A past post from Donna that spotlights the daily/random struggles of living with Fibromyalgia with wit and humor! đ đ
99 Problems and #Fibromyalgia Is All Of Them
Chronic Life
Fibromyalgia & Pain Management
Fibromyalgia discomfort is a very common ailment that affects millions of people on planet each year. It is generally known as a wide spread fatigue, muscular pain, and multiple tender points. Even though this pain is very common, Fibromyalgia syndrome is usually misunderstood and under diagnosed ailment in health market. Medical professionals and research workers are still working hard to know about the actual causes of the disorder, identify and deal with its signs or symptoms.
On the other hand, it does not mean that people affected by this health disorder are hopeless of a life with ongoing and unending exhaustion and regular pain. You will find a number of effective natural ways for fighting Fibromyalgia and get back to your natural life.
1. Talk to Your Doctor
You always need regular visits to a highly qualified professional and skilled medical doctor with the years of experience in the field of Fibromyalgia to get a new and effective fitness or health plan every month.
A highly skilled medical professional with the years of experience in the field is the best person to recommend you the best exercises for fighting Fibromyalgia effectively.
He will also be able to tell you the most efficient every day diet plan that will help you to fight this disorder effectively. A good mixture of healthy diet and every day workouts is the most ideal way to fight this disorder successfully.
2. Keep Moving
Regular daily workouts and effective physical exercises play a very important role to regulate the growth hormone that can help you to maintain powerful muscles, soft tissue health which will result in a healthy and deep sleep at night.
In most cases, people who have difficulties with this disorder often get in touch with this pain by reducing their daily movement which causes pain in their joint body parts and muscular tissues.
Reducing your everyday movements and workouts can invite stiffness and pain in the body and increase the possibilities for injuries that can cause more pain. Daily workouts and efficient exercises is a key element in fighting this pain. These workouts will also help you to reduce a great amount of
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Sleeping disorders
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Imbalanced blood circulation
So, always make sure to take exercises regularly to deal with this health condition effectively.
3. Make Sure You Remember to Stretch
Never ever forget to stretch. Mild stretching workouts will help you to improve the stiffness of ligaments and muscular tissues.
These stretching exercises also help you to improve the range of motions. Always make sure you are including stretching workouts at the beginning and end of each exercising session.
4. Choose Exercises That You Enjoy
Make your daily workouts and physical exercises a fun thing. Your exercises should not be uninteresting, boring or painful in order to be effective.
Include things that you enjoy to make your exercising session interesting and fun. This can amazingly help you to reduce a great amount of depression and stress effectively.
5. Set Your Goals and Targets
Setting the goals and targets in an effort to fight this syndrome effectively is the finest way to get success. Set your goals and targets and stay positive during the process of fighting the disorder.
A great mind with a great attitude can deal with this health condition effectively. Always make sure you are listening to the voice of your body and do not take heavy exercises that cause further pain in your muscles or joint body parts.
6. Determination
Determined people are successful in this world. No matter what you do in your life, your determination always plays a big role in reaching your target. One of the best tips for fighting Fibromyalgia is how you take the job, seriously or lightly.
Your determination plays a key role in dealing with this disorder effectively. Always be positive and determined in an effort to treat your condition in an appropriate way.
7. Always Sleep on Time
Sleeping on time should be your top priority. As a matter of fact, all those men and women who have difficulties with this condition often report sleeping disorders like feelings of overwhelming exhaustion.
This health condition may disturb the daily sleeping routines and leave its sufferers in more fatigue and anxiety in the morning hours than before going to bed at night time. A healthy and timely sleeping is really an important and essential factor to treat this disorder effectively.
8. Set a Schedule
It is really important for you to set a good schedule of every day diet plan, healthy foods, good exercises and most importantly, timely sleeping. Set your exercising schedule for at least 30-45 minutes a day because it is really important for you take these exercises regularly to deal with this health syndrome.
As mentioned earlier, healthy and balanced diet is also an important factor that must not be ignored. Set a schedule for your daily healthy meals to live healthy. Sleeping at night is vital. Set a schedule of at least 8 hours of timely sleeping. You can write all these notes in your diary or use your Smartphone to set your schedule with alarm.
9. Reduce Stress
Stress is an emotional feeling. However, it can harm your body in a very bad manner and leave you in a miserable health condition. It can introduce tension and anxiety in different body parts including muscular tissues, increases a great amount of discomfort in joint body parts, upset your digestive system, and disrupts sleeping routines.
