Integrative therapies for fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and myofascial pain : the mind-body connection Cover Image

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Integrative therapies for fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and myofascial pain : the mind-body connection

Cooper, Celeste (Author). Miller, Jeffrey. (Added Author).

Summary: Fibromyalgia, chronic myofascial pain, and chronic fatigue are often seen as interchangeable conditions, a belief held even by many health care providers. Nothing could be further from the truth-however, they do often coexist. Knowing if more than one of these disorders is present is extremely important, because the treatment for one of them can often exacerbate the problems caused by the others. Written by a registered nurse and a psychologist who has been treating these conditions since 1994, this book presents an integrative medical approach to these three disorders with a strong emphasis on utilizing and strengthening the mind-body connection to restore well-being. The authors begin with clear diagnostic guidelines for each condition and reference the latest scientific research on what causes these illnesses. Because many medical practitioners are relatively unfamiliar with these disorders, it can take several medical visits to arrive at a definitive diagnosis. Clear communication with medical personnel is key to diagnostic success. This book provides invaluable advice on how to describe symptoms, document health history, and keep a log of medical appointments. Included are interactive worksheets to facilitate these activities. The authors provide a thorough guide to numerous treatment options-from diet, exercise, and herbs to mindfulness meditation, yoga, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They also offer techniques to dispel the "brain fog" that these illnesses can create, offer guidance on the psychological issues that accompany these chronic pain disorders, and provide advice on how to build a personal support team. The final chapter gives advice on how to navigate the health care system, including step-by-step instructions for preparing an application to the Social Security Administration for disability benefits. An extensive resource section provides a wealth of contact information for helpful agencies and organizations, good sources for medical supplies, and a wide selection of suggested further reading. In short, this integrative treatment guide will open the door not only to physical recovery but also to emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Record details

ISBN: 1594773238 (pbk.)
ISBN: 9781594773235 (pbk.)
Physical Description: xiv, 433 p. : ill. ; 28 cm.
print
Publisher: Rochester, Vt. : Healing Arts Press, c2010.

Content descriptions

Bibliography, etc. Note:

Includes bibliographical references (p. 370-422) and index.

Formatted Contents Note:

Foreword / Devin J Starlanyl -- Preface -- Acknowledgments -- Introduction -- 1: Fibromyalgia Pain, Chronic Fatigue Immunodysfunction, And Chronic Myofascial Pain From Trigger Points -- All about fibromyalgia -- Summary Exercise: FM -- Chronic fatigue immunodysfunction-the muster to master -- Summary Exercise: CFID -- Chronic myofascial pain-nerve to muscle -- Summary Exercise: CMP -- Chapter summary: FM/CMP-FM/CFID-Is it a double cross? -- Glossary of terms introduced in Chapter 1 that describe pain -- 2: Communicating Your Health Care Needs -- Relating your symptoms and health history -- Identifying aggravating and alleviating factors -- Coexisting conditions -- Communicating with your physician and other health care providers -- Summary Exercise: Clear expressions -- Useful tools for communicating with health care providers -- Medication log -- Symptom inventory sheet -- Anatomical diagram of pain -- Health history log -- 3: Dialogues Within And Without -- Journal writing: an internal dialogue -- Soliciting the support you need -- Sample letter soliciting support -- Relationships: Having them, keeping them, and knowing when to let them go -- Advocacy-a constructive way to vent -- Summary Exercise: Reaction to interaction -- Useful tools for inner and outer self-expression -- Baker's dozen: thirteen tips for expressing your feelings through poetry -- Interactive pain/energy meter -- It takes two to tango: rules for possibly the most important date in your relationship -- Sample advocacy letter -- 4: My Body Is Matter And It Matters -- Understanding and treating pain -- Managing your diet -- Exercise-use it or lose it -- Bodywork-toiling over the anatomy -- Medical specialists and therapists -- Health and functionality therapists -- Chapter conclusion -- Summary Exercise: Exercising your options -- Useful tools for a healthy lifestyle -- Diet assessment guide -- Stretches for every part of your body -- 5: Power Of Mind, Body, And Spirit -- Depression-overcoming the doldrums -- Spirituality -- Accepting what is -- Other paths -- Chapter conclusion -- Summary Exercise: Expanding your options -- Useful tools for connecting with your spiritual center -- Breathing meditation for people with FM, CFID, and CMP -- Guided meditation for healing -- New thoughts on insomnia -- 6: Dealing With Circuit Overload -- Brain fog-symptoms of blowout before a power failure -- Time management-an exercise in energy conservation -- Crisis management-dealing with major life events -- Chapter conclusion -- Summary Exercise: Unloading the gray matter -- 7: Approaching The System Systematically -- ADA and the EEOC -- Social Security Disability determination -- Patient rights -- Miscellaneous programs and help -- Confidentiality and HIPAA -- Chapter conclusion -- Useful tools for navigating the health care system -- Interaction worksheet for important calls and meetings -- Treating health care provider log -- Chronological health record -- Table for determining disability status for thoselimited to dedentary work -- Table for determining disability status for those capable of light physical work -- Epilogue -- Resources for maximizing health care, relationships, and emotional well-being -- Glossary of acronyms -- Notes -- About the authors -- Index.