Fibromyalgia and Chronic Myofascial Pain: A Survival Manual (2nd Edition)

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 432 pages
• Published by: New Harbinger Publications
• Edition: 2nd Edition June 30, 2001
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 1572242388
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-1572242388
• Book Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 1 inches
• Weighs: 2.2 pounds

Reader Reviews
This review is from: Fibromyalgia & Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome : A Survival Manual (Paperback) This book was written by two Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) sufferers, one an M.D. and the other a psychologist. It covers both the technical medical theories and treatment approaches and the coping aspects in a readable and lively format. A whole section on coping strategies useful in one's relationships with family, friends, workplace and doctors is included. Other chapters deal with meditation, the body-mind connection, and how to cope with the cognitive dysfunction familiar to CFIDS patients, termed "fibrofog". The personal experiences of the authors are included in boxes along the margins of this large soft-cover book. Myofascial Pain Syndrome is discussed in detail in this book. Myofascia provide a tough film of connective tissue that surround muscle fibers and hold them in place. At the ends of the muscles, the myofascia band together to form the tendons and ligaments. The system of myofascia connect muscle groups, so that pressing on a sore area, called a trigger point, causes referred pain in another muscle trigger point. Fibromyalgia experts disagree as to the relationship between FMS and MPS, but it is clear that they often occur together in the same patient. A wide variety of techniques of physical therapy or "bodywork" are discussed as well as medical strategies for relieving pain associated with FMS and MPS. Many diagrams are included to help the reader locate various trigger points that relate to particular symptoms. The book also presents a self-help method that I found very useful for trigger point massage called "tennis ball acupressure". It uses two tennis balls, knotted inside a sock, placed under various sore spots in order to release trigger points and relax overtightened muscles along the spine or elsewhere. This and other trigger point therapies may even help in non-pain symptoms like constipation. I found the chapter entitled "Questions and Answers About Common Symptoms" fascinating. Among the interesting insights, I learned how many symptoms could be related to trigger points, including things like blurry vision and even dizziness. Weight gain is a common concern among FMS/CFIDS patients and the chapter on nutrition includes important information on the role of excess carbohydrates in contributing to excess body fat, high triglycerides, fatigue, headaches, anxiety, mood swings and sleep disturbances among other symptoms. Both authors describe their successes with low carbohydrate approaches and I found my own fatigue and many other symptoms were dramatically improved on Dr. St. Amand's suggested diet for hypoglycemia, which they discuss. This chapter also includes a discussion of food allergy/intolerance and the leaky gut syndrome, and how NSAIDS (e.g. ibuprofen or naprosyn) may contribute to these problems. An excellent chapter on fibromyalgia medications includes a brief description of 31 prescription drugs. A whole chapter is then devoted to guaifenesin, a treatment Dr. Starlanyl says she could not have written this book without. It was interesting to note that she also found guaifenesin helped her esophageal reflux (heartburn and nausea from hydrochloric acid irritating the esophagus). The authors describe Dr. St. Amand's theory for why guaifenesin may reverse an excess of phosphate and calcium hidden away in cells causing lowered energy (ATP) production and many diverse symptoms. To succeed with the guaifenesin approach, it is essential to avoid hidden salicylates and to achieve an adequate dose (also, see the new book by St. Amand & Marek for the most detailed and up-to-date information on how to use the guaifenesin and low carbohydrate diet approaches. Also, see web sites, such as www.sover.net/~devstar, http://www.guaidoc.com and http://members.aol.com/SynergyHN). On the whole, I conclude that this book provides a wealth of useful information for those diagnosed with fibromyalgia, MPS and related conditions, like chronic fatigue syndrome, and I highly recommend it. I have found the allergy reduction, the guaifenesin approach, and the low carbohydrate diet especially helpful in my own case. Comment | | (Report this)