Fibromyalgia also known as fibromositis, fibrositis or myofasical pain syndrome, is a common rheumatic syndrome indicating widespread pain in fibrous tissues, muscles, tendons, and other connective tissues, resulting in painful muscles without weakness. It includes serious fatigue as well as chronic muscle pain and specific point tenderness, usually in association with sleep problems, fatigue, stiffness, headaches, facial pain, abdominal discomfort, irritable bladder, numbness or tingling, and problems thinking. Most patients with fibromyalgia say that they ache all over. Their muscles may feel like they have been pulled or overworked. Sometimes the muscles twitch and at other times they burn. Fibromyalgia is sometimes categorized as primary or secondary; primary fibromyalgia is the more common form. The cause or causes of primary fibromyalgia are not known; this condition is also sometimes referred to as Idiopathic Fibromyalgia. 7 to 10 million Americans suffer from FMS (Fibromyalgia Syndrome). It affects women much more than men. It is seen in all age groups from young children through old age, although in most patients the problems begin during their 20s or 30s, but may not be diagnosed until later.

• Fatigue
• Pain
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Constipation, diarrhea, frequent abdominal pain, abdominal gas and nausea
• Chronic headaches
• Sleep Disturbances
• Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome - Sensitivities to odors, noise, bright lights, medications and various foods
• Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome- Chronic facial pain and aching

There is no proven method of prevention for this disorder. However, it would be advisable to maintain a physically active lifestyle, have a good diet with a minimum of processed foods, reduce stress levels, and avoid harmful things in the environment (pull the plug on the waterbed or electric blanket.) It would help to have all the affected family members tested extensively for thyroid, adrenal, autoimmune or other types of disease, which can cause symptoms of FMS.

Many experts believe that fibromyalgia is not a disease but rather a dysfunctional disorder. The causes of the primary form of the condition are attributed to a constellation of biological responses to stress in individuals who are more susceptible to such stress because of negative personal histories or genetic factors. It has also been suggested that disturbed sleeping patterns may be the original precipitating factor for many cases of fibromyalgia pain. Disturbed sleep appears to trigger factors in the immune system that cause inflammation and pain. One study indicated that the incidence of sexual and physical abuse is higher in female patients with fibromyalgia than in the general population. This could indicate that post-traumatic stress syndrome may play a role in the development of this disorder in some patients. Studies of hormonal, metabolic, and brain chemical activity in fibromyalgia patients have shown a number of abnormalities. Brain scans of fibromyalgia patients have revealed reduced blood flow to certain regions of the brain related to pain sensation. Secondary fibromyalgia is caused by specific disorders, including injury, ankylosing spondylitis, or surgery. The symptoms are identical to those of primary fibromyalgia but are harder to treat. In one study, secondary fibromyalgia developed in over 20% of patients who had neck injuries.

The diagnosis is usually based on talking to your health care provider and having an examination done. There are 18 points (9 on each side of the body) that are tender to touch. Most of these are around the neck and shoulders. Someone who has seen people with fibromyalgia usually has no problem finding these tender points. The rest of the examination is usually normal unless other medical conditions are also present unrelated to fibromyalgia. Your health care provider will usually check a series of blood tests to look for other possible conditions that might mimic fibromyalgia. Low thyroid hormone causes fatigue, cold intolerance, muscle aches and pain, and weight gain. Anemia also may lead to fatigue, and exercise intolerance. People with abnormally high or low levels of calcium in their blood may also have similar symptoms.

• Take plenty of fluids, especially freshly squeezed vegetables e.g. carrot and fruit juices.
• Green leafy vegetables, kelp and chlorophyll supplements should also be included in the daily diet.
• Concentrate on raw food because of their high enzyme concentration.
• Eat high-fiber foods or take a fiber supplement to keep the bowel functioning well.
• Avoid red meat, fatty food, tomatoes, vinegar, potatoes, green pepper and eggplant.
• Keep away from food high in saturated fats like shellfish.
• Reduce sugar consumption and stop taking caffeine and alcohol.
• Make sure that you are not allergic to gluten or other foods.

• Regular low-impact exercises for e.g. walking, aerobics, and swimming are very important. They strengthen muscle tone, discourage the spasms that create aches and promote better sleep.
• Yoga is also recommended because of its pain-relieving results. Yoga can promote overall relaxation and promotes better sleep.
• Professional massage, physical therapy and electric muscle stimulation are all ways to relax muscles.
• For working individuals, office chairs should have proper back support.
• Take vacations to release tension and stress.

Massaging the effected areas well and frequently is very helpful. Massage therapy plays a vital role to relax the body and the mind.

Complete Tissue & Bone contains skullcap and blackwalnut. Skullcap is the herb that shows its favorable effects during sleep disturbances and thus provides ease during symptoms of fibromyalgia. ^1,2,3,4 Black walnut also provides beneficial effects in condition of fibromyalgia. ^1,5 Wintergreen is another herbal supplement acts beneficially on body in condition of fibromyalgia because it provides support to defense mechanism of body. ^2,6,7 Taurine an amino acid is also beneficial effect on muscle strength. ^2,8

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease.