Fibromyalgia for Dummies

Remember the body aches you experienced the last time you had a bad flu? Now multiply that pain times ten and you have some idea of what everyday life can be like for fibromyalgia sufferers. A chronic medical condition characterized mainly by pain in the muscles and tendons throughout the entire body, fibromyalgia is known to afflict more than 6 million people in the United States and millions more around the world. Yet, many people, including some doctors, think that “fibromyalgia” is just another word for “hypochondria.”

If you have fibromyalgia you have some idea of how frustrating it is to have your suffering dismissed by your friends, family, and coworkers, and how hard it can be to find professional help in managing your disease. Now for the good news: Written by one of the world’s leading experts on fibromyalgia, Fibromyalgia For Dummies is a complete, easy-to-use guide to coping with chronic pain and other symptoms associated with that disease. You get expert advice and guidance on how to:

• Determine if you have fibromyalgia
• Minimize pain
• Control fatigue and dramatically boost your energy level
• Sleep better
• Find the right doctor to help manage your problem
• Know which foods to eat and which to avoid
• Develop an exercise routine
• Manage the strains on your work and family lives

Dr. Roland Staud offers you immediate relief from the physical and emotional pain of fibromyalgia with. He fills you in on the latest science on what fibromyalgia is and how you get it, and he offers a wealth of practical information on:

• The pros and cons of traditional prescription medications
• Over-the-counter remedies and how to use them
• Alternative therapies that can help, including herbs, supplements, botox, acupuncture, aromatherapy and more
• Life-style changes that help ease your pain
• Managing the emotional stress associated with fibromyalgia

A gold mine of expert information and guidance, Fibromyalgia For Dummies will help you feel better and live and happier, more productive life—starting today.

Roland Staud, M.D., is a diplomat of the American Board of Rheumatology. He is dedicated to treating fibromyalgia patients.

Christine Adamec has been a freelance writer for more than 20 years, concentrating on self-help and medical/health issues. She has authored and coauthored 14 books, including The Encyclopedia of Diabetes (Facts On File, Inc.), How to Stop Heartburn (Wiley), and Moms with ADD: A Self-Help Manual (Taylor), as well as written numerous magazine and newspaper health features.
Ms. Adamec is a member of the American Medical Writers Association, the American Society of Journalists & Authors, and the Authors Guild.