All those people who suffer Fibromyalgia report that they feel huge amount of stress without adding an extra burden with the body. In an effort to heal your body from this disorder, you will need to reduce the stress by any means to live like a normal human.
10 . Deep Breath
Stress management techniques like deep breath, meditation, yoga, and tai chi are great ways to calm the body and reduce stress.
Tips for fightingmFibromyalgia pain are really easy to follow. You just need determination, optimistic approach and dedication to treat the disorder effectively
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Fibromyalgia & the Burning Sensation
Itâs the fibromyalgia burning sensation: Do you ever feel like your bones are on fire? What about the top of your leg or your back, maybe even under the skin? Some fibromyalgia patients feel like lava is being pumped through their veins rather than blood. You might even have that burning sensation in your brain, which is interesting in itself since the brain has no pain receptors. Still others feel like their stomach, tendons, or ligaments are burning right inside their body. For many with fibromyalgia, the searing pain is so severe that they cry and scream in pain. And if that wasnât enough, thereâs nothing to show for it! For example, when my skin feels like itâs on fire, itâs not even red. Does that happen to you? Does it make you angry? I mean, if Iâm going to suffer I would really like a bruise, a mark, rednessâŚ. something as some sort of evidence at the very least. Because we all know that itâs really hard to get people to believe that something is wrong when they canât see a single problem on your body.
What in the World is Going On?
According to medical experts, âResearch suggests that the pain associated with fibromyalgia is caused by a âglitchâ in the way the body processes pain. This glitch results in a hypersensitivity to stimuli that normally are not painful. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), research has shown that people with fibromyalgia have reduced blood flow to parts of the brain that normally help the body deal with pain.â
The American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Association puts it perfectly: âFibromyalgia pain has no boundaries.â They add at the âbody-wide symptoms are greatly magnified by malfunctions in the way the nervous system processes pain.â This coincides with the previously mentioned research regarding a âglitchâ in the system, so in this context it makes sense the body will sometimes register stimuli as a burning feeling.
The burning that fibromyalgia patients often experience is sometimes associated with allodynia, which is a painful sensation caused by touch and frequently associated with migraine headaches. However, many fibro patients do not have to experience being touched in order to feel the burn that seems to come from within and sometimes on the surface. So while allodynia may be the situation for some with fibromyalgia, it does not explain the burning sensation across the board. To be fair, however, there seems to be almost nothing that explains any fibromyalgia symptom across the board. Thus, the great mystery surrounding this strange affliction.
Can Anything Be Done About It?
Here are some examples of what fellow patients say works for them to ease the fibromyalgia  burning sensation:
- Massage therapy â A typical feature of fibromyalgia is the inability to relax the muscles. Often our muscles are tense and we donât even know it. This leads to a build-up of lactic acid which can also be a cause of the burning sensation, especially in the muscles. A highly skilled massage therapist (you may even consider a medical massage therapist) who understands fibromyalgia can work with you weekly or bi-weekly to release the acid. For some patients this reduces and even removes the burning sensation entirely.
- Cortisone shots â Administered by a healthcare practitioner, this is a temporary relief and does not apply to all situations of burning sensations.
- Gabapentin â Prescription medication used to treat pain caused by shingles.
- Heat therapy â It sounds counter-intuitive but fibro patients experiencing a burning sensation often report that heat therapy options such as hot tubs and electric blankets provide a great deal of relief.
- Supplements â Although the exact cause of the burning feeling is unknown, some patients appear to be nutritionally deficient, which can be a leading cause of many fibromyalgia symptoms. Look for a high-quality (preferably whole foods) vitamin in addition to a high dosage of Vitamin D and a steady dose of magnesium (due to our commercial agricultural practices, almost everyone in North America is magnesium deficient which causes a litany of symptoms both related and unrelated to fibromyalgia.)
- Lidocaine patches â These actually fall into the category of local anesthetics. Even though there are versions of them available over-the-counter, for our purposes of relieving the burning sensations, youâll want to get a prescription from your doctor. In fact, they are often used to relieve nerve pain after shingles.
- Antihistamines â Benadryl and Zyrtec have been reported as effective for relieving the burning pain in fibromyalgia patients.
- Decreasing stress â Youâve heard it a thousand times because itâs true. Finding ways to relieve stress and cope with stressors can do wonders for many fibromyalgia symptoms, including the strange burning.
