By Libra

Up to twelve million people have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia in the United States, 80% are predominantly woman between the ages of 35-55. Even after decades of the diagnosis of this illness doctors and scientists are no closer to discovering a cause or cure, currently only pain management. 
Fibromyalgia was thought to be an overly sensitive nervous system making one extremely senstive to pain, in more recent years the scientific community have come to understand fibromyalgia involves more than overly sensitive nerves and pain. 
There are no tests or exact science of diagnosing fibromyalgia. Diagnosis of fibromyalgia can be difficult to pin down therefore; doctors use a trigger point chart to help with the process along with a detailed medical history of the patients pain. 

It would be helpful to the doctor if the patient could present a written pain journal that includes the following information; where in your body you feel pain, how the pain and fatigue interfered with your daily activities, and rate your pain on a scale of 0-10.

Family genetics may play a role in fibromyalgia other symptoms will include; musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and localized tenderness. Symptoms can develop after psycological stress, pysical trauma, an injury, or an illness. Other symptoms may include depression, poor concentration, and headaches. 

Once diagnosed with fibromyalgia your doctor will help devise a pain management plan which could include: 
~Over the counter pain relievers such as asprin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. These medications could help reduce inflammation, minimize muscular aches, and improve sleep quality. 
~Antidepressants can help ease pain and fatigue 
~Anticonvulsants which may help reduce pain 
~Yoga to help reduce pain and fatigue and help improve mood 
~Accupuncture for pain relief, promote natural self healing,  encourage a change in blood flow, and change the neurotransmitters in the brain 
~Physical therapy aimed to improve range of motion and strengthen muscles, which may help with physical pain 
~Massage therapy can relax muscles, improve range of motion, and reduce stress and anxiety 

There are many more options available as well to include vitamins and prescription medications for pain relief. Before starting any medication(s) please do your research on side effects and weigh your options. 
In the past several years osteopathic doctors have performed fasical manipulation on fibromyalgia patients to help with pain relief. It is also believed fascial distortion is another cause of fibromyalgia. 

For more information on fascial distortion manipulation please click on this link:
http://www.fmaware.org/about-fibromyalgia/fascia-fibromyalgia-pain/ 

If you believe you may have fibromyalgia or have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia know there are many options available to help decrease pain and overall wellness. There is a lot of information available on the web and each person is different and will react differently to differnt medications and therapies. Do your research before jumping in with both feet and speak with your physician about all your options.