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Fibromyalgia Sufferers - Massage Chairs Relieve Chronic Pain

By Steve Esquire
Mar 30, 2009
Did you know that Fibromyalgia affects up to 3% of the population of the United States? Fibromyalgia or FMS is a complex syndrome which is just beginning to be investigated. Very often there is discomfort and pain ranging from mild to severe. As of yet there is no cure, so only the symptoms can be treated. To alleviate these symptoms, forms of therapy are chiropractic care, massage chair therapy and biofeedback.

Very often sufferers of fibromyalgia have severe pain and discomfort. This can be so traumatic that they are unable to work or participate in regular activities. Many live with the discomfort from not knowing why they feel the way they do. It is important to get diagnosed early where treatments can be applied to reduce the pain and suffering. One common way to reduce the pain is with a massage chair that can massage the main trouble spots.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for FMS and research into the causes of this complex syndrome are just in the beginning phases. Preliminary research is showing that women between the ages of 20 and 60 are the most susceptible. Also, women are affected at a rate 20 times greater than men. There is still so much to learn, if you have any questions, then you should consult with your health care provider.

There are a number of theories being postulated about the causes of FMS. There is some evidence linking the body's lowering of its immune defenses and the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Some research is showing that after patients had the flu or if they had a very physical event, that their symptoms showed up. There may be some linkage between a lowered immune system and fibromyalgia.

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.

There are a multitude of theories in this complex area and the cure has not yet been found. Therefore sufferers of fibromyalgia can only find ways to reduce the pain. Some of the more common remedies are biofeedback, chiropractic care and massage therapy.

An under-recognized technique is biofeedback. This is truly mind over matter. Matter in this case is your muscles, the ones that tend to give the most discomfort. The mind is used to better recognized the muscle and exert better control including pain reduction. This area shows a lot of interesting possibilities as we are just beginning to tap into the mind.

With chiropractic care, the patient undergoes treatments to help increase their mobility and to help reduce pain. Chiropractors specialize in the health of the spine. Many times muscular pain is the result of muscles shifting weight around to avoid pain. Chiropractors seek to rebalance the body so that it is back in alignment.

Massage therapy helps to improve circulation and stimulate metabolism. Massage therapy works on the superficial layers of the muscle and is used in combination with joint movements. By applying pressure with friction, stroking and kneading of the muscles blood flow is directed back to the heart. Massage therapy can be delivered by a massage therapist or a massage chair.

Many people have the mistaken view that massage chairs are luxury items. The reality is that massage chairs are workhorses of therapeutic relief. Imagine the convenience of receiving effective massage therapy where and when you need it. This helps fibromyalgia sufferers the ability to get back to a normal routine by reducing symptoms as they spring up.

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.
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