Fibromyalgia
FMS (fibromyalgia syndrome), previously referred to as fibrosis, is a common disorder of unknown etiology. The condition is believed to affect 2 – 4 percent of the general population in North America.
FMS gives rise to musculoskeletal symptoms in both its generalized and localized forms. The condition is characterized by chronic diffuse pain in the muscles, tendons and ligaments. On examination, the patient will have a number of "tender points" - points on the body which are unnaturally sensitive to touch.
A significant number of other symptoms are often present, including fatigue, morning stiffness and sleep disturbance. (These three symptoms are present in more than 75 percent of people with fibromyalgia.)
FMS is usually difficult to diagnose because many of the symptoms parallel those of other disorders. A diagnosis is usually made after chronic, widespread pain has persisted for more than three months, and discomfort is present in at least 11 of 18 specific tender point sites.
FMS predominantly occurs in women of childbearing age, with 80 – 90 percent of cases occurring in this group. Other conditions that occur in the context of FMS include chronic anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome, fluid retention, tension headaches, paresthesias sicca syndrome and dysmenorrhea.
CAUSAL FACTORS
The cause of fibromyalgia remains unknown but a number of triggering events are believed to precipitate its onset. These include an infection (viral or bacterial), physical trauma such as an automobile accident, or the development of another disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or hypothyroidism. These triggering events probably don't cause FMS, but may awaken an underlying genetic physiological abnormality.
It has been proposed that FMS may stem from non-restorative deep sleep. Sleep studies on fibromyalgia patients have shown abnormal amounts of alpha activity and less REM sleep.
TREATMENT MODALITIES
Treatment of FMS requires a comprehensive approach. Aerobic exercise, such as swimming or walking improves the fitness of the muscles, decreasing pain and tenderness. Application of heat and/or massage therapy may also provide temporary relief. The use of antidepressant medications may help elevate the mood, relax the muscles and improve the quality of sleep. People with FMS usually benefit from a combination of exercise, medication, physical therapy, and relaxation.
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MEDICATIONS
At present, no single medication alleviates all of the fibromyalgia patient's pain and accompanying symptoms. Before medications are prescribed for a patient, it is important to undertake a comprehensive medical history. Since each FMS patient will experience a different set of symptoms, it is essential to understand how the condition affects each individual.
Encouraging the patient to keep a detailed written journal of medications, dosages, timing and side effects is also important.
A number of medications are used to treat fibromyalgia depending on the patient's individual symptoms. These include tricyclic antidepressants, muscle relaxants, sedatives, and sleep inducers. The successful use of medications is often through "trial and error."
Substances that may help reduce pain and improve overall health:
Nutricol®
Available as the OTC supplement Recovery® in many pharmacies, Nutricol® is proposed to reduce the discomfort that is part of FMS. This may reduce the likelihood of progression, and allow the patient to feel positive and productive.
Biomedica Laboratories, Inc., also believes that this proprietary blending of plant nutrients naturally increases the cells' receptivity to hormones such as insulin which are required to speed tissue repair.
Recovery® contains the active ingredient Nutricol®, a disease modifying anti-catabolic agent (DMAC), which Biomedica Laboratories is proud to introduce to health care professionals.
Biostructural® Medicine goes beyond simply addressing symptoms and focuses on the degenerative process and optimal healing.
Nutricol® (Recovery®) may be safely combined with other medications or taken on its own to help counter inflammation and improve the quality and rate of healing.
Information for Doctors: Print an 6-page detailed information package that provides the following:
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Click here to view feedback from health professionals and users about the results noted from Recovery® with Nutricol®.