Fibromyalgia syndrome is a common and chronic disorder characterized by widespread muscle pain, fatigue, and multiple tender points. The word fibromyalgia comes from the Latin term for fibrous tissue (fibro) and the Greek ones for muscle (myo) and pain (algia). Tender points are specific places on the body – on the neck, shoulders, back, hips, and upper and lower extremities – where people with fibromyalgia feel pain in response to slight pressure.

 Approximately three to six percent of the U.S. population suffers from this condition, which causes sufferers chronic pains and aches. The chronic pain and fatigue associated with this disease causes sufferers a general discomfort and a loss of the ability to function normally.

Experts do not know what causes Fibromyalgia. There are several theories about possible causes or triggers. Inadequate sleep is a possible trigger. Another is suffering an injury or physical or emotional trauma that affects the brain, spine and nerves. Some experts believe that a viral or bacterial infection plays a part.

Fibromyalgia is a disease that is the focus of much intense scientific study. But there is much still unknown about this horrible disease, and modern medicine has still to pinpoint the cause of fibromyalgia. There is no known method of prevention. Scientific research indicates that some people may be genetically predisposed to fibromyalgia, but nothing has been accurately proven.

 Experts estimate that 3 million to 6 million Americans have Fibromyalgia. Of these, 80 percent are women. One of the main risk factors is being a woman between the age of 20 and 50. Another risk factor is having a rheumatic disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or Sjogren's syndrome. Fibromyalgia also seems to run in families, so a gene may be at least partly responsible for the condition. Most people with fibromyalgia begin to notice symptoms between the ages of 20 and 40. But children and older adults may develop the condition. Women with fibromyalgia typically feel pain throughout their body.

The initial treatment for fibromyalgia is a trial and error process, as the variety and severity of symptoms caused by this condition vary from person to person. Therefore, treatment programs must be individualized.

Treatment includes the following:
• Change in diet and nutrition
• Supplements geared toward Fibromyalagia
• Exercise: Gentle stretching such as warm water stretches and light aerobic activity, if possible.
• Physical Therapy under the guidance of a Chiropractor or Naturopathic
• Massage Therapy
• Avoidance of activities that over stress the body (Consider keeping a journal)
• Regulate sleep patterns
• Avoiding emotional stress

Nutrition is very important with this condition as with any serious physical condition. Avoid caffeine products, sugar, processed foods and fried foods. Low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia) is often a factor in causing the person with Fibromyalgia to feel fatigued. That is why a good nutrition program is very important, eating frequent small meals with some protein is very important in keeping the blood levels even.

Whole grains, seeds, nuts, yogurt, chicken, Turkey, organic beef, eggs, natural cheese and cottage cheese should form the base of your diet. Accompanied by Appropriate vegetables and a minimum amount of fruit.

These types of practices can help control pain, increase energy and improve sleep and other symptoms. Taking extra magnesium, calcium and potassium are also recommended.