Fibromyalgia For Dummies

Introduction 1

Part I: The What, When, and Why of Fibromyalgia 7

Chapter 1: Yes, Fibromyalgia Is Real 9

Chapter 2: Recognizing Key Symptoms of Fibromyalgia 21

Chapter 3: Understanding Possible Causes of Fibromyalgia 37

Chapter 4: Understanding Fibromyalgia Pain 57

Part II: Finding Out Whether You Have Fibromyalgia 67

Chapter 5: Who Gets Picked to Have Fibromyalgia? 69

Chapter 6: Identifying Diseases Often Confused with Fibromyalgia 75

Chapter 7: Working with a Good Fibromyalgia Doc: You Need a True Believer 93

Chapter 8: Getting Physical: Your Initial Exam and Diagnosis 105

Part III: Looking At All Your Treatment Options 119

Chapter 9: Medicating the Problem: Over-the-Counter Drugs May Help 121

Chapter 10: Prescribing Health with Medications 131

Chapter 11: Using Hands-On Therapies 147

Chapter 12: Considering Alternative Remedies and Treatments 161

Part IV: Modifying Your Lifestyle: Small Changes, Big Results 175

Chapter 13: Depressurizing Yourself: Controlling the Stress-Eyed Monster 177

Chapter 14: Sweet Dreams! Combating Sleep Disorders 189

Chapter 15: Exercising, Losing Weight, and Avoiding Trigger Foods and Drinks 203

Chapter 16: Coping with Emotions: Your Own 217

Part V: Managing Fibromyalgia at Work and at Home 227

Chapter 17: Working with Fibromyalgia — Or Going on Disability 229

Chapter 18: Helping Loved Ones Deal with Your Fibromyalgia 243

Chapter 19: Helping Someone You Care About Who’s Hurting 257

Chapter 20: Parenting a Child or Adolescent with Fibromyalgia 267

Part VI: The Part of Tens 279

Chapter 21: Ten Alternative Remedies That Help People with Fibromyalgia 281

Chapter 22: Ten Mistakes to Avoid When You Have Fibromyalgia 287

Chapter 23: Ten Ways to Beat the Effects of Brain Fog 293

Chapter 24: Ten Myths about Fibromyalgia 297

Part VII: Appendixes 301

Appendix A: Glossary 303

Appendix B: Fibromyalgia Medications 307

Appendix C: Resources and Support 315

Index 321