Johns Hopkins & Fibromyalgia

I was on this site, looking into Johns Hopkins for medical care, and found the fibro info, and I really like the way it is phrased here:

"Due to the constellation of symptoms associated with FM its impact can be severe."

"One patient recently referred to their FM as, "A body toothache that stays with me all the time." 


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I read through all the fibro info on this Johns Hopkins site, and I was really impressed and comfortable with the info they provide, it seems very relevant, current and accurate. Please take the time to read through their site, I have provided below some good examples of the info and details they discuss.


"Although the cause or causes of FM remains to be determined, most researchers believe that the widespread pain, the hallmark symptom of FM, is due to abnormalities in central nervous system function."

"With regard to nervous system function, it is thought that persons with FM experience pain amplification due to abnormal sensory processing in the central nervous system."

"Finally, recent studies show that genetic factors may predispose individuals to a genetic susceptibility to FM. For some, the onset of FM is slow; however, in a large percentage of persons the onset is triggered by an illness or injury that causes trauma to the body. These events may elicit an undetected physiological problem already present."


TREATMENT:

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"The comprehensive treatment of FM falls along 4 broad categories: education, symptom management, cognitive behavior therapy, and complementary approaches."

"Complementary Approaches:
There are literally dozens of complementary therapies to treat FM and its associated symptoms^{ref 5}. They include, but are not limited to: physical therapy, therapeutic massage, myofascial release therapy, water therapy, exercise and physical activity, acupressure, application of heat or cold, acupuncture, yoga, relaxation exercises, breathing techniques, aromatherapy, biofeedback, herbs, hypnosis, nutritional supplements, and osteopathic or chiropractic manipulation. Of these, exercise is the only treatment approach that has been tested in randomized controlled clinical trials and shown to improve fitness, self-assessment of improvement, and reduce tender point counts^{ref 10, 11}. Nonetheless, anecdotally persons with FM have reported significant improvements in symptoms with complementary approaches. Even if the benefits of such approaches derive from placebo effects, it is valuable to encourage persons with FM to explore the range of different treatments and thereby take an active role in the management of their disease"