Many times, people feel aching throughout the body and are always feel tired. Yet, when they go to the doctor, they get a clean bill of health. If this has happened to you, you may have the condition known as fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by chronic pain in the muscles and soft tissues surrounding joints, fatigue, and tenderness at specific sites in the body . Fibromyalgia is more common in women than in men. In the past, names such as fibrositis, chronic muscle pain syndrome, psychogenic rheumatism and tension myalgias were names commonly used to label the condition.

Symptoms of fibromyalgia may vary from person to person but one thing’s pretty certain. The symptoms will probably never disappear completely. However, fibromyalgia isn't progressive, crippling or life-threatening. Common symptoms include:

• Fatigue and sleep disturbances.
  
  
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
  
  
• Headaches and facial pain.
  
  
• Heightened sensitivity.
  
  
• Depression
  
  
• Numbness or tingling sensations in the hands and feet (paresthesia)
  
  
• Difficulty concentrating
  
  
• Mood changes
  
  
• Chest pain
  
  
• Dry eyes, skin and mouth
  
  
• Painful menstrual periods
  
  
• Dizziness
  
  
• Anxiety

Causes

The specific cause of fibromyalgia remains unknown but research points to a number of contributing factors such as:

Chemical changes in the brain. Changes in regulation of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters are evident in some people with fibromyalgia.

Sleep disturbances. There is some supportive evidence that suggests that disturbed sleep patterns may be a cause rather than just a symptom of fibromyalgia.

Injury. Injuries or traumas that take place in certain parts of the body like the upper spinal region could affect the central nervous system which may trigger fibromyalgia.

Infection. It is believed by some researchers that a viral or bacterial infection may trigger fibromyalgia.

Abnormalities of the autonomic (sympathetic) nervous system. Your sympathetic nervous system is part of two divisions of the nervous system. The other part is called the parasympathetic system. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for releasing norepinephrine and influencing the release of epinephrine from the adrenal gland. Aside from that, the sympathetic nervous system also controls bodily functions that aren’t consciously controlled, such as heart rate, blood vessel contraction, sweating, salivary flow and intestinal movements.

Psychological stress and hormonal changes also may be possible causes of fibromyalgia.

Now let’s talk a little bit about how to cope with fibromyalgia.

First on my list of natural treatments is 5-HTP, which is short for 5-hydroxytryptophan. 5-HTP is believed to increase serotonin in the brain and is frequently used for treating depression. People with fibromyalgia have been found to have lower levels of tryptophan, which is a antecedent to serotonin and helps with sleep and prevents depression. I recommend taking 100 to 200 mg three times a day. Once 5-HTP starts yielding positive results, you can lower the dosage. 5-HTP should not be taken by anyone taking prescription antidepressants, carbidopa, or medications that raise serotonin levels, such as tramadol (Ultram), sumatriptan, and zolipidem (Ambien) unless under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner.

Since magnesium and vitamin B-12 deficiencies are very common in people with fibromyalgia, I recommend supplementing with 250 mg of Magnesium two to three times per day and up to 1,000 mcg daily of Vitamin B12 in sublingual form as effective preventative treatments.

A high potency multivitamin which provides nutrients for cellular energy production is essential as well.