Whatever the source of the fibromyalgia burning sensation, it sucks. Have you found anything that relieves it for you? Tell us. In fact, tell us the things youâve tried that havenât worked too. Because something will always work for someone and anything we can do to help each other is more than welcome!
The preceding article is from RedOrbit.com and posted here for sharing purposes only. No copyright infringement is intended.
Fibromyalgia & Effective Medications
Fibromyalgia is an incredibly difficult condition to treat. Most people with fibromyalgia go through a great ordeal trying to get both diagnosis and treatment. Finding the right medication can be a challenge as well because there are so many possible options. Hereâs a list of some of the most commonly prescribed medications for fibromyalgia and which are most often effective.
FIBROMYALGIA MEDICATION LIST
LYRICA
Lyrica is the brand name of the drug pregabalin. It was the first drug ever approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treating fibromyalgia. Lyrica works by blocking calcium channels in the body. This means it is also sometimes useful in treating epilepsy. When Lyrica is effective in treating fibromyalgia, it reduces pain, alleviates anxiety, and can make you feel calm and relaxed.
However, like most medications, it also has potential negative side effects. The most common side effects of Lyrica include the following:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Increased hunger and weight gain
- Confusion
- Vision changes
As the first medication specifically approved for treating fibromyalgia, this is often the first treatment that may be prescribed for you.
SAVELLA
Savella is the brand name of the drug milnacipran. It is an FDA-approved fibromyalgia medication. Savella is in the class of drugs called selective serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, or SNRI. This class of medication is often prescribed as an antidepressant, but that does not imply that fibromyalgia and depression have similar causes. When Savella is working well to treat fibromyalgia, it reduces body aches and pain and decreases muscle tension.
The potential negative side effects of Savella include the following:
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Increased sweating
- Higher blood pressure
Many of these side effects will go away or decrease after a few weeks as your body gets adjusted to the medication.
CYMBALTAÂ Â
Cymbalta is the brand name of the drug duloxetine. It is also approved for treating fibromyalgia and is in the SNRI class of medications. It is supposed to be very effective in reducing nerve pain and overall physical body aches. As an antidepressant, it may also provide a boost to your mood and improve depression which is common in fibromyalgia.
Negative side effects of Cymbalta can include the following:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Decreased libido
- Increased sweating
These side effects may go away or become less as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, for both Cymbalta and Savella, like other SNRI medications, itâs very important to take the drug at approximately the same time every day. These medications can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, such as âbrain zaps,â even an hour or two after a missed dose.
NEURONTIN
Neurontin, the brand name of the drug gabapentin, is often prescribed for fibromyalgia. However, this particular usage of the medication is not FDA-approved and is therefore considered âoff label.â Neurontin is actually in the anticonvulsant class of drugs more commonly prescribed for treating epilepsy.
Neurontin is being subject to restricted access in some states, as it has come under scrutiny because of the possibility of dependence. If it is still accessible in your state, expect that your doctor may use closer monitoring if prescribing the drug. Neurontin can cause lightheaded feelings or even a mild âhighâ feeling. However, it is known to reduce neuropathic pain and physical body aches.
Negative side effects of Neurontin may include the following:
- Weight gain
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
Many people with fibromyalgia also suffer from frequent headaches, and they may find that Neurontin is beneficial for that purpose. This drug is often prescribed off label for treating frequent migraines.
ULTRAM
Ultram is the brand name of the drug tramadol. This is another drug commonly prescribed for fibromyalgia. Like Neurontin, Ultram is prescribed off label and is not FDA-approved for treating fibromyalgia. Although it is not approved for treating fibromyalgia, studies did find that it may be effective as a second-line treatment.
Ultram is an atypical pain reliever. It is believed to have similar effects to an opioid medication, although seems to have less potential for addiction. It is also an SNRI medication, but it binds to the opioid receptors in the body and provides relief of moderate to severe pain.
Side effects of Ultram can include nausea, dizziness, and drowsiness.
These are the five most commonly prescribed medications for treating fibromyalgia. However, talk to your doctor about all of your options. If these medications donât work for you, other drugs may be prescribed off label and may be effective.
The preceding article is from RedOrbit.com and posted here for sharing purposes only. No copyright infringement is intended.
