Friday, November 16, 2007

Understanding and Living With Fibromyalgia

Understanding and Living With Fibromyalgia
By David Slade


Do you hurt all over? Are you extremely fatigued? These are some of the signs of Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). The diagnosis is based on the finding of tender points in specific locations, by the physician.

Fibromyalgia is not well understood by the medical community. It is known, though, that certain people are more at risk of developing fibromyalgia than others. The symptoms of fibromyalgia can include everything from widespread pain to fatigue; menstrual pain to sleep disturbances. Because of the variety of these symptoms, there are a number of associated conditions linked to fibromyalgia.

Since most of FMS symptoms may occur in other conditions, Dr. Carla Ockley, says: "FMS is not always the first thing looked for when a patient walks through the door with pain in his joints."

Since there is no cure, treatment is aimed at the two major symptoms, which are pain and a lack of sleep. Well, then, can help be found if you think you have FMS? In her book When Muscle Pain Won't Go Away, Gayle Backstrom suggests contacting the Arthritis Foundation or a rheumatologist.

Sometimes conventional medicine is just not enough to provide you with the relief from fibromyalgia that you need. Fibromyalgia treatment often includes various types of alternative therapy many of which have been proven to be very effective. To be able to help someone cope with FMS, I feel that we first need to gain knowledge of this disease. Then we can show empathy and understanding with those who are suffering.

Written by David Slade author of Mandarin English XL at http://www.luomapinyin.com

Top Tips To Treat Abdominal Pain

Top Tips To Treat Abdominal Pain
By Raymond Geok Seng Lee


Abdominal pain can be a sign of a serious condition. Fortunately, minor causes for abdominal pain are much more frequent than major ones. Abdominal pain can come from the esophagus, the stomach, the bowel, the female organs, the rectum, the gallbladder, r from other organs. Appendix pain usually occurs in the right lower quarter, kidney pain involves the back. The gallbladder involves the right upper quarter, the stomach the upper abdomen, and the bladder, colon, or female organs the lower areas. Exceptions to these rules do occur. Pain from hollow organs such as bowel or gallbladder tends to be intermittent and to resemble gas pains or colic. Pain from solid organs such as kidneys, spleen, or liver tends to be more constant. There are exceptions to these rules also.

In seniors, the colon is more frequently a source of pain than earlier in life. Colon out-pouchings, called diverticula, can become inflamed just like the appendix and cause "diverticulitis." Minor obstruction of the colon is not uncommon. If pain is very severe or bleeding from the bowel occurs, you need to see a physician immediately. Pain localized to one area is more suggestive of a serious problem than generalized pain, although again there are many exceptions to this rule. Gas pains and minor viral infections usually respond to home treatment.

If the pain eventually proves to be due to a serious problem, and the stomach should be empty to allow the prompt surgery or diagnostic tests. Anticipate this possibility. Sips of water or other clear fluids may be taken, but avoid solid foods. A bowel movement, passage of gas through the rectum, or a good belch may give relief - don't hold back. If you have not had a bowel movement for several days, an enema can sometimes give relief. Be gentle. A warm bath helps some of you. The key is periodic reevaluation. Any persistent pain should be evaluated at the emergency room or the physician's office. This treatment should be reserved for mild pains that resolve within 24 hours or are clearly identifiable as viral gastroenteritis, gas pains, heartburn, or another minor problem.

Raymond Lee Geok Seng is one of the foremost experts in the health and fitness industry and is a writer specializing in body health, muscle development and dieting. He has spent countless of time and efforts conducting research and share his insightful and powerful secrets to benefit men and women all over the world. He is currently the author of the latest edition of "Neck Exercises and Workouts." Visit http://www.bodyfixes.com for more information.