Category:

Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Myofascial Pain

By: Celeste Cooper, R.N.,

Course Outline

“Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue immunodysfunction, and chronic myofascial pain are the most common illnesses of modern society. I have worked full time in this area since I was trained by Travell and Simons in 1988. This book is not only an easy-to-use self-help book for patients but also an essential reference for any health care practitioner wanting to treat the cause of illness, rather than treat the symptoms. It is totally comprehensive and carries the passion and healing energy of the authors in every page. This is the basis of the medicine of the twenty-first century.” – Dr. John Whiteside, MBBS, BSc, Fellow of the Australian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine

Fibromyalgia, chronic myofascial pain, and chronic fatigue are often seen as interchangeable conditions, a belief held even by many health care providers. Nothing could be further from the truth – however, they do often coexist. Knowing if more than one of these disorders is present is extremely important, because the treatment for one of them can often exacerbate the problems caused by the others. Written by a registered nurse and a psychologist who has been treating these conditions since 1994, this book presents an integrative medical approach to these three disorders with a strong emphasis on utilizing and strengthening the mind-body connection to restore well-being.

The authors begin with clear diagnostic guidelines for each condition and reference the latest scientific research on what causes these illnesses. Because many medical practitioners are relatively unfamiliar with these disorders, it can take several medical visits to arrive at a definitive diagnosis. Clear communication with medical personnel is key to diagnostic success. This book provides invaluable advice on how to describe symptoms, document health history, and keep a log of medical appointments. Included are interactive worksheets to facilitate these activities. The authors provide a thorough guide to numerous treatment options – from diet, exercise, and herbs to mindfulness meditation, yoga, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They also offer techniques to dispel the “brain fog” that these illnesses can create, offer guidance on the psychological issues that accompany these chronic pain disorders, and provide advice on how to build a personal support team. The final chapter gives advice on how to navigate the health care system, including step-by-step instructions for preparing an application to the Social Security Administration for disability benefits. An extensive resource section provides a wealth of contact information for helpful agencies and organizations, good sources for medical supplies, and a wide selection of suggested further reading. In short, this integrative treatment guide will open the door not only to physical recovery but also to emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.

About the Authors

Celeste Cooper, R.N., worked as a nurse and nurse educator for more than 20 years before being diagnosed with fibromyalgia, chronic myofascial pain, and chronic fatigue syndrome. She is now an advocate for sufferers of these disorders and lives in Missouri and Arizona. Jersey Miller, Ph.D., is a psychologist specializing in chronic illness from a spiritual perspective. He lives in Missouri.

Learning Objectives

After completing this course you’ll be able to:

  1. Define fibromyalgia.
  2. List the demographics of FM.
  3. Compare objective and subjective findings for fibromyalgia.
  4. Define chronic fatigue immunodysfunction.
  5. State how CFID is classified.
  6. Discuss CFID as a stand-alone disease.
  7. State the prognosis for CFID syndrome.
  8. Define chronic myofascial pain.
  9. Compare an active trigger point and secondary trigger point.
  10. Define a hyperirritable trigger point.
  11. Define entrapment.
  12. Compare the symptoms of FM and CFID.
  13. Describe the pain scale.
  14. Describe aggravating and alleviating factors.
  15. Define an allergen.
  16. Define arthritis and several conditions included in the arthritis family.
  17. Describe carpal tunnel syndrome.
  18. Discuss depression and its symptoms.
  19. Describe several types of headaches.
  20. Describe diseases of the thyroid gland.
  21. Define a functional disorder.
  22. Compare the two types of lupus.
  23. List the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
  24. Describe post-polio syndrome.
  25. Describe Raynaud’s phenomenon.
  26. List the types and symptoms of Sjogren’s syndrome.
  27. Compare internal and external dialogue.
  28. Discuss the healing support system.
  29. Define algology, acute pain, chronic pain, flare and somatic.
  30. Compare pseudo-addiction and addiction to medications.
  31. List hints for safe use of supplements, herbs and vitamins and give examples.
  32. Define acutherapy and describe the three types.
  33. Define glycemic index.
  34. Define isometric, anaerobic, aerobic, active exercise and passive exercise.
  35. State the goal of bodywork and give examples.
  36. Define kinesiology and give examples of the licensed professionals who practice it.
  37. State the role of several therapists.
  38. Compare alternative and complementary medicine.
  39. Define comorbidity.
  40. Describe several types of depression.
  41. Describe the four types of therapists.
  42. List the central questions of all religious traditions.
  43. Describe several types of meditation.
  44. State the four areas of the stress response and how it affects homeostasis.
  45. Discuss the findings on Campbell’s study on “Neuropsychological Deficits Associated with
  46. State how to cope with the lack of energy.
  47. Describe how to prioritize.
  48. Define the “until script” as described by Eric Berne, M.D.
  49. Explain how to deal with a “crisis mode.”
  50. Discuss the Americans with Disabilities Act and list the five areas it covers.
  51. Define a qualified individual, essential function, and reasonable accommodation.
  52. Define “undue hardship.”
  53. Describe the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
  54. Compare Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income.
  55. Describe the Residual Functional Capacity Assessment.
  56. Define “the grids.”
  57. State the rate of rejection when applying for disability.
  58. Describe the four levels of the appeals process.
  59. Describe “The National Pain Care Policy Act of 2007 and 2008.”
  60. Define Workers’ Compensation.
  61. Define Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985.
  62. Describe the Family and Medical Leave Act, who is eligible and the benefits.
  63. Discuss how Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act originated.

