Given the potential problems that can obscure any scientific enterprise, inconsistent results across studies are bound to occur. How are we to decide what is true? Let's turn to philosophy for a reasonable answer. The mathematician-philosopher Bertrand Russell approached a similar problem in his monograph The Problems of Philosophy (Russell B, 1912). He addressed the following question: How do we know that anything is "real"? Is the only reality subjective and simply in our minds, as Bishop Berkley challenged, or can we mostly believe the objective reality? His pragmatic answer: All possibilities may be true, but when the preponderance of evidence indicates that objective reality and knowledge are the most probable case, go with it. If the preponderance of all evidence about the clinical description of fibromyalgia and it's pathogenic mechanisms and treatment strategies indicate a highly probable interrelated hypothesis, go with it. The direction of the literature on the whole trumps the less likely tangents. At the same time, remember Bertrand Russell and his pragmatic answer, and keep an open mind.

Discover new findings on musculoskeletal pain from experts around the world! This comprehensive book gives you new insights into musculoskeletal disorders which are among the major sources of chronic pain and disability. Although much remains to be explored in the muscle pain domain, the results of the many studies conducted have undoubtedly led to an improvement in diagnostic tools and knowledge about pathophysiological mechanisms of the various syndromes. Muscle Pain, Myofascial Pain, and Fibromyalgia is a comprehensive update on the latest developments in musculoskeletal pain and a valuable point of reference for both patients and scientists in this field. Muscle Pain, Myofascial Pain, and Fibromyalgia: Recent Advances covers the developments in musculoskeletal pain research that were presented at the MYOPAIN '98 Congresses in Silvi Marina, Italy. This work explores the results of basic and applied research regarding soft-tissue pain, with a strong focus on skeletal muscle physiology and related clinical syndromes. Muscle Pain, Myofascial Pain, and Fibromyalgia offers you the widest possible range of topics in the context of muscle pain disorders as well as a variety of clinical and experimental approaches to the different aspects of the problem. This important and informative book also gives you a detailed account of the Consensus Meeting on Diagnostic Criteria of Myofascial Pain Syndromes, which was held at the end of the Congress. Some of the topics related to musculoskeletal pain that you will explore in Muscle Pain, Myofascial Pain, and Fibromyalgia include: neurogenic inflammation in muscle pain treating myofascial pain by reducing activity of trigger points and tender spots using specific drugs and physical therapy therapeutic approaches to muscle pain for patients with myoarthropathies neurochemical pathogenesis of fibromyalgia syndrome treatments for fibromyalgia syndrome, such as the use of amitriptyline (2-6) and cyclobenzaprine (7-11) findings on tests to identify myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia differential diagnosis problems when chronic myalgia is not the main symptom because other infective ailments, such as Lyme disease or HIV, are prevalent and may cause myalgia to become a secondary diagnosis As a health care professional or someone who suffers from musculoskeletal pain, you will discover that the findings in Muscle Pain, Myofascial Pain, and Fibromyalgia are invaluable for your use and the continued clinical and basic research of this growing field.

Compassionate and practical guidance on the causes, symptoms, and patterns of fibromyalgia, the latest drug treatments, lifestyle solutions and alternative therapies, including acupuncture and massage.

Medically unexplained symptoms and somatisation are the fifth most common reason for visits to doctors in the USA, and form one of the most expensive diagnostic categories in Europe. The range of disorders involved includes irritable bowel syndrome, chronic widespread pain and chronic fatigue syndrome. This book reviews the current literature, clarifies and disseminates clear information about the size and scope of the problem, and discusses current and future national and international guidelines. It also identifies barriers to progress and makes evidence-based recommendations for the management of medically unexplained symptoms and somatisation. Written and edited by leading experts in the field, this authoritative text defines international best practice and is an important resource for psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, primary care doctors and those responsible for establishing health policy.

Fibromyalgia is a severe musculoskeletal pain and fatigue syndrome that afflicts approximately 3 to 6 million Americans. Fibromyalgia: The Complete Guide from Medical Experts and Patients is a compilation of a diverse group of health care practitioners and a comprehensive guide for patients and families. The book provides authoritative, practical advice and answers to common questions about this condition to help patients and families achieve a greater understanding of all aspects of dealing with fibromyalgia. Physicians incorporate newest research on fibromyalgia. This resource offers material never presented in any other fibromyalgia book. the research presented by an experienced psychiatrist on ADHD, concurrent with fibromyalgia and chronic pain, Is innovative offering a piece of the puzzle that has been previously ignored and may offer new hope and insight to those with chronic pain. Patients give first hand accounts of how they have effectively improved their functionality and pain levels by incorporating suggestions outlined in the book. This valuable resource breaks down complex medical issues into understandable terms, and focuses on the most important things readers need to know to understand and manage fibromyalgia.

Debilitating pain and tenderness in muscles, ligaments, and tendons are the typical symptoms of fibromyalgia, and this guide by a medical researcher of the disease dismisses traditional treatment—heat, exercise, and rest—in favor of antiviral medications that often provide immediate relief and eventual complete recovery. Offering new hope for advances in treatment, the discussion covers the difficulty of diagnosing fibromyalgia, the overlaps with chronic fatigue syndrome, the unrelatedness of arthritis, and the possibility that food allergies may trigger attacks. Patient success stories along the way encourage readers while data samples, references, and appendices provide clinical details.