Aches and pains experienced for at least three months time may be an indicator of a more serious condition. Fibromyalgia is a condition facing many Americans and is defined as long term, body wide pain radiating from tender points in tissues, muscles and tendons. It is linked to chronic fatigue, morning stiffness, sleep problems, headaches, numbness in feet and hands, depression and anxiety. If you have experienced 3 months of widespread pain in at least 11 of 18 tender points in muscles and fibrous tissues, you may have Fibromyalgia. These tender points are located in the: arms, chest, knees, buttocks, neck, lower back, ribcage, shoulder and thighs.
ChicagoHealers.com Practitioner Dr. Mark Sobor offers the following tips for treating Fibromyalgia naturally:
- Gentle stretching and aerobic exercise, beginning with walking and swimming
- Light massage
- Acupressure
- Acupuncture, found by the Mayo Clinic to improve fatigue and lower anxiety levels for up to one month after treatment
- Relaxation techniques to reduce stress and anxiety levels and improve coping skills
- Well balanced diet, avoiding caffeine and high sodium foods