Latest Developments in Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a long-term, chronic disorder. It causes widespread muscle pain and tenderness. Symptoms tend to include fatigue and altered sleep, memory, and depression in addition to muscle pain. Although treatment can help relieve symptoms, there is no cure. However, research and tests can help better understand fibromyalgia, which is why it is important to stay updated on the latest news.
This article will address technologies, treatments, and research associated with fibromyalgia. If you or a loved one would like to learn more about fibromyalgia, the National Fibromyalgia Association and the National Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association are great resources.
This article that contains research concerning the latest fibromyalgia news. It is always best to contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Do not hesitate to reach out to a health care professional you trust.
NEUROINFLAMMATION
Inflammation in the brain has been considered as causing the amplification of pain signals. In fact, Swedish scientists have researched that there is a way to assess the levels of inflammation in the brain, including sampling the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF reflects what is happening in the brain because it is always in contact with it. The CSF levels of inflammation are much higher in patients with fibromyalgia than in healthy individuals.
TREATMENT OPTIONS TO LOWER NEUROINFLAMMATION
- LDN:Â Low-dose naltrexone is an opiate-blocking medication that is given in low doses to lower inflammation in the central nervous system. LDN stops the release of inflammatory chemicals by targeting the receptors on the immune cells found in the brain (gial cells).
- CBD: As a newer option, cannabidiol is a chemical compound made from cannabis that can be used to help treat chronic pain symptoms and reduce inflammation. CBD is an alternative choice to opioid prescriptions. The legal status of CBD depends where you live in because different states have different laws.
- Tumeric:Â Tumeric has an active ingredient, called curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory effects in the brain.
- Green Tea:Â Another food product is green tea. Green tea also contains a chemical that helps with anti-inflammatory effects, called EGCG.
- Cruciferous Vegetables:Â For example, an extract from broccoli (sulforaphane) helps protect against brain inflammation.
NATURAL FIBROMYALGIA TREATMENT
Diet can play an important role in treating fibromyalgia symptoms. There are natural options for fibromyalgia treatment. Changing to a fibromyalgia diet, adding certain supplements, using essential oils, and therapy (massage, mediations, and counseling) can help relieve pain and fatigue.
Eat a low FODMAP diet. FODMAP stands for a collection of food molecules that are short-chained carbohydrates. FODMAPs are fermentable and are a group of sugars that can not be completely absorbed by the body.
FOODS TO EAT INCLUDE:
- Vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, bok choy, cucumbers, lettuce, potatoes, summer and winter squash)
- Fruits (bananas, berries, grapes, kiwi, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, kumquat, citrus fruit, rhubarb, pineapple)
- Foods without dairy (almond milk, coconut milk, rice milk, goat milk yogurt)
- Certain foods with protein (eggs, free-range chicken and turkey, wild fish, tempeh, grass-fed beef and lamb)
- Other foods:Â gluten-free oats, GMO-free corn and rice, quinoa, peanuts, pecans, walnuts, avocado oil and coconut oil. There are other options, and the foods listed above are just some suggestions. It is important to avoid foods high in FODMAPs, including fructose, lactose, fructans, galactans, polyols, large amounts of alcohol and caffeine, and processed foods or foods with additives.
RESEARCH AND OTHER OPTIONS
NEUROTRANSMITTERS AND BRAIN RESEARCH
According to Fibromyalgia News Today, there is a recent study that suggests signaling proteins that activate the nervous system (catecholamines and indolamines) may have an important role in fibromyalgia. However, research is ongoing and results have remained unclear or contradictory.
In another study in 2018 scientists have found that brain stimulation with cognitive training can help boost memory and verbal fluency in women who have fibromyalgia. Brazil researchers have discovered that by combining noninvasive brain stimulation with cognitive training women with fibromyalgia experience positive cognitive improvements.
QUELL
In a personal relation, Donna Burch explains her experience with the Quell wearable pain relief device. She also lists other technological options, but describes Quell in detail. In sum, the Quell is a drug free option that is FDA approved to wear for 24/7 widespread pain relief (not just a localized region on the body).
BOTOX
In my experience, I have a family member who has fibromyalgia. It not only negatively affects the individual physically, but also mentally. One option that is not a medication is botox, which helps with trigger points. Because botox is an injection, it comes with slight risks, but it does not have any real side effects.
The preceding article is from RedOrbit.com and posted here for sharing purposes only. No copyright infringement is intended.
