Can Mindfulness Meditation Help Relieve The Symptoms Of Fibromyalgia?

One of the most common conditions that is either misunderstood or misdiagnosed is fibromyalgia, yet it is almost as prevalent as osteoarthritis. The biggest problem with fibromyalgia is chronic pain, as it affects the joints as well as the muscles. It is estimated that up to 8% of the population has fibromyalgia and it typically affects women more so than men. Those with fibromyalgia spend their days trying to combat the pain, fatigue and associated depression and anxiety, and until recent times, the only treatment options were pharmaceutical.

The definitive cause of fibromyalgia has as yet not been identified, but it is considered to be multifactorial, including psychological, genetic, environmental, and neurological. The problem with not knowing the cause is that it makes it much harder to understand and treat. Unfortunately there is no simple test that can be used to diagnose fibromyalgia. Instead, it is diagnosed using medical history, symptoms, and general discussion with a physician. Even the previous methods of diagnosing which was dependent on how many tender points the patient had is no longer being used diagnostically.

Like many other diseases or syndromes that can’t be seen, fibromyalgia was once considered to not be a real disease. However, doctors and researchers now understand that it is a very real problem, and more research needs to be done to figure out why it occurs and the best way to prevent or treat the disease.

Chronic Pain

When a person suffers from chronic pain, it can have a devastating impact on their daily lives, including their ability to take care of themselves and their home, and severely limiting their social life. Those with pain, fatigue and depression, tend to stay at home, where they are more comfortable, and they don’t have to deal with trying to explain to people what the problem is. Pain has a major impact on how we feel, act, behave and interact with others. You can’t get out there and exercise, so you then end up with weight issues. Many sufferers can’t even pick up their small children, or vacuum the house.

When pain is chronic it is very difficult to manage, and cope with. Imagine not even being able to make yourself a cup of tea without suffering intense pain. The only way to deal with pain has always been with medicines, but as the pain gets worse, or the body becomes used to certain medications, the need for stronger pain relief becomes imminent.

READ Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The most common form of medications used are opiates and antidepressants or sedatives. Whilst these may be effective in the short term, long term usage creates an even bigger problem – addiction. The statistical numbers of people becoming addicted to opiates is astonishing, and there is always the risk of overdose as well, particularly since there is a degree of depression often associated with fibromyalgia. For this reason, researchers and medical professionals have been searching for alternative methods of managing chronic pain.