Fibromyalgia,Symptoms and Treatment...



What Is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is the most common musculoskeletal condition after osteoarthritis. Still, it is often misdiagnosed and misunderstood. Its characteristics include widespread muscle and joint pain and fatigue as well as other symptoms. Fibromyalgia can lead to depression and social isolation.

This overview of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) covers symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, and the impact fibromyalgia has on lives. The impact comes from the tremendous physical and psychological strains that come with FMS. Those strains can lead to loss of work hours, reduced income, and even job loss.

Whom does fibromyalgia affect?

Fibromyalgia affects predominantly women (over 80% of those affected are women) between the ages of 35 and 55. Less commonly, fibromyalgia can also affect men, children, and the elderly. It can occur independently or can be associated with another disease, such as systemic lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. The prevalence of fibromyalgia varies in different countries. In Sweden and Britain, 1% of the population is affected by fibromyalgia. In the United States, approximately 4% of the population has fibromyalgia.

What are fibromyalgia symptoms and signs?

The universal symptom of fibromyalgia is pain. As mentioned earlier, the pain in fibromyalgia is not caused by tissue inflammation. Instead, these patients seem to have an increased sensitivity to many different sensory stimuli and an unusually low pain threshold. Minor sensory stimuli that ordinarily would not cause pain in individuals can cause disabling, sometimes severe pain in patients with fibromyalgia. The body pain of fibromyalgia can be aggravated by noise, weather change, and emotionalstress.

The pain of fibromyalgia is generally widespread, involving both sides of the body. Pain usually affects the neck, buttocks, shoulders, arms, the upper back, and the chest. "Tender points" are localized areas of the body that are tender to light touch. Fibromyalgia tender points, or pressure points, are commonly found around the elbows, shoulders, knees, hips, back of the head, and the sides of the breastbone and are typical signs of fibromyalgia.Fibromyalgia Tender Points Diagram
Fibromyalgia "tender points" are sometimes incorrectly referred to as "trigger points," which is terminology that is used to describe a situation whereby pressing on certain trigger points can initiate a sequence of symptoms. This is not the case with fibromyalgia tender points, which are chronically a focus of pain and tenderness in the particular area involved.

Fatigue occurs in 90% of patients. Fatigue may be related to abnormal sleep patterns commonly observed in these patients. Normally, there are several levels of depth of sleep. Getting enough of the deeper levels of sleep may be more important in refreshing a person than the total number of hours of sleep. Patients with fibromyalgia lack the deep, restorative level of sleep, called "non-rapid eye movement" (non-REM) sleep. Consequently, patients with fibromyalgia often awaken in the morning without feeling fully rested, even though they seem to have had an adequate number of hours of sleep time. Some patients awaken with muscle aches or a sensation of muscle fatigue as if they had been "working out" all night!

Mental and/or emotional disturbances occur in over half of people with fibromyalgia. These symptoms include poor concentration, forgetfulness, and memory problems, as well as mood changes, irritability, depression, andanxiety. Since a firm diagnosis of fibromyalgia is difficult and no confirmatory laboratory tests are available, patients with fibromyalgia are often misdiagnosed as having depression as their primary underlying problem.
Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include migraine and tension headaches, numbness or tingling of different parts of the body, abdominal pain related to irritable bowel syndrome ("spastic colon"), and irritable bladder, causingpainful and frequent urination. Like fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome can cause chronic abdominal pain and other bowel disturbances without detectable inflammation of the stomach or the intestines.

Each patient with fibromyalgia is unique. Any of the above symptoms can occur intermittently and in different combinations.

What Tests Are Used to Diagnose Fibromyalgia?

There are no specific laboratory tests to diagnose fibromyalgia. To make an accurate diagnosis, your doctor will rely on a comprehensive physical exam and your medical history. Fibromyalgia is mostly a diagnosis of exclusion. That means the doctor will rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms.

To rule out more serious illnesses, your doctor may run some specific blood tests. For example, your doctor may ask for a complete blood count (CBC). The doctor may also ask for tests for chemicals, such as glucose, that can create problems similar to problems caused by fibromyalgia. A thyroid test may also be done. An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can cause problems similar to fibromyalgia. That includes fatigue, muscle aches, weakness, and depression.

