FIBROMYALGIA

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome that causes chronic, sometimes debilitating muscle pain and fatigue. The pain occurs in areas where the muscles attach to bone or ligaments and is similar to the pain of arthritis. The pain typically originates in one area, usually the neck and shoulders, and then radiates out. Most patients report feeling some pain all the time; many describe it as "exhausting" The pain can vary, depending on the time of day, weather changes, physical activity, and the prescence of stressful situations; it has been described as stiffness, burning, radiating, and aching. The pain is often more intense after disturbed sleep. The other major complaint is fatigue, which some patients report as being more debilitating than the pain. Fatigue and sleep disturbances are, in fact, almost universal in patients with fibromyalgia, and if these symptoms are not present, then some experts believe that physicians should seek a diagnosis other than fibromyalgia. Between a quarter and a third of patients experience depression, and disturbances in mood and concentration are very common. Fibromyalgia patients are also prone to tension or migraine headaches. Other symptoms include dizziness, tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, and gastrointestinal problems, including irritable bowel syndrome with gas and alternating diarrhea and constipation. Some patients complain of urinary frequency caused by bladder spasms. Women may have painful menstrual periods.

CHINESE MEDICAL TREATMENT: One course of treatments last two months. After one course patients are generally 80% better. Some patients experience total recovery.

ACUPUNCTURE: Twice a week

CHINESE HERBS: Optional depending on the patients condition.