Answer: Myofascial Release can be helpful for individuals living with Regional Myofascial Pain syndrome or localized areas of pain related to Fibromyalgia as a component of treatment. When effective, this form of treatment may require some follow up visits. This approach is not meant specifically for patients who are diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, if regional myofascial pain is not present. I rarely see Mofascial Release as a stand alone treatment for Fibromyalgia and would suggest that you consider the more comprehensive approach that is listed on this web site as an option to consider.

Question: Can Reiki be used when receiving acupuncture treatment? Is this done individually, or in a group session? -

Answer: Yes, Reiki and other forms of energy work can be done in conjunction with Acupuncture. Some individuals prefer to work with one approach at a time, but both treatments can complement each other. Reiki is typically done on an individual basis.

Question: What is therapeutic Reiki? Is this something that your offer? -

Answer: Reiki is a form of energy healing. Some of the practitioners on our team incorporate this and other forms of energy healing as part of a more comprehensive individualized program.

Question: What are some alternative methods of treatment that I can do in lieu of taking pills. The pills make me groggy and unable to care for three children? -

Answer: When we are speaking of treatment for chronic pain and fibromyalgia more specifically there are several drug free options that can be very effective. Although it is always useful to be properly evaluated, in general for chronic pain a comprehensive individualized interdisciplinary approach works best. The Healing Choices web site has many of the therapy options that do work. Irregardless, of whether you choose acupuncture, explore nutritional approaches, massage, chiropractic, physical therapy, etc, a team that supports a positive mental attitude and your intuition as to what will work best for you is critical.

Question: Does Fibromyalgia have an impact on the family? -

Answer: If a loved one is living with chronic pain, discomfort and fatigue there is often a significant impact on the family. Since this condition is usually hot as physically obvious as other medical conditions, it may make it more difficult for family to truly appreciate what the individual with fibromyalgia is experiencing. In addition to the emotional impact on the family, there may also be a change in the role that the individual plays when it comes to work and household responsibilities. The program of treatment and rehabilitation must consider this reality to be most effective. For most of us, our families are our biggest support. Both the family and the patient need an opportunity through education to fully dispel some of the myths about what fibromyalgia is and what options can make a big difference. To be most effective the patient and the family need to be supported in this process.

Question: Are your services covered by health insurance. -

Answer: Most health insurance cover the medical evaluation and follow up visits as well as Chiropractice treatment we offer. Although each individual would need to check their own policies for coverage. Since we focus on drug free options, some of the therapy may not be covered. Services like Acupuncture, Massage, Sauna Treatment, and some of the Mind/Body work may not be covered by insurance. However, this may vary depending on the policy.

Question: What percentage of individuals in the US have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia? -

Answer: The estimated prevalence in the United States of a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia is between 3 to 6 million individuals. Approximately 90% of those diagnosed with Fibromyalgia are woman. I am not aware of a specific breakdown of prevalence by state.

Question: Can Fibromyalga cause nerve damage? -

Answer: Although there is some evidence that Fibromyalgia can effect communication within our nervous system and how we perceive or respond to pain and different forms of stimulation, there is no evidence that Fibromyalgia causes nerve damage.

Question: In your opinion can leg tremors be related to fibromyalgia. -

Answer: Although some individuals do describe a sensation of being tremulous, it is unlikely that overt tremors of the lower extremities as the primary symptom is necessarily related to a diagnosis of Fibroyalgia alone. I would advise seeking consultation with your primary care physician or a specialist in the field of neurology for a further evaluation.

Question: Does fibromyalgia cause language or speech problems as in trying to express a thought and not being able to put it together? -

Answer: Some individuals do describe some problems expressing themselves when in a flareup or if not getting a sufficient amount of sleep. The non medical term fibro fog has been used to describe some of the cognitive symptoms that individuals living with a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia often face. However, it is critical that other causes for these symptoms get ruled out. In addition, the effects of some medications, chronic pain, chronic insomnia and depression can also contribute to these symtoms and all can be treated.

Question: I WAS DIAGNOSED 2 YEARS AGO WITH FIBROMYALGIA. I NOW HAVE SEVERE PAIN IN MY KNUCKLES. THEY ARE KNOTTY AND HURT TO TOUCH. IS THIS PART OF FIBROMYALGIA OR AM I LOOKING AT ARTHRITIS??? -

Answer: Although I can not say for sure without a proper medical evaluation, if the problem is specifically localized to the knuckles it likely we are looking at something other than Fibromyalgia. We do know that even if you have another painful medical condition such as arthritis, having fibromyalgia can magnify the symptoms of this other diagnosis. I would suggest that you see your physician or appropriate specialist for a formal evaluation.

Question: Once having an operation for carpal tunnel syndrome, can the same problem reoccur? -

Answer: Although surgery is generally very effective if done before significant and permanent nerve damage occurs, it is possible for a carpal syndrome to re-occur if the same underlying cause has not changed

Question: Can you have severe pain in your back and chest? -

Answer: Assuming that we know for sure that the pain in the back and chest is related specifically to a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia, these are common locations. However, if the pain is limited to just those locations and not in other typical parts of the body, then it is unlikely that we are looking at Fibromyalgia as the cause. By definition, Fibromyalgia symptoms generally occur above and below the waist and on both sides of the body, even if there is some asymmetry of symptoms.

Question: I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia - in addition to the "Tender Points " I get knots and hard lumps in my legs and arms - They are extremely painful- so much so that if someone just takes my arm to talk to me- it can make me cry- and I have always had a high tolerance for pain before having fibromyalgia. I always have some of these hard knots - but they come & go. Sometimes there is just a couple - other times there seem to be a hundred. What are they and what causes them? Most importantly - is there something I can do to get rid of them ? Thanks Sue -

Answer: As always it is important to have your physician check out any lumps that you may have. However, it is very common for someone with a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia to describe knots and hard lumps that are very painful and may vary in location. They are often associated with trigger points which certainly can be very painful. Although the underying cause is still uncertain, there are several different strategies and approaches that can be helpful as part of an individualized treatment program with a specialist most familiar with the treatment of Fibromyalgia. Certainly, an appropriate exercise program under the intitial direction of a physical therapist could be helpful with myofascial release being applied when appropriate. Massage therapy with someone famiiar with this condition is also useful. For more localized areas trigger points injection in combination with exercise can be helpful. In my program we also utilize acupuncture, chiropractic, mind/body options and dietary modifications to assist our patients.

Question: How can fibromyalgia affect someone other than having trouble sleeping and having trouble going to work? -

Answer: Individuals living with Fibromyalgia often suffer from a variety of symptoms. The most common symptom of course is generalized pain. Fatigue and problems with focus and concencentration are also common symptoms. Since there is often a hypersensitivity to the environment individuals often report extreme sensitivity to heat, cold, odors, chemicals,light, certain foods and to other potential allergens. Given the nature of symptoms depression may also be associated with this condition.