Other laboratory tests used to rule out serious illnesses may include Lyme titers,antinuclear antibodies (ANA), rheumatoid factor (RF), erythrocyte (red blood cell) sedimentation rate (ESR), prolactin level, calcium level, and vitamin D level.

Your doctor may see if your symptoms satisfy the diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia syndrome outlined by the American College of Rheumatology. These criteria include widespread pain that persists for at least three months. Widespread pain refers to pain that occurs in both the right and left sides of the body, both above and below the waist, and in the chest, neck, and mid or lower back. The criteria also include the presence of tender points at various spots on the body.

The doctor will evaluate the severity of related symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and mood disorders. This will help measure the impact FMS has on your physical and emotional function as well as on your overall health-related quality of life.

Are There Alternative Treatments for Fibromyalgia?

Alternative therapies, although they are not well-tested, can help manage the symptoms of fibromyalgia. For instance, therapeutic massage manipulates the muscles and soft tissues of the body and helps ease deep muscle pain. It also helps relieve pain of tender points, muscles spasms, and tense muscles. Similarly, myofascial release therapy, which works on a broader range of muscles, can gently stretch, soften, lengthen, and realign the connective tissue to ease discomfort.

The American Pain Society recommends moderately intense aerobic exercise at least two or three times a week. They also endorse clinician-assisted treatments, such as hypnosis, acupuncture, therapeutic massage, and chiropractic manipulation for pain relief.

Along with alternative therapies, it's important to allow time each day to rest and relax. Relaxation therapies -- such as deep muscle relaxation or deep breathing exercises -- may help reduce the added stress that can trigger fibromyalgia symptoms. Having a regularly scheduled bedtime is also important. Sleep is essential to let the body repair itself.

Best Foods for stop chronic Pain...



Chronic pain is pain that has lasted for a long time. In medicine, the distinction between acute and chronic pain has traditionally been determined by an arbitrary interval of time since onset; the two most commonly used markers being 3 months and 6 months since onset, though some theorists and researchers have placed the transition from acute to chronic pain at 12 months. Others apply acute to pain that lasts less than 30 days, chronic to pain of more than six months duration, and subacute to pain that lasts from one to six months. A popular alternative definition of chronic pain, involving no arbitrarily fixed durations is "pain that extends beyond the expected period of healing."

No single food can completely stop chronic pain, but a healthful diet is a powerful part of your pain-management strategy. The Mediterranean diet, for example, is rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthful unsaturated fats. These edibles can help build strong bones and muscles, and -- in some cases -- can even fight pain. A wholesome diet also helps prevent pain-aggravating weight gain and boosts your energy levels and mood so you can cope more comfortably.


Whole Grains Fight Pain

Whole grains are rich in fiber, a good-for-you ingredient that curbs appetite and helps you manage your weight. Maintaining a healthy body weight is important to keep chronic pain at bay. Another benefit: Whole grains are a good source of magnesium, a mineral that has been shown in animal studies to fight muscle pain. Enjoy a wide variety of whole grains -- from whole wheat bread to fast-cooking quinoa and bulgur -- to relieve chronic pain.

Salmon for Pain Relief

Enjoying salmon in your diet is a good bet for managing chronic pain. Salmon is rich in pain-relieving omega-3 fatty acids, but it's also a great source of another potential pain fighter: vitamin D. There's a strong link between low levels of the sunshine vitamin and chronic pain, and emerging research suggests supplementing your diet with vitamin D may help ease the discomfort. A 3-ounce serving of salmon has nearly half the RealAge-recommended daily dose of vitamin D: 1,000 international units (IU), or 1,200 IU if you're older than 60.

Olive Oil for Pain

Olive oil is liquid gold when it comes to fighting pain. This elixir is rich in antioxidant polyphenols that help inhibit a common pain-causing mechanism in the body. Plus, olive oil makes a great substitute for butter, which is high in saturated fat. That's great, because too much saturated fat in the diet has been shown to erode bone strength and trigger pain. So enjoy this Mediterranean alternative in your next pasta sauce, salad dressing, or saute. But use it judiciously. Olive oil has 120 calories per tablespoon.

