Friday, July 24, 2009

Massage Chairs Can Elevate The Relief Of Pain Caused By Fibromyalgia

By Joseph Gomez

Fibromyalgia or FMS is a complicated and complex syndrome that affects between 2 to 4% of the population. FMS affects hundreds of thousands of people each year. The pain and discomfort can be slight to severe. The causes of fibromyalgia are numerous, but some of the more common treatments may involved chiropractic care, biofeedback and massage chair therapy.

The severe pain associated with fibromyalgia can be so debilitating that it can cause adults to miss work and to not participate in many activities. Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the pain of the syndrome, but as of yet there is not a known cure. Many health practitioners use massage chairs to help to reduce the pain associated with fibromyalgia.

Doctors and researchers have not identified the causative factor of FMS. However, studies have shown that women are affected by a factor of 20 times more than men-especially women between the ages of 20 and 60 years old. Anyone that may suffer from fibromyalgia syndrome should seek the advice of their medical provider.

The medical profession has a few theories about the causes of FMS. Research studies have shown that many of the symptoms happen just after patients have had the flu or after suffering from a traumatic physical event. In both cases the body's defense mechanisms are weakened either from physical or emotional strain leaving the body vulnerable.

One theory that is becoming a more widespread explanation is that of central sensitization. With central sensitization, it is thought that they brain has become more sensitive to pain signals that normal patients. The hypothesis is that the brain is more sensitive to the signals from the nerves regarding pain signals. This causes the brain to overreact to the nerve stimulation causing an abnormal increase in the level of neurotransmitters.

The difficulty of the challenge of fibromyalgia is just beginning to be recognized. Enough research just has not been done in this area and there is a greater need to call attention to the general public. Until enough funding goes into research, sufferers are left on their own to cope with these sometimes horrible symptoms. Natural methods of coping are preferred like chiropractic visits, massage therapy and even biofeedback.

Biofeedback is a technique used to relax the mind and the body with electronics. Various sensors are used to monitor your breathing, heart rate, sweat production, temperature of the body and muscle tension. This form of treatment has been known to help with chronic pain conditions.

If chiropractic care is the recommended path, then the patient undergoes a series of treatments designed to enhance mobility. The muscles become fatigued and thus tighten. This prolonged tightening of the muscles results in pain. Chiropractors seek to restore flexibility and alignment in the muscles and joints.

One natural remedy that has been around since the beginning of time is massage therapy. The use of stroking and flowing strokes on the muscles and soft tissues helps to loosen them up. As they loosen up then their flexibility improves. Massage chair therapy targets the major muscle groups and the back, neck and shoulders. Other massage benefits are improved circulation of blood and lymph.

Massage chairs are a very affordable alternative to using a masseuse. If reliable and consistent pain relief is needed, then massage chairs are perfect for this role. They offer in home convenience and are available when you need relief.

One of the keys of coping with fibromyalgia is to be able to deal with the symptoms when they flare up. A massage chair helps to reduce the intensity and duration of these when dealt with on a periodic basis. This is important as the symptoms are 24/7 and your relief must be 24/7 as well. Check with your medical professional to see if a massage chair is right for you. - 14130

About the Author:

No comments: