Fibromyalgia - My Apology to Melissa Roth

A few days ago I posted an article on Fibromyalgia by mistake. It was not an article but exerts from Melissa Roth’s book “Fibro…What ???” Those inserts were compiled to advertize Melisa’s Fibromyalgia Hypnosis program which I was offering on my web site.

The article below is the one I meant to click on. I should have rechecked when I posted it and realized that other than Fibromyalgia there was no other information so I hastily typed in my information and sent it on its way.

Melissa I apologize and thank you for being the great hypnotist and innovator you are.

Ron

Hypnosis in the treatment of FIBROMYALGIA SYNDROME

Ron Eslinger, RN, CRNA, MA, APN – Owner Healthy Visions www.eslinger.net

WHAT IS FIBROMYALGIA SYNDROME?

FMS (fibromyalgia syndrome) is a widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue disorder for which is still controversial when discussing the actual cause. Fibromyalgia means pain in the muscles, ligaments and tendons--the fibrous tissues in the body. FMS used to be called fibrositis, implying that there was inflammation in the muscles, but research later proved that inflammation did not exist.

The easiest way to explain how having Fibromyalgia feels is to compare it to the flu. Most patients with fibromyalgia say that they ache all over. Their muscles may feel like they have been pulled or overworked. Sometimes the muscles twitch and at other times they burn. More women than men are afflicted with fibromyalgia, but it shows up in people of all ages.

SYMPTOMS AND ASSOCIATED SYNDROMES

Pain - The pain of fibromyalgia has no boundaries. People describe the pain as deep muscular aching, burning, throbbing, shooting and stabbing. For the hypnotists using suggestions or metaphors that are opposite to these symptoms is a good start (i.e. burning substitute cooling). Quite often, the pain and stiffness are worse in the morning and you may hurt more in muscle groups that are used repetitively. Have the client say “I feel better today,” as they wake up in the morning. That statement helps them change a negative expectation into a positive expectation.

FIBROMYALGIA HAS AT LEAST TWO CO-MORBIDITIES

Fatigue - This symptom can be mild in some patients and yet incapacitating in others. The fatigue has been described as "brain fatigue" in which patients feel totally drained of energy. Many patients depict this situation by saying that they feel as though their arms and legs are tied to concrete blocks, and they have difficulty concentrating. Suggestions of heaviness should not be used with people complaining of fatigue.

Sleep disorder - Most fibromyalgia patients have an associated sleep disorder called the alpha-EEG anomaly. FGibromyalgia syndrome patients can fall asleep without much trouble, but their deep level (or stage 4) sleep may be constantly interrupted by bursts of awake-like brain activity. It should be noted that most patients diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome have the same alpha-EEG sleep pattern and some fibromyalgia-diagnosed patients have been found to have other sleep disorders, such as:

· sleep myoclonus or PLMS (nighttime jerking of the arms and legs),

· restless leg syndrome

· bruxism (teeth grinding).

Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Constipation, diarrhea, frequent abdominal pain, abdominal gas and nausea represent symptoms frequently found in roughly 40% to 70% of fibromyalgia patients.

Chronic headaches - Recurrent migraine or tension-type headaches are seen in about 50% of fibromyalgia patients and can pose as a major problem in coping for this patient group.

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome - This syndrome, sometimes referred to as TMJD, causes tremendous face and head pain in one quarter of FMS patients. However, a 1997 report indicates that as many as 90% of fibromyalgia patients may have jaw and facial tenderness that could produce, at least intermittently, symptoms of TMJD. Most of the problems associated with this condition are thought to be related to the muscles and ligaments surrounding the joint and not necessarily the joint itself.

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome - Sensitivities to odors, noise, bright lights, medications and various foods is common in roughly 50% of FMS or CFS patients.

Other common symptoms - Painful menstrual periods (dysmenorrhea), chest pain, morning stiffness, cognitive or memory impairment, numbness and tingling sensations, muscle twitching, irritable bladder, the feeling of swollen extremities, skin sensitivities, dry eyes and mouth, frequent changes in eye prescription, dizziness, and impaired coordination can occur.

