Customer Reviews

Fibromyalgia and Muscle Pain: Your Self-Treatment Guide (Thorsons Health Series)

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I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia (meeting chronic fatigue syndrome criteria as well) several years ago, and I've read many books on the subject. This one is written for the intelligent lay person or healthcare practitioner; it's fairly easy to read and contains loads of useful information on diagnosing and treating fibromyalgia. I refer to it often for self-treatment and have ordered copies for several members of my healthcare team. The emphasis here is on treatments that have actually worked for patients, not on speculative causes and effects. Included are questionnaires on allergies, hyperventilation, candida, thyroid, food intolerances, anxiety, and low blood sugar, along with specific suggestions for treating these problems.

Of particular interest to me were the sections on breathing patterns and fibromyalgia. Dr. Chaitow discusses the chain reaction that takes place when you stop breathing deeply and regularly (because of pain, in most cases). Among other things, shallow and irregular breathing actually increase your perception of pain.

An excellent, fairly short reference volume for your fibromyalgia library (if you have fibromyalgia, you probably have one)... I recommend it highly.

I have read a number of books on Fibromyalgia (it is the topic of my Masters Thesis). Of everything I have read this book is the most thorough and complete. It includes everything from history to treatment and it is easy to understand.

Everything in the book is backed up by research references. All symptoms are explained as to their cause. Treatment options are available, many that a person can do themselves, like the importance of dealing with stress and getting enough sleep.

I recommend this book to both health care professionals as well as to FMS sufferers alike. There is something here for everyone.

I've already read this book twice and loaned it to my massage therapist so he can let his other FM clients know about it. It is especially good in establishing that FM is a "syndrome" -- meaning that it has lots of different aspects and helping the body heal any of those aspects lowers the total body load and frees up its resources for healing other aspects as well. This book also provides some excellent discussions on how FM develops -- including breath, posture, trigger points, sleep, fatigue, allergies, etc. Brought together and expanded many ideas I have developed on my own. Highly recommended.