Fibromyalgia & Botox Injections
Botox injections for fibromyalgia? Yup, you heard right. Are you looking for a non-medical treatment option? Botox may be a possible option for you.
Fibromyalgia is a painful condition that involves widespread muscle pain and tenderness. Fibromyalgia patients not only experience physical bodily pain, but they can also undergo mental distress because of it. The condition does not just cause pain, but it can also cause chronic fatigue and tiredness as well as other kinds of discomfort. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) found that 80-90% of fibromyalgia patients are women. The cause of fibromyalgia is still unknown, and therefore there is not a cure.
Although there is no cure for fibromyalgia, there are treatment options. Here we will examine a specific kind of treatment option: Botox.
How do Botox injections work?
Botox has undergone scientific and medical research. It targets the specific muscles and stops them from sending the pain signals throughout the body. Therefore, your body does not register that you are feeling pain. In other words, Botox works because it ultimately weakens and stops the muscles from feeling pain.
In my experience, I have a family member who has fibromyalgia. She has used Botox as a treatment option, which has greatly helped her and helped relieve her pain. However, this may not be for everyone.
Pros
Depending on your condition, your doctor can recommend Botox as a treatment option for you. There are several pros for using Botox to treat fibromyalgia. Listed below are some positive aspects:
The Procedure is Safe
It is completely safe for fibromyalgia patients. There are very limited levels of the injections used, making it a safe treatment option. Although the risks are low, you can experience flu-like symptoms after receiving the injection. However, this is quite rare.
Non-medication Option
If you are looking for a specific non-medical treatment option, Botox may be right for you. It is a non-medication option, and it can broaden your choices for how you want to go about your treatment process.
Time Efficient
Although Botox does not last forever, it does have some benefits for the amount of time a patient can experience pain relief. However, it does vary depending on the patientâs condition. Pain reduction can last for up to four months, making it an effective way of reducing pain though it is not a permanent solution.
Repeated Form of Treatment
Your doctor may recommend that the procedure be repeated if you received a good experience with the initial Botox injection. However, do not receive the injections too frequently because it can lead to your body becoming immune to the Botox.
Painless
Botox is not completely painless. However, you should only feel a slight amount of pain when you receive the injection. This is only because the it is administered at the site of the muscles that are already in pain and can be tender. The pain is definitely bearable and the pain levels are moderate.
Cons
On the other hand, there are some cons that you should consider while looking at Botox as a possible treatment option. Below are some cons of Botox as a treatment option for fibromyalgia:
Trigger Points
Botox requires to be administered directly at the trigger points. In order to help treat the pain, the injection needs to be placed at the site where the pain is coming from. More specifically, it is placed where the muscles are going into spasm. Additionally, it disables muscles, making it impossible to apply it to the whole body.
Limited
The injection is limited due to its inability to cure all symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. However, it does provide pain relief, which can help positively improve other symptoms, such as mental distress.
Slow Start
It can take some time to be in effect. In fact, the pain will not usually be relieved until after seven to nine days after the injection is administered.
Side Effects
It is highly unlikely to experience side effects. However, there are accounts where patients experience more pain or feel pain at a different site. This is known as the law of unintended consequences. It can occur because it depends on the individual (sometimes there are good results, sometimes there are bad results).
Final Thoughts
Botox can be a great treatment option for fibromyalgia patients, depending on the individualâs condition. For more information, visit My Fibro Team, which is a social network for those living with fibromyalgia where you can have an open discussion with other patients. Another great resource is Pain Doctor online if you have any more questions. If you have any concerns about Botox as a treatment method, speak to your doctor.
The preceding article is from RedOrbit.com and posted here for sharing purposes only. No copyright infringement is intended.
Fibromyalgia and Dance Therapy
Finding relief for your fibromyalgia can be a challenge. Although doctors will often prescribe medications to give you fibromyalgia relief, that is usually only part of a broader range of treatment therapies. Most fibro sufferers need to have a list of potential therapies that they use in combination. Dance therapy is one of the more unconventional treatments you might want in your arsenal. Hereâs how dance therapy may help you get some relief.
The Benefits of Movement
Exercise and movement are great for any chronic pain patients. It may seem like exercise could cause more pain for people who already experience a lot of pain. But the result is actually the complete opposite. It can seem like itâs counter-intuitive, but regular exercise has a lot of pain-relieving benefits.
