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.

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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.

How Does Meditation Work?

Mindfulness Meditation

One form of alternative treatment that has become popular is mindfulness meditation. This form of meditation originates from Buddhism, and is practiced by people all over the world as a means to learn how to only live in the moment, and not to dwell on the past or stress about the future. Mindfulness meditation teaches you to release negative thoughts and feelings and to not judge yourself on how you feel or what you think.

The relaxation experienced through mindfulness meditation has shown to not only help with the mind and mental health, but also that it has a very good effect on pain. Many medical professionals are now pointing their patients with pain issues towards mindfulness meditation so that they can reduce their dependency on pharmaceutical treatments.

Mindfulness meditation has been recommended for managing many medical disorders, and it is especially beneficial with dealing with stress, depression and anxiety.  Many psychiatric clinics now suggest mindfulness meditation to their patients, to help them better cope with their thoughts and feelings and rely less on medications.

Studies On Pain And Depression

A group of women who suffered from fibromyalgia were included in another study completed at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. It was discovered that after practicing mindfulness meditation for a period of 8 weeks the women had learnt to not focus on words that are associated with pain and their tendency to dwell on the pain issue was reduced significantly. The mindfulness meditation did not take the pain away completely, but it did enable the women to manage their mental response to the pain a lot more effectively.

How Often Should You Practice Mindfulness Meditation?

For the best results you should undertake mindfulness meditation every day. You only need to meditate for around 30 minutes to gain the benefits, but you do need to do it regularly. There is nothing difficult about mindfulness meditation, it is very easy to do and anyone can practice it, regardless of age or physical abilities. Even the simple breathing exercises can have a tremendous impact on your body and your mind.

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Meditation Myths

There is a large proportion of the population that thinks there is something wrong, or ‘weak’ about meditation. After all, for many decades it was associated with religious sects or hippies. Men in particular steered clear of meditation for fear of ridicule or being considered a bit girly. These beliefs are all very wrong, and in today’s modern society meditation is more readily accepted than it was before.

You also don’t have to sit and hum, or chant while practicing mindfulness meditation. You may do so if you please, but it is certainly not a hard and fast rule. All mindfulness meditation involves is allowing yourself to have some quiet time, to focus on the moment and to learn to appreciate what is around you.