Aggravating factors - Changes in weather, cold or drafty environments, hormonal fluctuations (premenstrual and menopausal states), stress, depression, anxiety and over-exertion can all contribute to symptom flare-ups.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

The cause of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome remains elusive, but there are many triggering events thought to precipitate its onset. A few examples would be an infection (viral or bacterial), an automobile accident or the development of another disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or hypothyroidism. These triggering events probably don't cause FMS, but rather, they may awaken an underlying physiological abnormality that's already present in the form of genetic predisposition.

What could this abnormality be? Theories pertaining to alterations in neurotransmitter regulation (particularly serotonin and norepinephrine, and substance P), immune system function, sleep physiology, and hormonal control are under investigation. Substance P is a pain neurotransmitter that has been found by repeat studies to be elevated threefold in the spinal fluid of fibromyalgia patients. Two hormones that have been shown to be abnormal are cortisol and growth hormone. In addition, modern brain imaging techniques are being used to explore various aspects of brain function--while the structure may be intact, there is likely a dysregulation in the way the brain operates. The body's response to exercise, stress and simple alterations in position (vertical versus horizontal) are also being evaluated to determine if the autonomic nervous system is not working properly. Your body uses many neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and epinephrine, to regulate your heart, lungs and other vital organs that you don't have to consciously think about. Ironically, many of the drugs prescribed for FMS/CFS may have a favorable impact on these transmitters as well.

COMMON TREATMENTS

When hypnotists work with Fibromyalgia it is important to know what treatments they received and how they responded to those treatments. If they responded well to a treatment such as lidocaine injections then using hypnosis to recreate the sensation of experienced comfort from lidocaine gives a foundation to work with in.

Traditional treatments are geared toward improving the quality of sleep, as well as reducing pain. Because deep level (stage 4) sleep is so crucial for many body functions, such as tissue repair, antibody production, and perhaps even the regulation of various neurotransmitters, hormones and immune system chemicals, the sleep disorders that frequently occur in fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue patients are thought to be a major contributing factor to the symptoms of this condition. Medicines that boost your body's level of serotonin and norepinephrine--neurotransmitters that modulate sleep, pain and immune system function--are commonly prescribed. Examples of drugs in this category would include Elavil, Flexeril, Sinequan, Paxil, Serzone, Xanax and Klonopin. A low dose of one of these medications may be of help. In addition, nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen may also be beneficial. Most patients will probably need to use other treatment methods as well, such as trigger point injections with lidocaine, physical therapy, acupuncture, acupressure, relaxation techniques, osteopathic manipulation, chiropractic care, therapeutic massage, or a gentle exercise program. This information can be found at the National Institutes of Health web site. www.nih.gov

When you consider that hypnosis is one of the best examples for relaxation therapy and sleep enhancement it is no wonder why it is a successful treatment for Fibromyalgia. When proper suggestions and imagery are added to the relaxation component one sees a major improvement in the Fibromyalgia sufferer.

HYPNOTHERAPY TECHNIQUES

I have worked with many Fibromyalgia clients using hypnosis and have been surprised at how well they respond to hypnosis pain management techniques and relaxation training. Techniques include:

· ACE Syndrome (Adverse Childhood Experience) forgiveness and release of the experience

· John Sarno technique for treating Myositis Syndrome “The Mind Body Prescription”

· .Regression to cell memory

· Metaphorical change, Color, bouncing ball, large ball to smaller ball, light, oxygenation of tender points, releasing tender points, softening tender pints

· Nutrition

· Hydration

· Self talk

· Self hypnosis

Conclusion

Unfortunately with all said there is little to no research on hypnosis as a treatment for Fibromyalgia. You will hear it referred to as guided imagery, relaxation therapy, visualization but rarely hypnotherapy. No matter the term, the results of hypnosis in my practice has made a major impact on my clients for pain management, sleep, improved life style and to lessen suffering. Hypnosis makes a difference.

Additional information

http://www.fmaware.org/site/

Melisa Roth at http://alabamahypnotherapycenter.com/

www.nih.gov