The Fibromyalgia Handbook - Softcover

Harris H. McIlwain

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0805046720 ISBN 13: 9780805046724

Publisher: Owl Books, 1996

Synopsis

Breakthrough traditional and alternative treatments that will change the way you feel.

More than 10 million Americans, mostly women, suffer the debilitating symptoms of fibromyalgia. Since this book was first published in l996, awareness of fibromyalgia has increased dramatically, as has the need for reliable, up-to-date information on the many breakthrough medications and treatments. In this revised edition, Dr. McIlwain includes a full discussion of the much touted guaifenesin and other new and experimental medications, explaining what is hype and what is hope. He also gives the latest unconventional alternative therapies such as Aryuveda and Bodywork that are safe to supplement his own treatment plan, as well as expanding sections of complementary treatments such as chiropractic, herbal therapy, and homeopathy that work to relieve symptoms. With Dr. McIlwain's seven-step program, sufferers will learn how to manage this disease and even reverse its progression in most cases.

About this title

Reviews

Fibromyalgia is a misunderstood, misdiagnosed disease whose symptoms include severe muscle pain, fatigue, sleep problems, and depression. The sufferers, mostly middle-aged women, don't get much respect, and in the past, patients were often told the disease was in their heads. Now it is recognized as an arthritis-related condition, and finally, attempts are being made to treat it. In this volume, the authors (a doctor and a health writer) offer information on the latest treatments, physical therapies, and nutritional supplements as well as a list of organizations and information systems. A helpful, easily understood guide for an illness about which little is written. Ilene Cooper

Fibromyalgia affects more than ten million Americans, largely women, ages 40 or older, and causes severe muscle pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and depression. It rates as the most common arthritis-related disease, next to osteoarthritis, and as a commonly misdiagnosed syndrome. To help in controlling this difficult health problem, arthritis specialist McIlwain outlines a multistep program of medical treatment (moist heat, medication, ultrasound, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, or TENS), exercise and fitness, stress relief, complementary approaches (chiropractic, massage therapy, acupuncture, biofeedback, and homeopathic treatment), nutrition and diet, and support groups. A useful appendix of exercises, a list of references and supporting research, and some frequently asked questions will assist in the patient's treatment. Recommended, especially when read in tandem with Devin Starlanyl and Mary Ellen Copeland's more comprehensive Fibromyalgia and Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Survival Manual (LJ 9/15/96).?Janet Coggan, Univ. of Florida Libs., Gainesville
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Owl Books
• Publication date: 1996
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0805046720
• ISBN 13: 9780805046724
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 194