- Fibromyalgia affects 3 to 6 million Americans, with 80-90% being women who are usually diagnosed in middle age. - It is characterized by widespread pain in the muscles and soft tissues. Common symptoms include fatigue, sleep issues, headaches, and tender points in various areas of the body. - While drugs can help manage symptoms, natural therapies like exercise, stress reduction, and nutrition have shown more long-term promise for fibromyalgia sufferers. Regular exercise in particular can help reduce pain and fatigue and improve overall health.

1. Understanding Fibromyalgia A Holistic Approach to Chronic Pain and Fatigue Ferguson Family Chiropractic Exit 9 – The Crossings, Clifton Park 383.5595 www.forlifetimewellness.com

3. Fibromyalgia is a complicated condition. Many physicians who are not familiar with this disorder feel there are no clear-cut answers. However, people need effective relief, support and guidance.

4. FIBRO: from fiber or fibrous – tissues. MY: from myo – meaning muscle. ALGOS: from algia – meaning pain. IA: meaning state of, or condition. Here is how the word “Fibromyalgia” breaks down:

5. Fibromyalgia simply means a condition which is characterized by pain in the muscles and soft tissue fibers of the body.

6. • It is the third most prevalent rheumatologic disorder (after osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis). • It represents 5% of family practice office visits and 20% of rheumatism visits. Incidence of Fibromyalgia:

7. • Approximately 90% of Fibromyalgia patients are women between the ages of 40 and 60 years with an average age of 49. • Of the 10 to 20% of cases that affect males, the presentation (of symptoms and care of) is no different than that for women. Incidence of Fibromyalgia: Source: Cox, James, M., Low Back Pain: Mechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment , Chapter 7, pg. 251

9. “ Anyone with widespread and/or poorly localized musculoskeletal pain, without signs of an actual disease, are just lumped into the general category of ‘Fibromyalgia’ by their medical physician. This is very unfortunate and also very avoidable .” Source: Bennett, R.M., “Myofacial Pain Syndromes and Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Comparative Analysis”. Man Med 1991; 6(1): pp. 34-45

11. • Chronic fatigue • Tiring easily • Morning stiffness • Urinary urgency • Anxiety or stress Other Symptoms Include: Source: Wolfe, F., “Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia,” Journal of Musculoskeletal Medicine 1990: 7(7): pp. 53-69.

14. So you can see if the types of symptoms you have are related to Fibromyalgia, please fill out this survey with me now:

15. If you do, let me tell you what it means. If you have more than one symptom, or the one symptom you have occurs more than once per week, you have a situation you should be concerned about. It’s never normal to have a symptom. A symptom is your body’s way of communicating to you that something is not right and needs to be checked. Do you have more than one symptom?

16. Would you check your car if the engine light went on? Symptoms are a warning that something is wrong. There is no such thing as a normal symptom. You would check your car to make sure it did not get worse. Your body deserves the same attention.

17. Today you have two choices regarding your health. You can do the same things you’re currently doing, and get the same results, or you can try something new and do something different and get a different result. The Choice is Yours.

18. If I could show you today how to get rid of your problems by doing something natural and affordable, would you do it? Raise your hand if you would.

21. Source: Modified from Wolfe, F., et al, by the American College of Rheumatology. People with Fibromyalgia will also have tender points at these locations on their body.

22. If you experience tenderness in any number of these locations, it may indicate that you are suffering from Fibromyalgia. Only by being examined by a trained physician, can the diagnosis be properly made.

23. The following trigger points of Fibromyalgia appear in this diagram in order of frequency. Source: Sabley, B.J., Malic Acid and Magnesium for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Syndrome , 1999, p. 16.

24. A Chiropractor, because he or she works with their hands, can recognize and detect these tender points.

25. 1. A drug-free approach: natural therapies that support the body’s innate ability to heal itself, or 2. Drugs such as: Lyrica ® , Cymbalta ® , Elavil ® , Endep ® , Flexeril ® , Prozac ® , Paxil ® , Zoloft ® , Advil ® , Motrin ® , Aleve ® , etc. There are two possible approaches to treating Fibromyalgia: Source: Cox, James, M., Low Back Pain: Mechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment , Chapter 7, pg. 251

26. Elavil ® , Endep ® , and Flexeril ® are widely used at night to modulate sleep disturbance. However, it appears that in long-term therapy the benefits may be lost and the side effects are often daunting. Source: Cox, James, M., Low Back Pain: Mechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment , Chapter 7, pg. 251

27. Source: Campbell, S.M., Gatter, R.A., Clark, S., et al. A Double-Blind Study of Cyclobenzaprine versus Placebo in Patients with Fibrositis [Abstract], Arthritis Rheumatology 1986; 29: pg. 1371. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Motrin ® , Aleve ® , Advil ® , including generic ibuprofen, and acetaminophen, etc., are often not sufficient to relieve the aching and discomfort. Drugs only mask the symptoms.