Spicy Pain Fighters

When it comes to spices with potential pain-relieving properties, go for the gold: ginger and turmeric. Ginger contains four substances (gingerols, paradols, shogaols, and zingerone) that have analgesic qualities similar to aspirin or ibuprofen. Turmeric -- a spice used in Indian and Thai curry dishes -- contains curcumin, another ginger-family member that may also help fightt pain. So, next time you're feeling extra achy -- brew a cup of ginger tea or order some Thai takeout for dinner.

Strawberries Beat Aches and Pains

Grab a basket of sweet, juicy strawberries next time they're in season (or use frozen ones anytime). These red treats are chock-full of vitamin C, an antioxidant with powerful properties that relieve pain, according to research. Some studies suggest vitamin C may help people experience less pain after breaking a bone or having orthopedic surgery. Similar research indicates vitamin C may hinder arthritis-inducing cartilage loss and the formation of bone lesions in the joints

Greens Against Pain

Toss a spinach or arugula salad for a jolt of vitamin K -- a nutrient with potential pain-soothing properties, according to some preliminary research. Vitamin K also helps maintain strong bones and healthy joints. In one study, older adults with ample blood levels of K were less likely to develop osteoarthritis, compared to a low-in-K control group. You can get all the K you need from dark leafy greens: a cup of raw spinach has 145 micrograms (132% of what you need for the day). Caution: Vitamin K also helps with blood clotting, so if you're taking blood thinners, check with your doc before boosting your K intake.

Dairy and Pain

Can yogurt and other dairy foods relieve chronic pain? Not directly, but they do contain two bone-building nutrients: calcium and vitamin D. Not only does vitamin D do more than build bone strength, it may also play a role in reducing chronic pain, according to some study findings. So, load your grocery cart with yummy, creamy (but low-fat) dairy foods fortified with the sunshine vitamin. Can't stomach dairy foods due to lactose intolerance? Reach for calcium- and vitamin D-fortified orange juice or soymilk.

Wine and Pain

Can a nice glass of Bordeaux help soothe achy joints and muscles? It may help. The resveratrol in wine, grapes, and grape juice may have an analgesic effect similar to aspirin, according to a handful of animal studies. But if you add resveratrol to your list of nutrients that offer pain relief, just watch how much of it you get from red wine. Experts recommend no more than one daily glass of wine for women. Men can get away with one more. And don't forget: You can dose yourself with resveratrol equally well by eating red grapes or sipping grape juice.










7 Superfoods to Boost Energy Levels...


7 Superfoods to Boost Energy Levels :


Salmon: Improve Alertness


Why it's so special: This fish contains high levels of omega 3 fatty acids, linked to decreased rates of heart disease. 
How it helps energize you: Salmon is a good source of protein, which can help improve your alertness and performance. "It's also been linked to an improvement in overall brain health," says Dr. Mehmet Oz, bestselling author and host of the syndicated "Dr. Oz Show."


Almonds: Help Curb Cravings


Why it's so special: These nuts are packed with fiber, protein and healthy fat to fill you up and curb cravings. "In addition, the vitamin E in almonds is good for your skin and appears to guard against sun damage," says Lucy Danziger, editor-in-chief of Self magazine and author of The Drop 10 Diet: Add to Your Plate to Lose the Weight (Ballantine Books, 2012). "Bonus: New research has linked almonds not only to improved heart health but a lower risk of certain cancers, such as breast and lung." 
How it helps energize you: Almonds prevent spikes in blood sugar and insulin, which means fewer highs and lows while you're working.


Green Tea: Healthy Coffee Alternative


Why it's so special: Green tea is loaded with antioxidants and catechins, compounds that may help reduce the risk of heart disease. 
How it helps energize you: A smart choice for a midafternoon pick-me-up, "these same catechins are also believed to help enhance your mood," says Dr. Andrew Weil, founder of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center.

Avocado: Improve Your Concentration


Why it's so special: Beneficial for their good fat, avocadoes contain plenty of potassium. "Avocadoes also contain a monounsaturated fat called oleic acid, which can help to lower cholesterol," Oz says. "In addition, avocadoes boost the appearance of hair and skin." 
How it helps energize you: The dual fiber and fat in this summertime favorite help keep insulin levels steady, making concentration easier.


