Fibromyalgia For Dummies

The pain you suffer from fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is not in your imagination. FMS is a real medical problem that can be as debilitating and demoralizing as it is mysterious. Fibromyalgia For Dummies, Second Edition, brings you the latest scientific findings on the symptoms and causes of this disease and guides you toward proven, practical steps you can take reduce or eliminate FMS-related pain.This plain-English guide is fully updated with the latest fibromyalgia treatment options, and evaluations of new medications that have shown great promise in reducing pain. You'll discover how to spot an array of symptoms and their possible causes, work with your physician to develop a treatment plan, and manage your pain at home and in the office. You'll learn how to: Identify your FMS trigger points Cope with chronic pain and sleep problems Find medications that work for you Locate a physician who can really help you Make healing lifestyle changes Use hands-on therapies to alleviate pain Find effective over-the-counter and prescription medications Choose among alternative therapies and treatments Reduce the emotional distress caused by FMS Help a child with FMSFeaturing moving and inspiring stories from fellow FMS sufferers who share their stories and offer invaluable tips on working your way back to wellness, Fibromyalgia for Dummies, Second Edition offers serious and sensitive guidance to help you overcome FMS and start being yourself again.

Roland Staud, MD, is a rheumatologist and a professor of medicine at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida, as well as a noted and internationally renowned medical researcher. Dr. Staud’s continuing and cuttingedge research on fibromyalgia is supported by the National Institutes of Health and other funding organizations. His research has clearly demonstrated that patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) have detectable central nervous system abnormalities of pain processing resulting in increased pain sensitivity and prolonged pain experiences.
Dedicated to helping FMS patients by sharing his knowledge as much as possible, Dr. Staud is greatly appreciated by attendees at major national and international fibromyalgia and arthritis conferences, where he is a frequent speaker. He is also on the editorial boards of Pain and European Journal of Pain. In addition, he is a reviewer for the Clinical Journal of Pain, Journal of Pain, European Journal of Pain, and Pain. He has authored many medical journal articles on fibromyalgia and other topics.
Dr. Staud is a diplomate of the American Board of Rheumatology and the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is a member of the American College of Rheumatology, the International Association for the Study of Pain, the American Pain Society, and the International MYOPAIN Society. Dr. Staud is licensed to practice medicine in Florida.

Christine Adamec has been a freelance writer for more than 20 years, concentrating on self-help and medical/health issues. She has authored or coauthored 14 books, including The Encyclopedia of Diabetes (Facts On File, Inc.) and How to Stop Heartburn (Wiley), and has written numerous magazine and newspaper health features. Ms. Adamec is a member of the American Society of Journalists & Authors.