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FMS (fibromyalgia syndrome) is a musculoskeletal pain and fatigue
disorder with an unknown cause. The term Fibromyalgia means
pain in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons ­ the soft fibrous
tissues in the body. Although there is no known cure, there are
things that can be done to produce fibromyalgia pain relief.

FMS symptoms patients always report that "they ache all over".
Frequently the pain is reported to be similar to that of a
strained muscle or a burning sensation. FMS affects women more
than it does men and it strikes people of all ages.
all ages.

Fatigue is also reported by patients afflicted with FMS. Beyond
mere physical fatigue, it is often described as "brain fatigue"
that cause patients to feel totally drained of energy. Although
fibromyalgia pain relief procedures can help with the pain, they
do very little to combat the fatigue, nor do they counteract the
accompanying sleep disorder, called the alpha-EEG anomaly, that
many patients experience.

Just as important as being able to provide some measure of
fibromyalgia pain relief, researchers are seeking ways to combat
the occurrence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Constipation, diarrhea,
frequent abdominal pain, abdominal gas, and nausea that are reported by approximately 40 to 70% of FMS patients. Also, chronic headaches, including recurrent migraine headaches, appear in about 50% of FMS patients.

Other common symptoms that appear in FMS patients include PMS,
painful periods, chest pain, morning stiffness, cognitive or
memory impairment, numbness and tingling sensations, muscle
twitching, irritable bladder, the feeling of swollen extremities,
skin sensitivities, dry eyes and mouth, dizziness, and impaired
coordination can occur. Patients are often sensitive to odors,
loud noises, bright lights, and sometimes even the medications
that they are prescribed.

Current treatments focus on bringing some measure of fibromyalgia
pain relief. Most crucial are methods to bring about deep level
(stage 4) sleep to encourage tissue repair and antibody production,
as well as the regulation of various neurotransmitters, hormones
and immune system chemicals.

Beyond medication, a holistic approach to providing fibromyalgia
pain relief typically includes physical and occupational therapy,
acupuncture, acupressure, relaxation/biofeedback techniques,
osteopathic manipulation, chiropractic care, therapeutic massage,
or a gentle exercise program.

Ongoing studies on FMS show that although chronic, the symptoms
may come and go over a period of time. When present, ot has a
marked effect on daily living activities, including the
ability to work a full-time job. THousands of research hours are
spent each year in an effort to perfect the methods of providing
fibromyalgia pain relief, as well as searching for a cure.

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Copyright © 2004, Wendy Springer
Wendy Springer is a writer on wellness topics at the Shop By
Click Health Section. Visit to learn more about various health
conditions and find resources online to help relieve symptoms:
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