Veggies: Avoid a Blood Sugar Crash


Why it's so special: These veggies, including cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, watercress and kale, are nutrition powerhouses. "They all contain a variety of compounds, including indoles and isothiocyanates, which may offer protection against a number of chronic diseases, including cancer," Weil says. 
How it helps energize you: The fiber in these crunchy vegetables helps stabilize blood sugar and insulin, preventing energy levels from rising rapidly only to crash down.

Dark Chocolate: Lower Stress


Why it's so special: The flavonoids in dark chocolate help keep blood vessels healthy and reduce inflammation. In addition, the fat in dark chocolate won't adversely affect your cholesterol levels. 

How it helps energize you: Eating dark chocolate may lower cortisol, a stress hormone associated with increased appetite and weight gain. "Dark chocolate (aim to eat the type that contains 70 percent or more cacao) may help improve blood flow to the brain and cognitive performance," Danziger says.

Berries: Keep You Focused


Why it's so special: Dark berries, including blueberries, raspberries and blackberries, are packed with antioxidants. "They also contain other health-promoting phytonutrients, including anthocyanins, a compound that may help to lower blood pressure," Weil says. 

How it helps energize you: Packed with fiber, berries can keep you focused by controlling your blood sugar levels and helping you avoid a dip in energy.













Bipolar Disorder... Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment of Manic Depression





Bipolar disorder, also called manic depression, is a mental illness that is characterized by severe mood swings, repeated episodes of depression, and at least one episode of mania. Bipolar disorder is one kind of mood disorder that afflicts more than 1% of adults in the United States, up to as many as 4 million people. Here are some additional statistics about bipolar disorder: 

  • Bipolar disorder is the fifth leading cause of disability worldwide. 
  • Bipolar disorder is the ninth leading cause of years lost to death or disability worldwide. 
  • The number of individuals with bipolar disorder who commit suicide is 60 times higher than that of the general population. 
  • People who have bipolar disorder are at a higher risk of also suffering from substance abuse and other mental health problems. 
  • Males may develop bipolar disorder earlier in life compared to females. 
  • Blacks are sometimes diagnosed more often with bipolar disorder compared to whites.

Signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder


Bipolar disorder can look very different in different people. The symptoms vary widely in their pattern, severity, and frequency. Some people are more prone to either mania or depression, while others alternate equally between the two types of episodes. Some have frequent mood disruptions, while others experience only a few over a lifetime. 

There are four types of mood episodes in bipolar disorder:mania, hypomania, depression, and mixed episodes. Each type of bipolar disorder mood episode has a unique set of symptoms






Signs and symptoms of mania 

In the manic phase of bipolar disorder, feelings of heightened energy, creativity, and euphoria are common. People experiencing a manic episode often talk a mile a minute, sleep very little, and are hyperactive. They may also feel like they’re all-powerful, invincible, or destined for greatness. 

But while mania feels good at first, it has a tendency to spiral out of control. People often behave recklessly during a manic episode: gambling away savings, engaging in inappropriate sexual activity, or making foolish business investments, for example. They may also become angry, irritable, and aggressive–picking fights, lashing out when others don’t go along with their plans, and blaming anyone who criticizes their behavior. Some people even become delusional or start hearing voices. 

Hypomania symptoms 


Hypomania is a less severe form of mania. People in a hypomanic state feel euphoric, energetic, and productive, but they are able to carry on with their day-to-day lives and they never lose touch with reality. To others, it may seem as if people with hypomania are merely in an unusually good mood. However, hypomania can result in bad decisions that harm relationships, careers, and reputations. In addition, hypomania often escalates to full-blown mania or is followed by a major depressive episode. 

