Solutions for Successful Resolutions

 

It’s the New Year. Time for a New You. What’s your game plan?  Lose weight? Exercise consistently? Get in shape? January is a great time to kick off a program to make that change.
 

Yet for some, even though they have the motivation and determination, their bodies seem to limit them as to what they can do.  For example, you start to exercise, but anywhere from 15 minutes to hours later, you’re hurting worse than before you started. This causes you to give up, figuring “what’s the use". You become discouraged or embarrassed, and the desire to exercise dissipates.

If this sounds like you, you may be suffering from Fibromyalgia. Since there are no laboratory tests to confirm the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia, and because pain increase due to overexertion is not the only symptom of this condition, let’s examine it more closely.

 

 

 

What does a typical Fibromyalgia patient look like?

 

-Aches and pains as well as stiffness throughout the body

-Sleep disturbances

-Anxiety and/or depression

-Fatigue

-Difficulty concentrating

These symptoms are usually chronic (long-term) and can vary in frequency and intensity, but are usually made worse by excess activity, damp or cold weather, and/or emotional stress. There are also specific tender points on the body that, when moderate pressure is applied, elicit pain and tenderness. In a number of cases, headaches and Irritable Bowel Syndrome can accompany any combination of the above symptoms.

The good news is that there are treatments available to help manage this condition, allowing patients to feel and function better. To complete a symptom survey to identify the tender points established by the American College of Rheumatology, or for more specific information regarding treatment, see additional blog entries below.

Wishing you a successful, pain-free New Year! 

Dr. Nabzdyk is a holistic physician with over 18 years experience. He owns and operates ABC Wellness & Rehab,  providing individualized nutritional coaching, acupuncture, and chiropractic, as well as hormonal and allergy testing. Please call (815) 609-7735 for more information or visit us at www.abcwellness-rehab.com