Some of the physical benefits of exercise include the following:
- Improved flexibility, which can help loosen tight or tense muscles
- Increased range of motion, which can make it less painful to do daily activities
- Increased muscle strength
- Improved coordination and balance, which can prevent falls
- You may lose weight, which can put less pressure on your joints
The best exercises are often those which youâll actually do on a regular basis. In that regard, dance therapy can be a great choice: itâs so much fun that you may hardly notice that youâre also getting a good workout at the same time.
Mood-Boosting Endorphins
Exercise has benefits for both the mind and the body. Dance therapy, like other types of exercise, has great advantages to promote mental health. Dancing reduces anxiety, helps you to cope more easily with worry. It also produces feel-good chemicals in the brain called endorphins. You may be familiar with the concept from terms like a ârunnerâs high.â But you donât need to run or do other high-intensity forms of exercise to get all the good results for your mental health.
Dance therapy has other positive effects on mental health as well. It helps to alleviate depression. It also boosts stress reduction, which can ultimately lead to less pain. Because stress can lead to physical pain, especially in fibromyalgia patients, reducing stress can also reduce pain.
One-on-One vs. Group Dance Lessons
If you donât know much about dance therapy, you may not be aware that you have multiple different options available. The number of options available can depend on the size of the area where you live, the number of local people with fibromyalgia, and whether or not there are trained dance therapists.
Many people with fibromyalgia have to stay at home a lot and might enjoy more opportunities to be social. For these people, group dance therapy classes can be fun and helpful. Group dance therapy classes can vary in size. Small groups may only include two or three people, while large groups can contain up to 20 participants. This can feel like an enjoyable, social way to get your exercise, which may make you more likely to keep attending classes.
Individual dance therapy is a good option for people who may need more one-on-one attention. Some people with fibromyalgia may have poor coordination or balance and may need more direct assistance. Others may feel self-conscious or anxious in group settings and would prefer the comparative relative privacy of individual work with an instructor. One-on-one classes can also progress at your own pace, depending on your strength and stamina.
How to Find Dance Therapy for Fibromyalgia
Dance therapy for fibromyalgia may be a well-kept secret in your town. Chances are that you wonât see any billboards for dance therapy along the highway, for example. But if you ask around and put in a little bit of legwork, you may be able to find such opportunities where you live.
A good place to start your search is by asking around at your local hospital or even your doctorâs office. Hospitals often allow therapy groups to meet on their property if they are affiliated with the group, or they may know where such groups meet in your community.
Also, consider calling your local YMCA or community recreation facility. Local fitness groups are sometimes organized through the YMCA and community centers.
If there isnât any existing dance therapy option for fibromyalgia, consider contacting local dance instructors and ask if they would be willing to develop either a group class or provide one-on-one instruction.
The preceding article is from RedOrbit.com and posted here for sharing purposes only. No copyright infringement is intended.
Why Am I Always So Cold?
Feeling chilly all the time can be quite a nuisance. More often than not, friends, family members, and coworkers with good circulation have a hard time understanding someoneâs continuous plight of cold feet and fingers. Sometimes, their reactions can be quite cold and their appreciation for the problem as low as the thermostat.
âWhy am I always coldâ is one of the questions people with poor circulation most frequently ask. There are numerous answers to this puzzling question, ranging from lack of sleep and low body weight to nutritional deficiency and dehydration. Sometimes, eating disorders, certain medications, and even serious health issues might be the reason. Read on to find out more about what makes you feel cold all the time.
HYPOTHYROIDISM
Starting off on a serious note, problems with the thyroid gland can lead to problems with blood circulation and, consequently, cause you to feel cold all the time. Your thyroid is in charge of the production of the thyroid hormone which regulates your metabolism.
If the production is lower than usual or your body is unable to absorb sufficient amounts of the hormone, you can develop hypothyroidism. Besides constant chills, the symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, dry skin, constipation, irregular periods, and hair loss. Also, you might experience substantial weight gain due to the lower metabolism.
MEDICATIONS
It is not unusual for some medications to cause poor circulation as a side effect. If youâve only recently started feeling cold, it might be a good idea to check if it coincides with starting a new med. If youâre taking blood pressure medications, such as propranolol, you might get cold feet and hands as an unwanted aftereffect.
If thatâs the case, make sure to tell your doctor about the symptoms the next time you go for a checkup. He or she will likely suggest an alternative.
