Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is defined as musculoskeletal pain and fatigue, which affects sleep, memory, and mood issues. The disease, according to researchers, amplifies painful sensations by altering how your brain and spinal cord process painful and nonpainful signals.
The symptoms of fibromyalgia frequently appear in connection to a traumatic event, such as physical trauma, surgery, infection, or significant psychological stress. In other cases, signs develop gradually over time with no single trigger event.
Female population are more likely to develop Fibromyalgia than males. Many patients also suffer from tension headaches, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, and depression. While there is no cure for Fibromyalgia, few medications can help to control symptoms. Exercise, relaxing techniques, and stress-reduction techniques may be of great help.
Fibromyalgia treatment in Ayurveda
It is classified as Vatavyadhi (a disease caused primarily by vitiated Vata Dosha) in Ayurvedic medicine. Vatavyadhi is a chronic and unpredictable disease that is difficult to treat, mainly affecting the musculoskeletal and nervous systems and affecting one or more different tissues over time. It is described in ancient texts as having a wide range of possible and changing symptoms and signs, including pain, stiffness, contracture, fatigue, progressive loss of movement, and mental disturbance. This description is strikingly similar to the current definition of Fibromyalgia.
Pathogenesis begins in the gastrointestinal tract (Annavaha Srotas). It spreads through the Madhyama Rogamarga (the middle channels of disease pathogenesis), with a particular preference for Shleshma Sthana, particularly muscle tissues (Mamsa Dhatu) and their corresponding channels. The inability to tolerate even light touch in muscles (Sparshasahyata) is a distinct disease feature. Malaise, anorexia, heaviness of the body, nausea, and intermittent fever are symptoms of the disease that gradually disable patients. Because of its complexity, Fibromyalgia has proven to be a complex condition to manage.
Panchakarma is the best treatment for Fibromyalgia because it cleanses the cells and addresses the underlying cause of the disease. The core of Ayurvedic detox is gut and intestine cleansing, which includes purgation therapy (upper gut cleansing) and enema (purification of the lower gut).
Abhyanga (Ayurvedic massage) with herbalised oil, Shirodhara (pouring medicated liquid in the forehead), Udwartana (herbal powder massage), full-body steam bath (Swedana), and Vasti (medicated enemas) are among the treatments available at Sitaram Beach retreat. When the treatment is finished, your tissues and digestive tract will feel as clean and good as new. Our doctors will then advise you on re-establishing tissue strength and immunity through a healthy diet and lifestyle.
The main symptoms of Fibromyalgia include –
Widespread pain in the body – Fibromyalgia is a constant dull ache that will last at least for three months. The pain commonly occurs on both sides of your body, above and below your waist.
Fatigue – Even though they claim to have slept for long periods, people with Fibromyalgia frequently wake up tired. Sleep is commonly disrupted by pain, and many fibromyalgia patients have other sleep disorders, such as restless legs syndrome and sleep apnea.
Cognitive problems – The ability to focus, pay attention, and concentrate on mental tasks is impaired by a symptom known as “fibro fog.”
Mood swings or disturbances
Fibromyalgia is frequently co-occurring with other conditions, such as:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Migraine and other types of headaches
- Interstitial cystitis, also known as painful bladder syndrome, is a condition in which the bladder becomes inflamed
- Disorders of the temporomandibular joint
- Anxiety/Depression
- Postural tachycardia
What are the causes of Fibromyalgia?
Many researchers believe that fibromyalgia patients’ brains and spinal cords change due to repeated nerve stimulation. This change is characterized by an abnormal increase in the levels of certain pain-signalling chemicals in the brain. Furthermore, the brain’s pain receptors appear to develop a sort of pain memory and become sensitised, which means they can overreact to both painful and nonpainful signals.
These changes are most likely the result of several factors, including:
- Genetic causes: Fibromyalgia occurs in families where genetic mutations may make you more prone to developing the condition.
- Infections: Some illnesses appear to cause or worsen Fibromyalgia.
- Physical or emotional occurrences: A physical event, such as a car accident, can sometimes precipitate Fibromyalgia. In addition, prolonged psychological stress may also contribute to the onset of the condition.
- Toxins and impurities accumulate: Toxins build up as a result of poor diet or poor digestion. Toxins can cause tenderness, pain, and hypersensitivity when they accumulate in the tissues and block the channels.
What are the risk elements in Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia risk factors include:
- Your sex: Women are diagnosed with Fibromyalgia at a higher rate than men.
- Family history: If you have a parent or sibling who also has Fibromyalgia, you are more likely to develop the condition.
- Other issues: You are more likely to develop Fibromyalgia if you have osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus.
Complications of Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia-related pain, fatigue, and poor sleep quality can impair your ability to function at home or work. In addition, the frustration of dealing with a condition that is frequently misunderstood can lead to depression and health-related anxiety.