Common signs and symptoms of mania include: 
  • Feeling unusually “high” and optimistic OR extremely irritable 
  • Unrealistic, grandiose beliefs about one’s abilities or powers 
  • Sleeping very little, but feeling extremely energetic 
  • Talking so rapidly that others can’t keep up 
  • Racing thoughts; jumping quickly from one idea to the next 
  • Highly distractible, unable to concentrate 
  • Impaired judgment and impulsiveness 
  • Acting recklessly without thinking about the consequences 
  • Delusions and hallucinations (in severe cases) 


Signs and symptoms of bipolar depression 


In the past, bipolar depression was lumped in with regular depression. But a growing body of research suggests that there are significant differences between the two, especially when it comes to recommended treatments. Most people with bipolar depression are not helped by antidepressants. In fact, there is a risk that antidepressants can make bipolar disorder worse–triggering mania or hypomania, causing rapid cycling between mood states, or interfering with other mood stabilizing drugs. 

Despite many similarities, certain symptoms are more common in bipolar depression than in regular depression. For example, bipolar depression is more likely to involve irritability, guilt, unpredictable mood swings, and feelings of restlessness. People with bipolar depression also tend to move and speak slowly, sleep a lot, and gain weight. In addition, they are more likely to develop psychotic depression–a condition in which they’ve lost contact with reality–and to experience major disability in work and social functioning. 

Common symptoms of bipolar depression include: 


Feeling hopeless, sad, or empty. 
Irritability 
Inability to experience pleasure 
Fatigue or loss of energy 
Physical and mental sluggishness 
Appetite or weight changes 
Sleep problems 
Concentration and memory problems 
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt 
Thoughts of death or suicide

Signs and symptoms of a mixed episode

A mixed episode of bipolar disorder features symptoms of both mania or hypomania and depression. Common signs of a mixed episode include depression combined with agitation, irritability, anxiety, insomnia, distractibility, and racing thoughts. This combination of high energy and low mood makes for a particularly high risk of suicide.

Bipolar disorder treatment

If you're still living with symptoms of bipolar disorder, you should know that many people with the condition are able to manage their symptoms. Feeling better often involves a combination of education, medication, and therapy, including psychotherapy, or "talk therapy." There are
a number of different medications, including SEROQUEL XR, that have been shown to be effective in people with bipolar disorder.

Some of the goals of bipolar disorder treatment

  • Reduce symptoms of depressive episodes
  • Reduce symptoms of manic episodes
  • Reduce the likelihood of future episodes/relapse
  • Reduce the severity of the disease
  • Provide assistance and support to patients and family

Bipolar disorder medication

Many types of medications are used to treat bipolar disorder. One medication approved to treat bipolar disorder is SEROQUEL XR. Learn more about SEROQUEL XR.
Your doctor can tell you what kind of improvements and potential side effects you may expect with SEROQUEL XR. It may take some time before you start to feel better, but by finding a treatment that works for you, and taking it as prescribed, you can work toward getting back to the things you once enjoyed.
Your health care professional will depend on you to let him or her know exactly how you are feeling, so your treatment can be adjusted, if needed. Use these questions to ask your doctor to help prepare for your next appointment.

Psychotherapy (talk therapy) for bipolar disorder

Psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) can make it easier for patients and families to better cope with disturbing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors associated with bipolar disorder. Talk therapy focuses on several important aspects of bipolar disorder management, including:
  • Recognition of and treatment for recurrent mood episodes
  • Management of stress, interpersonal/family issues, and regularity of daily activities
  • Development of problem-solving skills

Psychotherapy can be used in combination with medication and other treatment approaches.

Self-help for bipolar disorder

While dealing with bipolar disorder isn’t always easy, it doesn’t have to run your life. But in order to successfully manage bipolar disorder, you have to make smart choices. Your lifestyle and daily habits have a significant impact on your moods. Read on for ways to help yourself:
  • Get educated. Learn as much as you can about bipolar disorder. The more you know, the better you’ll be at assisting your own recovery.
  • Keep stress in check. Avoid high-stress situations, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and try relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.
  • Seek support. It’s important to have people you can turn to for help and encouragement. Try joining a support group or talking to a trusted friend.
  • Make healthy choices. Healthy sleeping, eating, and exercising habits can help stabilize your moods. Keeping a regular sleep schedule is particularly important.
  • Monitor your moods. Keep track of your symptoms and watch for signs that your moods are swinging out of control so you can stop the problem before it starts.
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