30. • Trauma or stress The causes of Fibromyalgia include: • Irritated nerves • Lack of exercise • Nutritional deficiencies, or • Toxicity

31. A multifaceted healthcare treatment plan including exercise therapy, stress reduction, nutrition and Chiropractic care, has shown the most promise for Fibromyalgia sufferers. Source: Cox, James, M., Low Back Pain: Mechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment , Chapter 7, pg. 251

32. Let’s take a look at the following natural approaches, which have proven to be effective in handling the problem of Fibromyalgia.

33. Research has indicated that more than 80% of patients with Fibromyalgia are not physically fit. Source: Goldman, J.A., “Hypermobility and Deconditioning: Important Links to Fibromyalgia/Fibrositis,” South Med J 1991; 84: 192-1196 1. Exercise

34. Although it is understandable that Fibromyalgia patients do not want to exercise because of fatigue and pain, if they do so, the prognosis is greatly improved.

36. A recent study followed 40,000 post-menopausal women for seven years. Those who regularly engaged in moderate activities had a 41% longer lifespan than those who did not exercise. Source: Journal of the American Medical Association, as featured in Consumer Reports on Health , April 1998.

37. A seven-year study by the University of Minnesota involving 12,000 men found that those who walked or did similar exercise for an average of just 20 minutes a day were 37% less likely to die of coronary disease than those who exercised less than that. Source: Journal of the American Medical Association, as featured in Consumer Reports on Health , April 1998.

39. Many Fibromyalgia patients remember a specific triggering event associated with an abrupt onset of the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. 2. Stress Reduction

40. These events often include physical stress, such as an illness or a virus; or emotional stress, such as marital difficulties, loneliness, job dissatisfaction, boredom, lack of purpose in life, etc.

41. Stress is destructive to the body due to the over release of hormones from the adrenal glands. The adrenal hormone cortisol acts like cortisone and reduces inflammation. When under prolonged stress, one’s immune system becomes weakened and this, along with cortisol imbalances, can contribute to the symptoms of Fibromyalgia.

42. What are some things you can do to naturally reduce the harmful effects of stress? • Go for a walk • Laugh more • Yoga, Pilates, TaiChi, stretch • Massage • Accountability partner, support • Epsom salt bath

44. California State University found that a 10 minute walk is enough to increase energy, alter mood and affect a positive outlook for up to 2 hours. Thirty-one million people walk for exercise on a regular basis. Source: Stress: 63 Ways to Relieve Tension and Stay Healthy . Inlander, Charles, B., and Moran, Cynthia, pg. 45.

45. Researchers at Loma Linda University showed that comedy lowers the body’s level of stress, thereby lowering blood pressure and increasing white blood cells and one’s immunity. Source: Stress: 63 Ways to Relieve Tension and Stay Healthy . Inlander, Charles, B., and Moran, Cynthia, pg. 45.

47. Reducing caffeine, taking Vitamin C and B complex, and other nutrients can help offset stress and will rebuild the adrenal glands.

48. Eat and drink only those things that are healthy for your body. Stay away from any junk food. 3. Nutrition and Diet

50. Besides avoiding junk food, you need also to avoid “trans-fatty acids”. According to Walter Willet, M.D., of the Harvard School of Public Health: “Eating trans-fatty acids, particularly margarine, kills from 30,000 to 100,000 people every year from heart disease.” Source: Willett WC, Ascherio A., Trans Fatty Acids and Coronary Heart Disease: Are the effects only marginal? American Journal Public Health 1994; 84:722-724.

51. Trans-fatty acids (or “trans-fats”) include: Margarine, vegetable shortening (e.g. original Crisco ® ); fried foods: doughnuts, french fries, and other deep-fried fast food items. Trans-fatty acids are also widely used in commercially prepared foods containing partially hydrogenated oils: crackers, cookies, cakes, pastries, microwave popcorn and other snack foods. Source: Article written by Jane Borchers, Preventive Cardiology Clinic, Stanford Hospital and Clinics, October 2004

52. Drink lots of spring water. The recommended amount of water that you should consume in a day can be determined by taking your weight and dividing it in half: 140 pounds ÷ 2 = 70oz. (or nine 8oz. cups) This is the number of ounces of water that you should be drinking on a daily basis.

53. In a study published in Environmental Science and Technology , drugs such as antibiotics, hormones, strong pain killers, tranquilizers, and those used in chemotherapy, have been measured in surface, ground, and tap water. In fact, the U.S. water supply has contained 10 times the antibiotics as the German water supply! You must drink spring or filtered water! Source: USA Today Health , November 8, 2000, www.usatoday.com; Environmental Research Foundation, #614 “Drugs in Tap Water,” September 3, 1998, www.rachel.org.

