The literal translation of the word, fibromyalgia, is pain in the muscles, ligaments and tendons. But fibromyalgia is much more than pain and presents with many other symptoms that vary from person to person. The disorder is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues.

Symptoms:

You may have symptoms of crippling fatigue - even on arising. Specific tender points on the body may be painful to touch. You may experience disturbances in deep-level or restful sleep, and mood disturbances or depression. Your muscles may feel like they have been overworked or pulled. They'll feel that way even without exercise or another cause. Sometimes, your muscles twitch, burn or have deep stabbing pain.

Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals. Symptoms sometimes begin after a physical trauma, surgery, infection or significant psychological stress. In other cases, symptoms gradually accumulate over time with no single triggering event.

Possible Causes:

There are several theories about the causes of fibromyalgia, from hormonal disturbances to stress to genetics. While there is no clear consensus about what causes fibromyalgia, most researchers believe fibromyalgia results not from a single event but from a combination of many physical and emotional stressors. Stress, sleep disorders (such as insomnia), depression (low serotonin) and genetics have all been linked to fibromyalgia.

Risk Factors:

While researchers have identified some common risk factors for fibromyalgia, there are still many people with the disease who have none of these traits. Also, some women have fibromyalgia with certain diseases, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or other autoimmune diseases. But others have fibromyalgia without any underlying disease.

Possible risk factors for fibromyalgia include:

• gender (usually female)
• genetic disposition (may be inherited)
• menopause (loss of estrogen)
• poor physical conditioning
• surgery
• trauma to the brain or spinal cord (after an injury, accident, illness, or emotional stress)

If you’re experiencing the symptoms mentioned earlier, and/or match the possible risk factors, then consult your healthcare professional immediately for consultation on your next course of action. Ask them how BioMed’s prescription topical compounds can help you manage your possible case of fibromyalgia. Here’s an example of a commonly prescribed formula:

BioMed’s Recommended Formulation:

For more information:

1 - Mayo Clinic article on Fibromyalgia:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibromyalgia/basics/definition/con-20019243

2 - WebMD.com article, What Is Fibromyalgia?:
http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/guide/what-is-fibromyalgia

3 - National Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association, What Is Fibromyalgia?:
http://www.fmcpaware.org/aboutfibromyalgia.html

4 - National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases page on Fibromyalgia:
http://www.niams.nih.gov/health_info/fibromyalgia/