Integrative Therapies for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Myofascial Pain: The Mind- Body Connection

Fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, and chronic fatigue are often seen as interchangeable. However, treatment of one can exacerbate the others. This thorough guide to natural treatments also offers techniques to dispel the "brain fog" that these disorders often create.

Celeste Cooper, R.N., worked as a nurse and nurse educator for more than 20 years before being diagnosed with fibromyalgia, chronic myofascial pain, and chronic fatigue syndrome. She is now an advocate for sufferers of these disorders and lives in Missouri and Arizona. Jeffrey Miller, Ph.D., is a psychologist specializing in chronic illness from a spiritual perspective. He lives in Missouri.

Foreword by 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
A 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    The 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    Aproaching the System Systematically

The 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 Those Limited to Sedentary 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