55. Aluminum toxicity may play a role in symptoms experienced by magnesium deficient Fibromyalgia patients, as magnesium is required by the body to help block the toxic effects of aluminum. Source: Sabley, Billie, J., Ph.D., Malic Acid and Magnesium for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Syndrome , 1999, pg. 11. 4. Toxicity

57. Malic acid can act as a most potent aluminum detoxifier, and it is especially effective at decreasing aluminum toxicity in the brain. Source: Sabley, Billie, J., Ph.D., Malic Acid and Magnesium for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Syndrome , 1999, pg. 11.

60. • Aluminum cookware • Aluminum soda cans • Table salt • Antacids and baking soda • Underarm anti-perspirants/ deodorants Where does aluminum toxicity come from?

61. Toxic habits that contribute to poor overall body efficiency include: smoking tobacco, drinking coffee, soft drinks and alcohol… Source: Goldberg, Paul A., “Fibromyalgia: Understanding Its Causes and Resolutions”, Today’s Chiropractic , May/June 1998, pg. 88.

62. … and a variety of prescription and non-prescription drugs.

63. A more complete Fibromyalgia treatment would include cleansing the body of toxic chemicals as well as taking malic acid and magnesium.

65. The specific re-alignment of the spine to reduce pressure on the nerves is called an adjustment . Nerve pressure reduction through spinal adjustments

69. Physical stress causes tension to build up in the muscles and joints of the body. This tension causes alterations in the normal structural alignment of the spine. Tension build-up can actually cause greater irritation and heightened sensitivity of the nervous system.

70. Have you ever had a pebble in your shoe? The pebble irritated a nerve. Nerves are extremely sensitive.

71. Numerous research studies have shown that stress-related problems responded favorably to Chiropractic care. For example, in a study done on 75 male and female subjects, Chiropractic treatment caused a marked drop in high blood pressure after only one minute. Source: Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics , Volume 2, No. 4, August 1998.

72. A clinical study was done on a group of patients suffering with ulcers, comparing traditional medical care and Chiropractic care. The group receiving Chiropractic care experienced pain relief an average of 10 days earlier than the group under medical care. Source: The International Journal of Chiropractic , Vol. 8, No.3, 1997.

73. In another published study, Chiropractic care had definitive positive effects on a person’s health, including: increased cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary (heart and lung) health; decreased stress, anxiety and depression; increased energy levels; and a substantially decreased use of prescription and over-the-counter drugs. SOURCE: “Objective Physiologic Changes and Health Benefits of Chiropractic Adjustments” Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research , April, 2004.

74. In his article “The Clinical Syndrome of Fibrositis, ” Rheumatologist Dr. Frederick Wolfe, M.D., states: “Most patients with Fibromyalgia who have received Chiropractic adjustments reported moderate to great improvement.” Source: Wolfe, F., “The Clinical Syndrome of Fibrositis,” American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitaion, 1986; 81 (Supplement 3A), pp. 7-14

75. In a study reported in the American Journal of Physical Medicine Rehabilitation , Chiropractic care scored amongst the most effective measures to treat Fibromyalgia. This is noteworthy as it shows Chiropractic care is more effective than drugs. Source: Waylouis, W.G., Heck, W., “Fibromyalgia Syndrome: New Associations,” American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation , 1992; 71: pp. 343-348.

76. Chiropractors, because of their extensive education in the areas of spinal manipulation, nutrition, trigger point therapy, and exercise, are ideally suited for the management and improvement of Fibromyalgia, and they have the means to afford Fibromyalgia suffers the greatest relief and improvement of any healthcare provider.

77. To reduce the harmful effects of Fibromyalgia and similar symptoms, an effective treatment should include Chiropractic adjustments of the spine including trigger point therapy…

78. … Moderate cardiovascular exercise and stretching…

79. … Nutritional intervention…

80. … Rest and stress reduction.

81.  To identify subluxations through specialized, scientific chiropractic analysis & monitor nerve function  To provide a program of chiropractic care appropriate for each individual.  To educate our community on how to live healthier so they subluxate less. Our Chiropractic Vision Take responsibility for your health or: 1. life of sickness 2. not good candidate for my office

83. Anne’ story May August November

84. A Gift.

85. Let me explain what the gift is: it’s the opportunity to receive, free of charge, a comprehensive wellness consultation and screening.

86. The consultation will help us find what you have done to injure your body. Bodies break down because of injury or abuse. If we can find out from your history why your health has been lost, we can plan a way to recover it. This will be the most thorough consultation you have ever received. It will be followed by a screening to determine if we can actually help you.

87. Some doctors would charge up to $300 for the time we would spend with you. However, I am offering you this as a gift, which means there would be no charge to you.

88. Let me tell you why I’m making it a gift. It’s because I don’t want anything to get in the way of finding out if we can help you. My purpose is to help as many people as possible, and I don’t want you to have any barrier.

89. To indicate you would like this gift, please check the box on the bottom of your survey, which indicates you would like a free evaluation. √