Course Contents

1. FIBROMYALGIA PAIN, CHRONIC FATIGUE IMMUNODYSFUNCTION, AND CHRONIC MYOFASCIAL PAIN FROM TRIGGER POINTS

  • All about Fibromyalgia
    • Summary Exercise: FM
  • Chronic Fatigue Immunodysfunction – The Muster to Master
    • Summary Exercise: CFID
  • Chronic Myofascial Pain – Nerve to Muscle
    • Summary Exercise: CMP
  • Chapter Summary: FM/CMP – FM/CFID – Is it a Double Cross?
  • Glossary of Terms Introduced in Chapter 1 that Describe Pain

2. COMMUNICATING YOUR HEALTH CARE NEEDS

  • Relating Your Symptoms and Health History
  • Identifying Aggravating and Alleviating Factors
  • Coexisting Conditions
  • Communicating with Your Physician and Other Health Care Providers
    • Summary Exercise: Clear Expressions
  • Useful Tools for Communicating with Health Care Providers
    • Medication Log
    • Symptom Inventory Sheet
    • Anatomical Diagram of Pain
    • Health History Log

3. DIALOGUES WITHIN AND WITHOUT

  • Journal Writing: An Internal Dialogue
  • Soliciting the Support You Need
    • Sample Letter Soliciting Support
  • Relationships: Having Them, Keeping Them, and Knowing When to Let Go
  • Advocacy – A Constructive Way to Vent
    • Summary Exercise: Reaction to Interaction
  • Useful Tools for Inner and Outer Self-Expression
    • A Baker’s Dozen: Thirteen Tips for Expressing Your Feelings through Poetry
    • Interactive Pain/Energy Meter
    • It Takes Two to Tango: Rules for Possibly the Most Important Date in Your Relationship
    • Sample Advocacy Letter

4. MY BODY IS MATTER AND IT MATTERS

  • Understanding and Treating Pain
  • Managing Your Diet
  • Exercise – Use It or Lose It
  • Bodywork – Toiling over the Anatomy
  • Medical Specialists and Therapists
  • Health and Functionality Therapists
  • Chapter Conclusion
    • Summary Exercise: Exercising Your Options
  • Useful Tools for a Healthy Lifestyle
    • Diet Assessment Guide
    • Stretches for Every Part of Your Body

5. THE POWER OF MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT

  • Depression – Overcoming the Doldrums
  • Spirituality
  • Accepting What Is
  • Other Paths
  • Chapter Conclusion
    • Summary Exercise: Expanding Your Options
  • Useful Tools for Connecting with Your Spiritual Center
    • Breathing Meditation for People with FM, CFID, and CMP
    • Guided Mediation for Healing
    • New Thoughts on Insomnia

6. DEALING WITH CIRCUIT OVERLOAD

  • Brain Fog – Symptoms of Blowout before a Power Failure
  • Time Management – An Exercise in Energy Conservation
  • Crisis Management – Dealing with Major Life Events
  • Chapter Conclusion
    • Summary Exercise: Unloading the Gray Matter

7. APPROACHING THE SYSTEM SYSTEMATICALLY

  • The ADA and the EEOC
  • Social Security Disability Determination
  • Patient Rights
  • Miscellaneous Programs and Help
  • Confidentiality and HIPAA
  • Chapter Conclusion
  • Useful Tools for Navigating the Health Care System
    • Interaction Worksheet for Important Calls and Meetings
    • Treating Health Care Provider Log
    • Chronological Health Record
    • Table for Determining Disability Status for Those Limited to Sedentary Work
    • Table for Determining Disability Status for Those Capable of Light Physical Work

EPILOGUE

RESOURCES FOR MAXIMIZING HEALTH CARE, RELATIONSHIPS, AND EMOTIONAL WELLBEING

GLOSSARY OF ACRONYMS

NOTES