BLOOD VESSEL PROBLEMS
Problems with blood vessels can also cause your feet and hands to constantly feel cold. There are numerous conditions and diseases that can potentially compromise blood circulation. Raynaudâs disease and arteriosclerosis are some of the most prominent. Hereâs a brief explanation of each.
RAYNAUDâS DISEASE
The most common symptoms of Reynaudâs disease include hands and feet turning white (or even blue) in cold temperatures. Behind the scenes, the arteries responsible for sending blood to your fingers and toes spasm when exposed to cold. Usually, Reynaudâs disease is mild enough to not affect the patientâs overall quality of life, though sometimes it may be a sign of a more serious underlying problem.
ARTERIOSCLEROSIS
In a nutshell, arteriosclerosis is the hardening and thickening of arterial walls. It is a condition that restricts blood flow little by little. Genetic factors, unhealthy diet and lifestyle, smoking, and a myriad of other things can kick off arteriosclerosis, the primary cause of stroke and CAD (coronary artery disease).
The most common symptoms of arteriosclerosis, beside incessant chills, include confusion, impaired vision, numbness in legs and face, weakness, and difficulty understanding speech. If you recognize any of these, go see your doctor as soon as possible.
ANEMIA
Your bodyâs inability to produce enough red blood cells is termed anemia. As a result of this inability, whatever lowered percentage of red blood cells in your bloodstream canât transport enough oxygen throughout your body, which will most likely cause the extremities like your feet and hands to feel cold. The other common symptoms associated with anemia include fatigue, short breath, and physical weakness. You might also feel unusually thirsty, confused, or as if youâre about to pass out.
The development of anemia is often ascribed to insufficient levels of some important nutrients â most notably iron and vitamin B12. If you suspect that youâre feeling cold due to anemia, be sure to see your doctor and get a blood test to confirm your suspicion.
DIABETIC NEPHROPATHY
Diabetic nephropathy (commonly referred to as diabetic kidney disease or DN) is a chronic disease that affects individuals suffering from diabetes mellitus. It is a loss of kidney function caused by low levels of serum albumin, which is, in turn, caused by an excessive loss of protein in urine.
Aside from perpetually feeling cold, those suffering from diabetic nephropathy may also experience nocturia (frequent nocturnal urination), headaches, fatigue, vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, swollen legs, itchy skin, frequent urination throughout the day, and more. DN is a serious condition that you should confront right away if you recognize the symptoms.
LACK OF SLEEP
While not nearly as serious as the previously described conditions, lack of sleep can also make you more susceptible to cold than usual. If you donât rest properly, your body will not be able to heal and get rid of the accumulated stress. This can only mess with your internal thermostat.
Even short periods of sleep deprivation can increase your vulnerability to lower temperatures. Therefore, make sure to get sufficient shuteye to ward off those chills and goose bumps.
POOR NUTRITION
The food that you eat is your bodyâs fuel, and if poorly (or inadequately) fueled, your body will naturally decrease the scope of its activity. Slowing down blood circulation toward the peripheral areas (read fingers and toes) is one of your bodyâs first warning signs and self-preservation mechanisms.
Therefore, itâs no surprise that many anorexiaand bulimia patients report feeling constantly cold, among other symptoms. If you feel cold and hungry, take a bite and give your body the fuel it needs to work at full capacity.
DEHYDRATION
Apart from needing proper nutrition and rest, your body also needs proper hydration. Similar to lack of sleep and food, your body will enter the self-preservation mode when faced with insufficient water supplies.
Water is very good at retaining heat, and when it is in low supply, it is easier for heat to leave your body. To prevent the precious heat from escaping, make sure to drink enough water. Apart from feeling warmer, proper hydration also has numerous other beneficial effects on your body and overall health.
GENDER
Finally, the reason that you always feel a bit cold, even when people around you feel fine, might be down to gender differences. Experts from the University of Utah found that women, while having 0.4 degrees Fahrenheit higher core temperature than men, have around 3 degrees colder hands and feet.
A study published in 2015 in the journal Nature suggests that men are (on average) comfortable at 71.6 degrees Fahrenheit, while women need an additional 5 degrees for the same effect. If you canât win the thermostat war at the office, consider adding a layer or two to your work attire or investing in a small space heater.
CONCLUSION
The question âWhy am I always coldâ can have many potential answers. While some are as benign as dehydration or a poor nightâs sleep, others can be as serious as hypothyroidism, diabetic nephropathy, or a blood vessel disorder.
