PRIMARY SYMPTOMS: The disease is diagnosed based on nine pairs of "locations" where muscles are abnormally sensitive ... 1) In the vicinity of the spinal bones of the neck. 2) Insertion point of the second rib. 3) Upper region of the thigh bone. 4) The knee. 5) Muscles at the base of the skull. 6) Muscles of the upper back and neck. 7) Mid-back muscles. 8) Elbow area. 9) Muscles of the buttocks.

Sleep disorders like sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, grinding of teeth and sudden contractions of muscles while one is falling asleep may occur. However, most sufferers of fibromylagia have a sleep disorder called alpha-EEG anomaly in which a person is unable to reach the deep stages of sleep due to waking-like brain activity. Of coarse, lack of sleep results in fatigue.

SECONDARY SYMPTOMS: Fibromylagia is categorized as a rheumatic (indefinite term for pains of joint origin) disease. Symptoms include achy, muscular pain which is chronic in nature and without apparent physical causes. The areas affected typically include: the low back, neck, shoulders, rear of the head, chest, thighs and virtually any other areas of the body.

When sufferers are asked to describe the pain, it is typically described as ... burning, throbbing, shooting, stabbing.

The pain and stiffness is typically greatest upon waking up in the morning and decreases as the day goes on and may combine with headaches, peculiar feelings in the skin, inability to sleep well, irritable bowel syndrome and TMJ (temporomandibular joint syndrome).

Other symptoms sometimes include ... PMS, painful menstruations, anxiety, forgetfulness, palpitations, irritable bladder, dry mouth and eyes, anxiety, depression.

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS: Overexertion, stress, anxiety, lack of exercise, lack of sleep, temperature extremes, humidity extremes, illness.

CAUSE(S): The cause(s) for fibromyalgia is unknown. However, the following have been implicated: the immune system, brain chemistry, Epstein-Barr virus, candida albicans (a fungus), mercury poisoning from dental fillings, parasites, hypoglycemia, hypothyroidism, pollution.

NUTRIENTS THAT MAY BE OF BENEFIT: Note that sufferers of fibromyalgia typically have a problem absorbing nutrients. Therefore, higher than normal doses of nutrients are required.

Coenzyme Q10 (improves oxygen to body tissues, boosts immune system).

Acidophilus (to counteract candida infection and replace the friendly bacteria that it has destroyed).

Lecithin (improves energy levels, boosts immunity, assists brain functions, helps circulation).

Magnesium (required in many cells for the manufacture of energy ... required for the metabolism of sugar). Fibromyalgia sufferers are typically deficient of magnesium.

Proteolytic enzymes (improves the body's absorption of proteins which is required to repair tissues.... also, reduces inflammation).

Vitamin A (enhances the immunity system).

Vitamin E (enhances the immunity system).

Vitamin C (enhances the immunity system).

Vitamin B complex (injections for increased energy and normalization of brain functions).

Free form amino acid complex (for the purpose of supplying proteins to muscles for repair and building).

Grape seed extract (enhances the immunity system).

Garlic (stimulate the immune system and kills parasites)

HERBS WHICH MAY BE OF BENEFIT:

Ginkgo biloba is known to enhance blood circulation and brain functioning.

Skullcap and valerian root have been used to improve sleep.

Pau d'arco for treating candida.

Black walnut to help in the elimination of parasites.

Cayenne (capsicum) added to wintergreen oil to treat pains of muscles.

Astragalus and echinacea to boost immunity system.

DIETARY CONSIDERATIONS: Load up on "quality foods" like raw vegetables, fresh vegetable juices, brown rice. Meats should consist of deep water fish, skinless chicken / turkey.

Keep a constant supply of protein and carbohydrates available for the muscles by eating five small meals a day to prevent the body from robbing the muscles of nutrients which may result in pain.

Drink liquids to remove toxins from the body. Chose distilled water, fresh vegetable juices. The amount to drink is dependent upon weight ... take your weight ... divide it in two ... this is the number of ounces of liquid required by the body (per day).

Avoid foods that contain solanine, which inhibits the enzymes in muscles ... eggplant, green peppers, tomatoes (white).

Avoid saturated fats because they enhance inflammatory response and interfere with blood circulation ... i.e., meats, dairy products, fried foods, processed foods.

Avoid sugar because it because it enhances fatigue and interferes with sleep.

EXERCISE: Maintain and work the muscles during a moderate, daily, exercise program ( half-hour, non-stop walk). Do not overexert and do not expect results until the body becomes used to the routine. Remember, overexertion can actually increase pain.

MEDITATION: Start a meditation program which allows the body to get deep rest and enact required repairs ... 20 minutes a day minimum and 40 minutes maximum.

PAINKILLERS: Aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen are typically not effective at treating pain due to fibromyalgia ... life style changes are more likely to be of benefit.

CONSIDER COLON CLEANSING: Since malabsorption is typical in those with fibromyalgia, a cleansing of the colon may be in order to rid the gastrointestinal tract of debris and mucus.

MASSAGE: Massage improves the functioning of muscles and relieves pain.

NOTE: Fibromyalgia and chronic myofascial pain syndrome are two medical conditions, which often occur together.