Fibromyalgia is a condition that is more common in women than in men and can appear at any age, although more typically in middle age.
It is a chronic or long term illness thought to be connected to the way in which the central nervous system functions. It can be a difficult condition to diagnose and there is no current cure, so treatment is ongoing to manage the symptoms.
What are the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?
The main symptoms are widespread pain all over the body, overwhelming fatigue and trouble sleeping.
Other symptoms may include: difficulty concentrating, digestive issues, increased sensitivity, headaches and muscle or joint stiffness.
Treatment and Support
Fibromyalgia may be treated by a combination of prescribed medication, therapy and lifestyle changes. Support is available from the charity Fibromyalgia Action UK.
Reflexology and Fibromyalgia Research
The research abstract link I have chosen below is a study to investigate the effect of reflexology on pain intensity in patients with fibromyalgia.
The study reports that “pain intensity scores were reduced by reflexology, and this decrease improved progressively…”
For more details, please follow the link below:
The effect of reflexology on pain intensity in patients with fibromyalgia
Akin Korhan Esra; Uyar Meltem; Eyigör Can; Yönt Gülendam Hakverdioglu; Khorshid Leyla
Holistic Nursing Practice Nov/Dec 2016 (Volume 30, Issue 6, pages 351–359)
References for my blog:
National Institute of Health/National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (May 2024) Fibromyalgia. Available at: https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/fibromyalgia (Accessed: 19 August 2024).
NHS UK (12 October 2022) Fibromyalgia. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/fibromyalgia/ (Accessed: 19 August 2024).