Photo by Jesper Aggergaard on Unsplash
Pain, what is it good for? Absolutely nothing!
Well, that’s not entirely true; when pain is doing its job properly, it tells you when something is wrong. Imagine falling off a bike and continuing your day, not knowing you just severely sprained your wrist because you have the super-power to not feel pain. That sprained wrist can lead to further complication that could have been avoided if only your pal, pain, was there to let you know.
But sometimes pain does its job too well; to the point where you’re feeling it all over your body for no apparent reason. This can lead to mental and emotional distress, which then causes sleep problems and fatigue7. Unfortunately, this is a very real condition known as fibromyalgia, which affects about 2% of adults in the US7.
What Is Fibromyalgia?
Historically, the condition has been misunderstood due to its striking similarities with other illnesses, making diagnoses a difficult endeavor for healthcare providers1.
Along with the previously mentioned symptoms, here are others typically associated with Fibromyalgia:
●Chronic Muscular and Skeletal Pain
●Difficulty Concentrating/Focusing
●Headaches and Migraines
●Depression, Stress and/or Anxiety
●Dry Eyes
●Digestive Problems (IBS)
This long-term, chronic condition does not participate in ageism and can be found in children and adults. It’s worth noting though that most individuals are diagnosed in their adult-stages of life, which is when you’re more likely to develop fibromyalgia7. Unfortunately, there’s no known cure, but there are methods that can reduce your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life1.
Photo by Robina Weermeijer on Unsplash
Treating Fibromyalgia
Since suffers of this rare illness are normally experiencing more than one symptom simultaneously, there is no one medication/therapy, but rather, a combination of the two for treatment6. For medication, doctors will recommend pain relievers, anti-seizure drugs, and anti-depressants. With regards to therapy, fibromyalgia sufferers are encouraged to participate in physical and occupational therapy, while general counseling is encouraged for positive re-enforcement6. All these (medications and therapies) are used in different combinations with one another depending on the patients’ symptoms. These are widely used, proven clinical methods, but there are also alternatives that can complement your doctor’s prescriptions and/or recommendations.
Some recognized examples would be acupuncture, message therapy and yoga. All 3 can safely relax your body, which in turn reduces stress and pain6. However, depending on where you live, having access to an acupuncturist or massage therapist can be limited; and if there’s no local yoga studio, you’re stuck teaching yourself via online videos. Luckily for you, there’s a 4th trusted way to reduce fibromyalgia symptoms!
Photo by Radu Florin on Unsplash
Infrared Saunas and How They Help You Fight Fibromyalgia Pain
As a quick introduction, infrared saunas are a dry alternative to traditional saunas. They heat your body from the inside out using infrared waves; unlike their older siblings who use steam or other convention heating methods. Your choice between which type of sauna you’d enjoy is strictly a personal preference.
Heat therapy has been used for thousands of years, ranging from the treatment of heart conditions to psychological disorders2. Here at JNH Lifestyles, we offer a high-quality, economical solution to your sauna needs. Our customers have often compared the heat of our infrared saunas to a warm hug. This warmth has been proven to subdue pain and has long-term positive effects with regular usage. If you’ve ever experienced fibro fog, then imagine being able to sit in your own personal sauna within the comfort of your home. Infrared heat tricks your body into thinking it’s exercising by increasing your heart rate, which is a recommended remedy when experiencing fibro fog3.
We offer an assortment of infrared saunas that can alleviate your fibromyalgia pain. When you’re ready to jump into the Joyful, Natural and Healthy lifestyle, please take a moment to see our selection. We have a team of specialists that are always there to help you should you have any questions.
References
1Cherney, Kimberly. (2019). “Everything You Need to Know About Fibromyalgia.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 10 October 2019, https://www.healthline.com/health/fibromyalgia
2Papaioannou, Theodore G et al., (2016). “Heat therapy: an ancient concept re-examined in the era of advanced biomedical technologies.” NCBI, The Journal of Physiology, 1 December 2016, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5134406/#tjp7464-bib-0003
3Zelman, David. (2019). “Fibro Fog and Fatigue.” WebMD, WebMD LLC., 13 August 2019, https://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/guide/fibromyalgia-and-fatigue#1
4“Fibro Fog.” Arthritis, Arthritis Foundation, https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/more-about/fibro-fog
5“Sauna Types.” Saunasociety, North American Sauna Society, https://www.saunasociety.org/sauna-types
6(2017). “Fibromyalgia.” Mayoclinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 11 August 2017, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibromyalgia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354785
7(2017). “Fibromyalgia.” CDC, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 11 October 2017, https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/fibromyalgia/
8(2017). “What’s More Effective: Convection or Radiant Heating.” Newair, NewAir and NewAir.com, 27 December 2017, https://www.newair.com/blogs/learn/convection-heating-vs-radiant-heating
