The Development of Chronic Pain

It is my opinion, based on the observations of hundreds of people with the diagnosis of fibromyalgia, that the symptoms that collectively make up fibromyalgia are not directly a disease but the body's reaction to an underlying cause.

The body reacts to all stressful situations with a reaction specifically designed to protect you from immediate harm. This is known as the fight or flight reaction and includes pupil dilation, increased muscle tone, and decreased relaxation and production of fluid by the body such as mucus and saliva. At the same time, the body is unable to rest or rebuild itself and slowly breaks down.

Luckily, if you have the diagnosis of fibromyalgia, your pain is not indicative of a life threatening disease. You do however have an underlying stress on your body which prohibits the optimal function of your body and results in sore muscles, fatigue, and usually related bowel dysfunctions.

It is important to not solely address the obvious symptomatic points such as tender points but to treat the asymptomatic abnormalities that result in undue stress on the body.

An intensive interview is necessary to learn what your specific situation is that may have caused your body to maintain this heightened level of alert. Do not search for a practitioner that only uses one style of treatment. Find a professional that is able to see you and your problem with the diversity that it began with.

John V. Murphy, PT

Feel free to write us with any questions or comments you may have.  Our email address is corept@nycap.rr.com