Showing posts with label osteopathy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label osteopathy. Show all posts

Tuesday, 24 March 2009

Day 92 - Fibromyalgia

"FMS (fibromyalgia syndrome) is a widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue disorder for which the cause is still unknown. Fibromyalgia means pain in the fibrous tissues in the body.
The pain comes from the connective tissues, such as the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. FMS does not involve the joints, as does rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Most patients with fibromyalgia say that they ache all over. Their muscles may feel like they have been pulled or overworked. Sometimes the muscles twitch and at other times they burn. More women than men are afflicted with fibromyalgia, but it shows up in people of all ages.

Musculoskeletal pain and fatigue experienced by fibromyalgia syndrome patients is a chronic problem, which tends to have a waxing and waning intensity. There is currently no generally accepted cure for this condition. According to recent research, most patients can expect to have this problem lifelong.

Patients with fibromyalgia syndrome do not become crippled with the condition, nor is there any evidence it affects the duration of their expected life span. Nevertheless, due to varying levels of pain and fatigue, there is an inevitable contraction of social, vocational activities which leads to a reduced quality of life."*

*http://www.ukfibromyalgia.com/what-is-fm.html

I went to see the osteopath again today for my second session. He is also a psychotherapist.

He asked if there had been improvement after our first session and I told him unfortunately nothing had changed.

I explained my mother suffered from terrible migraines and also had fibromyalgia.

He explained that, from a psychological point of view, there is a possibility that I may be trying to alleviate my mother’s pain thereby inflicting it on myself.

He then told me that my headache may be the first symptom of fibromyalgia.

The possibility of having fibromyalgia sounds fatuous but it is nonetheless plausible. I do not suffer from the symptoms of the illness (I ‘only’ have a constant headache), and most people do not get it until they are older anyway.

I am nonetheless very upset and terrified about possibly having it. Having lived with a fibromyalgia sufferer - my mother -, I dread to think of what my life will become should I be inflicted with this illness.

I left the clinic feeling dejected, wretched and, all in all, very depressed.

Monday, 16 March 2009

Day 85 - Osteopathy


"Osteopathy recognises the importance of the link between the structure of the human body and the way it functions. Osteopaths focus on the body’s skeleton and joint function along with the underlying muscles, soft tissue and internal organs.

Osteopaths consider each person as an individual. Utilising a highly developed sense of touch, they identify problem areas of the body. Using gentle stretching and mobilising techniques as well as manipulating joints, an osteopath works with the body to create the perfect conditions to facilitate the healing process.

Treatment usually consists of a combination of soft-tissue releasing techniques, and some specific adjustments affecting joints and soft-tissues (muscles, tendons and ligaments).

Osteopathic treatment restores blood circulation, relaxing tight muscles and easing joint function, leaving you feeling less restricted and more comfortable."*

*http://www.osteopathy.org/MXENQ85VAJ
http://www.thebestof.co.uk/local/watford/business-guide/feature/backs-to-basics-osteopathy/51987

I am now back in London and very much hope to be able to solve my headache in the near future so as to resume work as soon as possible.

Lately I have thought about the possibility of having a trapped nerve.

I went to see an osteopath this morning who was recommended to me by a close friend. His step father had seen the very same osteopath who had worked wonders on him.

The osteopath in question specialised in cranial osteopathy and worked on my head, shoulder and facial muscles. He moved my muscles and joints using a number of diverse techniques including stretching, gentle pressure and resistance.

After the treatment, I felt light headed, dizzy and somewhat tearful. The osteopath explained that given all the work he had done on my body, these feelings were normal.

He asked me to return next week for the second treatment. In the meantime, he told me to try and relax and enjoy myself as much as possible as he believes this will very much contribute to ameliorating my headache.