What is Fibromyalgia?*

Although often mistaken for a muscle disorder, fibromyalgia, (also known as fibromyalgia syndrome or simply FMS) can be defined as a dysfunction in the way the central nervous system processes pain. FMS is associated with widespread sensitivity in the body and an amplification of pain sensations. Responses to various stimuli such as sound, scent, light, or touch can be exaggerated or misinterpreted by the brain as pain.

Symptoms: Each person suffering from FMS may present with a slightly different series of symptoms. However, the most common symptoms include the following: deep muscle aching or burning, muscle stiffness or twitching, fatigue and complaints of limbs feeling like "dead weight," difficulty concentrating or "brain fog," sleep disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic headaches, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), and multiple chemical sensitivities. Individuals with fibromyalgia may report increased symptoms from changes in the weather or barometric pressure or with increased personal stress.

Causes: There are various theories regarding the cause or onset of FMS. One event or a series of traumatic events to the body can trigger the dysfunction, but it can also be caused by long-term stress. Examples include auto accidents, severe infections, or the onset of another disease affecting the connective tissues. 

The body is made up of connective tissue called fascia that winds its way like a silken web through the body, around muscles, bones, nerves, and even organs. With FMS, there are often unrecognized restrictions in the fascial system contributing to the pain syndrome.

Diagnosis: In order to meet the diagnosis criteria for FMS, a physical examination (often performed by a rheumatologist) will reveal that a person has at least 11 out of a possible 18 tender points for a minimum duration of 3 months. It is important to be aware that FMS may be diagnosed along with co-existing conditions.

Treatment: There are various treatments aimed at assisting sleep, reducing pain, and curtailing the co-existing symptoms of fibromyalgia. A gentle hands-on approach with a combination of manual therapy and craniosacral therapy techniques address a number of the FMS symptoms. The goal is to assist the client back into healthy, everyday living.

Traditional vs. Complementary Techniques

Traditional therapies may focus on using modalities (such as electrical stimulation and ultrasound) to reduce localized symptoms and exercise to strengthen deconditioned tissues.

However, the source of the symptoms is not always the site of the discomfort. Muscles cannot be strengthened to a functional state and tissues cannot relax until restrictions are released.

Treating clients with fibromyalgia requires an understanding of your special needs. By following a phased treatment regimen and customizing care to each individual, Sari Lewis, OTR/L, RCST^® can help you relieve your symptoms of fibromyalgia and let you regain control of your life.

"Sari~Thanks for all the tools you teach me to help me get through life...for the sensitive way you explain and give reason for my concerns and questions, for your intuitive way of knowing what I need before I even say it, for the feeling of complete trust, relaxation and relief in my physical and mental being."     D.C.

At the Fibromyalgia Network website you can find information on fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.  Read about support groups, research information, advocacy, past newsletters, and more.  I encourage you to contact the FM Network to learn more. http://www.fmnetnews.com

The Oregon Chapter of the Fibromyalgia Foundation has a website at http://www.myalgia.com/. Check out the information on FMS and Sjogrens, Lupus, and other related diagnoses.

Andrew Weil, M.D. featured an article on fibromyalgia 7/21/2005.  See the article at:  http://www.drweil.com/u/Page/Archive151/

The Fibromyalgia Network April 2005 edition summarized a study related to capillary blood flow and patients with FMS.  Here is an excerpt from the review:   ‘The authors hypothesize that the sympathetic branch of the peripheral nervous system is overly active, causing the blood vessels to constrict…In addition, non-drug therapies that enhance circulation tend to reduce FMS pain.’  * 

Craniosacral therapy helps to calm the nervous system, improve fluid nutrition to the brain, spinal cord and tissues and increase blood flow and circulation. 

* http://www.arthritis-research.com/content/7/2/R209

 *The 18 Tender Point Locations for FMS on "The Three Graces" Masterpiece.