced by short period of rest, which will help to avoid strain and extra irritation. Slow, steady passive stretching of involved muscles, especially when under a warm shower or bath which, because of the bath´s tendency to relax those muscles, will loosen the contractions. Moist heat over the trigger point can also provide some relief, as can cold packs on the pain reference zone (the area where the pain is felt as opposed to the Trigger point which is sending the pain signal). Massage is also helpful.

Fibromyalgia Tip -- 5/10/08

Fibromyalgia Tips

Temperature discomfort

Fibro patients can be abnormally sensitive to cold or hot weather. They are often cold when others are hot, or hot when most people are comfortable – and can also have chills while sweating. Dressing in layers seems to be the best way to deal with this, as you can always take something off or put something on until you reach relative comfort.

HOT CHOC DETOX

There's sweet news about hot cocoa: the popular winter drink contains more antioxidants per cup than a similar serving of red wine or tea and may even be a healthier choice.

Researchers at Cornell University, located in Geneva New York, have shown this through recent study which adds to growing evidence of the health benefits of cocoa and points to a tasty alternative. Yummy hot cocoa in the quest to maintain a diet rich in healthy antioxidants, chemicals that have been shown to fight cancer, heart disease and aging, the researchers say.

Although the researchers say antioxidants are important for good health, nobody knows the exact daily amount required per person—this stated by Chang Yong Lee, Ph.D., head of the study and a professor of food chemistry in Cornell's Department of Food Science and Technology. They do agree however a cup or two of hot cocoa every once in a while can provide a delicious, warm and healthy way to obtain more antioxidants!

Are FM patients more sensitive to sound?

Are Fibromyalgia Patients More Sensitive to Sound?

Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread tenderness, including.... click title to read more.

Winter Skin Care Winter is hard on skin. Dry air and harsh wind can sap moisture from the skin, causing cracking, chapping, and irritation. And even though it's not blazing hot, your skin is still vulnerable to damage from the sun's ultraviolet rays. Luckily, you can take action to minimize winter skin problems. Here are some tips to help you keep your skin as youthful-looking and healthy as possible throughout the winter months: Continue to protect your skin from sun damage. Since you're usually bundled up when outside in the wintertime, you don't need to slather sunscreen all over yourself, but try to wear a makeup or moisturizer with SPF 15 on your face throughout the winter. Do wear a high-SPF sunscreen if you'll be skiing; some of the most severe sunburns may occur on the slopes, since the snow reflects the sunlight. If you'll be on a cruise, be sure to wear a good sunscreen just as you would during the summertime. Don't forget your lips--wear lip balm or lipstick with sunscreen. Examine your skin-care regimen. If you are using a product with tretinoin, such as Retin-A or Renova, be especially vigilant about wearing sunscreen; you are more liable to sustain a sunburn. If you have sensitive skin, you may need to cut back on using sloughing products such as alpha-hydroxy acids, as they may exacerbate dry, irritated skin. Don't take long, hot showers. They may sound appealing, but they strip skin of its natural moisturizing lipids. Instead, take a short, warm shower; pat your skin almost dry, then put on a good moisturizer while skin is still damp. You will need a super-emollient lotion for hands, heels, or anywhere else you experience especially dry, cracked skin. Humidify indoor air. If you don't have a humidifying system within your heating ducts, consider buying a humidifier. These devices will help keep skin and nasal passages from drying out. (If you do experience dryness or minor bleeding in your nose, you can use Vaseline to soothe and moisturize the area.) If you develop severely dry skin, eczema, or "winter itch," see your dermatologist. He or she can prescribe a mild steroid cream or other treatment to restore your skin to good health. About This Article Published: 01/10/2007 Updated: 01/10/2007 URL: http://www.dukehealth.org/HealthLibrary/HealthArticles/winter_skin_care

Complementary and alternative medicine

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Original Article:http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fibromyalgia/DS00079/DSECTION=11

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Fibromyalgia

Complementary and alternative medicine

Complementary and alternative therapies for pain and stress management aren't new. Some, such as meditation and yoga, have been practiced for thousands of years. But their use has become more popular in recent years, especially with people who have chronic illnesses, such as fibromyalgia.

Several of these treatments do appear to safely relieve stress and reduce pain, and some are gaining acceptance in mainstream medicine. But many practices remain unproved because they haven't been adequately studied. Some of the more common complementary and alternative treatments promoted for pain management include:

• Acupuncture. Acupuncture is a Chinese medical system based on restoring normal balance of life forces by inserting very fine needles through the skin to various depths. According to Western theories of acupuncture, the needles cause changes in blood flow and levels of neurotransmitters in the brain and spinal cord. In a 2006 Mayo Clinic study, acupuncture significantly improved symptoms of fibromyalgia. Research on the benefits of acupressure — a similar practice that uses finger pressure on the skin rather than needles — is inconclusive.
• Chiropractic care. This treatment is based on the philosophy that restricted movement in the spine may lead to pain and reduced function. Spinal adjustment (manipulation) is one form of therapy chiropractors use to treat restricted spinal mobility. The goal is to restore spinal movement and, as a result, improve function and decrease pain. Chiropractors manipulate the spine from different positions using varying degrees of force. Manipulation doesn't need to be forceful to be effective. Chiropractors may also use massage and stretching to relax muscles that are shortened or in spasm. Because manipulation has risks, always go to properly trained and licensed practitioners.
• Massage therapy. This is one of the oldest methods of health care still in practice. It involves use of different manipulative techniques to move your body's muscles and soft tissues. The therapy aims to improve blood circulation in the muscle, increasing the flow of nutrients and eliminating waste products. Massage can reduce your heart rate, relax your muscles, improve range of motion in your joints and increase production of your body's natural painkillers. It often helps relieve stress and anxiety. Although massage is almost always safe, avoid it if you have open sores, acute inflammation or circulatory problems.
• Osteopathy. Doctors of osteopathy go through rigorous and lengthy training in academic and clinical settings, equivalent to medical doctors. They're licensed to perform many of the same therapies and procedures as conventional doctors. One area where osteopathy differs from conventional medicine — but is similar to chiropractic medicine — is in the use of manipulation to address joint and spinal problems.

By Mayo Clinic Staff
June 25, 2007
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