Fibromyalgia (formerly fibrositis), affecting millions all over the globe, is a syndrome characterized by chronic pain, stiffness, and tenderness of muscles, tendons, and joints without detectable inflammation.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of fibromyalgia vary from person to person. The following are some of the common symptoms observed:
- pain;
- fatigue; and
- mental and/or emotional disturbances.
The pain of fibromyalgia is widespread, involving both sides of the body. Pain usually affects the neck, buttocks, shoulders, arms, the upper back, and the chest. When touched, "tender points," which are localized tender areas of the body, bring widespread pain and muscle spasm. These tender points, or pressure points, are normally found around the elbows, shoulders, knees, hips, back of the head, and the sides of the breastbone.
Fatigue occurs in approximately 90% of patients which may be related to abnormal sleep patterns. Patients with fibromyalgia lack the deep, restorative level of sleep (non-rapid-eye-movement [non-REM]) sleep.
Mental and/or emotional disturbances may occur in over half of people with fibromyalgia which includes poor concentration, amnesia, mood swings, irritability, depression, and anxiety.
Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include the following:
- numbness or tingling of different parts of the body;
- abdominal pain related to irritable bowel syndrome;
- migraine and tension headaches;
- irritable bladder;
- painful and frequent urination;
- tinnitus; and
- paresthesia (burning sensations in hands and feet).
The Practice and Types of Tai Chi
Tai chi, a centuries-old Chinese martial art, originates from qigong, an ancient Chinese discipline that has its roots in traditional Chinese medicine.
Tai chi involves a sequence of slow, meditative body movements which were initially designed for self-defense and to stimulate inner peace and calm.
The three most popular styles of tai chi are Yang, Wu, and tai chi chih. The yang style in its many variations is a very demanding and widely-practiced style. The Wu style is much gentler and it's regarded as the second most popular form. The tai chi chih is the third and the most well-known style.
Link Between Tai Chi and Fibromyalgia Syndrome
A recent study was conducted (published in The New End Journal of Medicine on August 19, 2010) where 33 fibromyalgia subjects who were assigned to take tai chi classes twice a week and a control group of 33 volunteers were assigned to take stretching classes and educational seminars about their condition twice a week for 12 weeks.
At the end of 12 weeks, results reported that the tai chi group showed greater relief from muscle pain, better sleep, and a higher quality of life with low levels of depression. Compared to fewer than one in six in the control group, nearly one person in three in the tai chi group was able to stop taking medications highlighting the need for study in large group of populations.
Now, tai chi DVDs are also available in the market for those seeking to learn these traditional Chinese exercises.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only; it should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his/her health should contact a licensed medical professional.
References
Deborah, Kotz. "Tai Chi and Fibromyalgia Syndrome," U.S.News, Accessed August 21, 2010
Medicine Net "Fibromyalgia Syndrome" Accessed August 21, 2010
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