The condition recognized as fibromyalgia, has a 200-year-old medical history. It was first called muscular rheumatism, then fibrocitis. In 1990, the American College of Rheumatology defined criteria for classifying people as having, or not having fibromyalgia. These criteria include a carefully defined combination of:

3 month history of wide spread pain

pain on both sides of the body

pain above and below the waist

pain along the spine or chest

pain with pushing on 11 of 18 specifically defined tender points Even with this definition, not all doctors agree as to what fibromyalgia is, or even how it should be treated. Many doctors think that fibromyalgia is a primary disease of muscle tissue. Newer theories discuss involvement of the nervous system and immune system. In addition, there is evidence for a hereditary component.

Despite the controversies, successful fibromyalgia treatment has several important and consistent aspects.

First, since the syndrome has several components, the best success comes with holistic treatment. The body needs to heal itself, and treatment that allows for this is more likely to be successful.

Second, most of the pain is myofascial pain, and it usually responds to treatment. Trigger points contribute to the neurologic changes that occur that cause numbness, tingling, and burning pain. They also contribute to the achy pain throughout the body. Fibromyalgia relief from pain involves treating this myofascial component.

Third, nutrition is perhaps the most important factor in determining success of treatment. Good food promotes healing, and poor choices promote further deterioration of the body.

Lastly, sleep is required for the body to be able to restore and heal.

When these factors are taken into consideration, fibromyalgia treatment can be more successful and medications also work better. Fibromyalgia relief is possible, and may take a long time if your body is more fragile.

Is there hope?

Of course there is hope.

Research is helping doctors to understand more about body mechanisms involved in causing the symptoms of fibromyalgia. New medications are being developed as a result of this research that will continue to improve the quality of life for the many people who suffer from this condition.

Individualized holistic treatment has been shown to be effective for the majority of fibromyalgia sufferers. Myofascial medicine has much to offer the person who has fibromyalgia. Healing Touch, Thought Field Therapy, Photon Therapy, and Massage Therapy can all be helpful. We offer people an opportunity for education and direction for getting better.

You are not alone.

There are many people with fibromyalgia, and there are support groups in every part of the country. Dr. Blatman and his staff give educational talks for some of these programs. Dr. Blatman is the medical advisor to the Fibromyalgia Support Group that meets at Mercy South Hospital in Fairfield, Ohio