What is Fibromyalgia?
If you suffer from fibromyalgia, you aren’t alone. This chronic condition affects millions of Americans, causing widespread pain throughout the body.
It’s also important to know that there are ways to manage your pain and symptoms. There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but more and more is being learned about the condition every day.
Many call fibromyalgia a condition of ‘chronic and overlapping symptoms’. Fibromyalgia comprises several symptoms, although it’s most commonly associated with pain. It impacts the way the brain and spinal cord process pain, leading to an increased sensitivity to pain.
Fibromyalgia affects people in varying ways. It commonly impacts people’s mental health, sometimes leading to anxiety or depression. It can also affect their cognitive function, leading to memory and concentration issues, along with fatigue and trouble sleeping.
Fibromyalgia symptoms usually come and go, so it’s important to know what can trigger them. Sometimes, there is no trigger. However, just understanding that this is a chronic condition that will come and go will allow for better management. These symptoms often occur after a traumatic or emotional life event, infections or illness, fluctuating sleep patterns, poor diet, or physical trauma and stress. That said, because it is known to be chronic and to follow a pattern of wave-like intensity, it is difficult to apply causation to triggers. Work is ongoing in this area.
If you know you have fibromyalgia, or fibromyalgia runs in your family, you may want to keep an eye on potential symptoms that occur at the time of a triggering event.
NATURAL WAYS TO REDUCE FIBROMYALGIA SYMPTOMS
If you have, or believe you may have fibromyalgia, you’ll want to discuss a treatment plan with your physician. Most drugs lack full efficacy for this condition and many people end up with polypharmacy. You may want to consider natural methods of symptom management as part of this plan. This can include a combination of strategies.
Here are just a few:
- Remain active by incorporating aerobic and strength training exercises into your routine.
- Manage your stress levels with mindfulness, yoga, or meditation.
- Have good sleep hygiene to maintain a healthy circadian rhythm.
- Treat mood disorders through therapy, in either individual or group settings.
Over-the-counter pain relievers like NSAIDs are a common way people manage fibromyalgia pain. However, the side effects of these NSAIDs can be harsh.
Relieve Pain
Like NSAIDs, Tart Cherry Extract targets Cox-2 enzymes along the inflammatory pathway to reduce inflammation and pain. Tart Cherries are also packed with antioxidants that can neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress levels. Reducing oxidative stress can improve brain fog and energy levels.
Boost Energy
Another Well Theory supplement that is formulated to help reduce brain fog and improve energy levels is our Brain Booster: Energy. Some ingredients in this supplement include:
- ALCAR for mental clarity
- Chaga Mushroom for brain health and neuron protection
- Cordyceps Mushroom for brain efficiency and cognitive function
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Meredith Warner is the creator of Well Theory and The Healing Sole. She is a board-certified Orthopedic Surgeon and Air Force Veteran.
She is on a mission to disrupt traditional medicine practices and promote betterment physically, spiritually and mentally to many more people. She advocates for wellness and functional health over big pharma so more people can age vibrantly with more function and less pain.
At Well Theory, Our surgeon-designed products are FDA Registered and formulated to help people:
- Manage the symptoms of musculoskeletal pain
- Recover vibrantly from orthopedic related surgeries
- Fill the gaps in our daily diets
- Manage pain associated with inflammation