Approximately one million Canadians suffer from fibromyalgia, a debilitating condition characterized by extreme fatigue and chronic pain. Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include difficulty sleeping, depression, anxiety and dizziness. The condition has a major impact on a person’s quality of life causing many people to suffer from severe symptoms that will fluctuate, but rarely disappear completely. Fibromyalgia affects mostly women;however, men, teenagers and children are not immune to fibromyalgia, although women are five times more likely to be diagnosed than men are.
Many people suffer with the symptoms of fibromyalgia for years until they start treatment. The condition is difficult to diagnose, as there is no test to verify the presence of fibromyalgia. Several decades ago, medical professionals regarded fibromyalgia with skepticism, but today there is an improved understanding of the condition and the devastating effect it has on individuals. The improved understanding of fibromyalgia allows for early diagnosis, which allows individuals to explore new fibromyalgia treatment options. There is no cure for fibromyalgia; long-term symptom management is the only option available.
Canadian residents who suffer with fibromyalgia symptoms can take advantage of customized treatment options based on thorough metabolic and neurological evaluations. The evaluations help determine the best course of fibromyalgia treatment beyond the simple prescription drug approach. Non-pharmaceutical treatment options include dietary changes, supplements, oxygen therapy and safe brain-based therapies. A health care professional specializing in fibromyalgia treatment can recommend an appropriate symptom management strategy that minimizes chronic pain and alleviates many of the worst symptoms. No specific treatment works for 100 percent of patients with fibromyalgia.
Finding a treatment for fibromyalgia is vital for people suffering from this condition. While the individuals may look healthy, more than 90 percent of patients report fatigue making it difficult for them to limit activities at work or at home without misunderstandings. Even today, few people understand conditions like fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, even though the American College of Rheumatology recognized fibromyalgia as a legitimate syndrome in 1990.
Individuals frustrated with their current fibromyalgia treatment should locate a specialist with a patient orientated approach who offers new, breakthrough treatments and who will discuss patient outcome goals honestly. There is no “gold standard” for treatment, but a tailored approach, active patient participation and regular follow-up care offers the most promise. Until a cure is found, persons with fibromyalgia need to educate themselves about treatment approaches, including promising work in auditory visual and tactile stimulation that is painless and safe.
Author Bio:
Richard Valmenblogs about the health industry and has spent considerable time researching information about fibromyalgia and the available treatments. Richard highly recommends that sufferers of this condition should seek out a specialist in their area, and if you are looking to contact a fibromyalgia doctor in Ottawa, Richard recommends Dr. Joseph Lawrence.