Understanding Fibromyalgia

An Introduction for Patients and Caregivers

By (author) Naheed Ali

Not available to order

Publication date:

20 May 2016

Length of book:

192 pages

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

ISBN-13: 9781442226609

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder associated with overall body pain and discomfort. Although the condition is not a variety of other neurological disorders or even arthritis, it possesses some of the same symptoms. There are an estimated 10 million Americans suffering with fibromyalgia, and estimates suggest that three to six percent of the world's population have symptoms of fibromyalgia. The medical costs of treatment coupled with lost productivity have been estimated in the billions of dollars. The good news is that fibromyalgia is not progressive and is not fatal. Many sufferers report that the symptoms can improve with treatment and time.

This accessible introduction to the disorder helps educate both sufferers and caregivers alike to the symptoms, potential causes, treatments, and outcomes of fibromyalgia. Addressing both traditional and alternative approaches, Naheed Ali offers hope and guidance for those seeking both understanding and possible paths to recovery. He focuses not just on the science and medicine behind fibromyalgia, but also on living well with it after diagnosis. Offering tips for lifestyle modifications as well as advice for caregivers, family, and friends, he ultimately provides a responsive and hopeful guide to this often misunderstood condition.

Preface
Part I: Lead-In
1 History of Fibromyalgia
2 Links to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Part II: Clinical Picture
3 How Body Systems are Affected
4 Brain Fog: Myth or Reality
5 Causes of Fibromyalgia?
6 Outpatient vs. Inpatient
7 Roles of Family Physicians, Internists and Neurologists
8 Prevention is the Key
9 Alternative Therapies
10 Conventional Treatments for Fibromyalgia
11 Fibromyalgia and Diet
12 Importance of Exercise
15 Parenting with Fibromyalgia
16 Occupational Constraints
17 Conclusion
Appendix A: Glossary
Appendix B: For Further Reading
Appendix C: About the Author
Appendix D: Endnotes

This is a welcome read for individuals and families facing the diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Ali, a medical doctor, takes great pains to describe fibromyalgia, clarifies that the text is only a reference, and encourages readers with physical concerns and questions to seek medical attention. He acknowledges that fibromyalgia, often misunderstood, is assumed to be an ‘in one’s mind’ condition. Readers learn that although the condition was described as early as 400 BC, a formal diagnosis was not accepted by the medical establishment until 1987. There is no definitive diagnostic test for fibromyalgia, but several hematological tests are common, including a complete blood count, sedimentation rate, and T3 and T4 levels. Ali effortlessly compares and contrasts fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, noting that fibromyalgia is associated with pain, and chronic fatigue syndrome is associated with tiredness and inflammation. The author clarifies that fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that is managed with diligent attention to lifestyle behaviors. Ali discusses dietary management, noting the negative effects of food allergies, excess processed sugars, caffeine, and dairy products. He also associates stress management with physical exercise and regulating the sleep pattern.

Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates and general readers.