In case you constantly feel chilly, it is a good idea to check your eating, sleeping, and hydration habits first. If these check out, you might want to pay attention to any other problems and symptoms that you might be experiencing. If you notice anything strange, be sure to contact your doctor as soon as possible
The preceding article is from RedOrbit.com and posted here for sharing purposes only. No copyright infringement is intended.
Fibromyalgia and Tender Points
Fibromyalgia is a complicated illness. Itâs not a disease that can be seen on x-rays or ultrasound and much of the symptoms are self-reported by patients. What doctors know about fibromyalgia continues to change and adapt with time. When doctors came up with the initial diagnostic criteria in 1990, the standards used to diagnose fibromyalgia were different. Back then, most doctors used the presence of tender points to diagnose fibromyalgia. But today, things are a little different. Learn more about the criteria doctors use to make a fibro diagnosis now.
What are Tender Points?
Once the diagnostic gold standard for identifying fibromyalgia, doctors checked for sensitivity when specific tender points on the body were touched. Under this original standard, you had to experience intense pain and tenderness when doctors pressed or touched at least 11 of 18 specific points. In addition, a positive fibromyalgia diagnosis required widespread pain throughout the entire body. Although other symptoms were often associated with fibromyalgia, the tender points and widespread pain were the only criteria required for getting a fibro diagnosis.
Why Did Doctors Change How They Diagnose Fibromyalgia?
Tender points were an unpopular method for diagnosing fibromyalgia. Doctors wanted something more scientific and less subjective than just the patientâs experience of tenderness or pain. Many doctors also felt uncomfortable with having to touch so much of the patientâs body to make the diagnosis.
An additional factor in why doctors sought a change for how to diagnose fibromyalgia was that the old diagnostic standard didnât account for other health problems associated with fibro. Many patients with fibromyalgia often have other coexisting health problems, including fatigue, depression and anxiety, joint pain, digestive problems, hormonal imbalances, and headaches. An improved diagnostic standard allows these other conditions to be taken into consideration.
New Diagnostic Criteria
The American College of Rheumatology updated their diagnostic guidelines in 2010. Their new guidelines for use in diagnosing fibromyalgia include scores on two different scales: the widespread pain index (WPI) and symptom severity (SS) scale. The new criteria do not completely replace the original criteria and pain at tender or pressure points can still be useful information.
However, most doctors feel that there should be a more comprehensive evaluation. The symptom severity scale asks patients to rate their experience of the following symptoms:
- Muscle pain
- Fatigue and/or chronic tiredness
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Headaches
- Problems with thinking or memory
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Nausea/vomiting
- Mood changes, including depression and anxiety
- Problems with urination, including frequent urination or bladder spasms
The severity score on these symptoms is combined with the extent of widespread physical pain to help a doctor make a fibromyalgia diagnosis. Many fibromyalgia patients also find that their symptoms began after a traumatic or highly stressful event, such as a car accident, job loss, or the death of a loved one.
Ruling Out Other Conditions
Although doctors can diagnose fibromyalgia from the criteria listed above, itâs also important to rule out other conditions. Many other conditions have similar symptoms to fibromyalgia. These conditions can be detected by simple blood tests. These health conditions with symptoms that mimic fibromyalgia are often more easily treated than fibro as well.
Some of the other health conditions doctors can test for and possibly rule out on the way to making an accurate fibro diagnosis include the following:
- Low vitamin D levels, which may be a widespread problem
- Autoimmune diseases, including Sjogrenâs, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis
- Neurological illnesses, such as multiple sclerosis and myasthenia gravis
Tests that can diagnose these conditions include a general vitamin D test, sedimentation rate (or sed rate) test, thyroid function test, and complete blood count. An MRI and lumbar puncture (or spinal tap) are also used to diagnose diseases like multiple sclerosis.
New Testing Options
For decades, it was believed that making a fibromyalgia diagnosis was a matter of trial and error. Doctors would rule out one condition after another. After this, they would conclude that symptoms equaled fibromyalgia. But now there may be a blood test that can help in diagnosis.
A company named EpicGenetics has developed the Fm/a blood test. This test looks for specific immune system abnormalities in the white blood cells.
Fibromyalgia diagnosis is still an imprecise process. But scientists are getting closer every day to finding a definite means of diagnosing the illness.
The preceding article is from RedOrbit.com and posted here for sharing purposes only. No copyright infringement is intended.
Fatigue
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