Fibromyalgia, the invisible disease. What it is and how to treat it with spa treatments.

Fibromyalgia, a complex challenge for millions, finds a valuable ally in spa therapy. Between thermal water exercises, lifestyle advice and medical support, Monticelli Spa opens a path to pain relief and improved quality of life. Explore the therapeutic possibilities and Dr. Manicone's advice for an integrated approach to fibromyalgia treatment.

It affects about two million Italians, of whom 9 out of 10 are women between the ages of 30 and 60.
It is a very painful, partly still unknown and disabling disease.
Those who are affected face difficulties on a social, relational and work level.
We talk about it with Dr. Moana Manicone, an expert in Thermal Medicine at Monticelli Spa.

Also known as fibromyalgia sy ndrome or Atlas syndrome, fibromyalgia is a condition recognized by the WHO in 1992.

Together with Dr. Moana Manicone of Monticelli Spa, experts in Thermal Medicine, we tried to understand what fibromyalgia is , what are the symptoms of fibromyalgia , and what are the opportunities to treat fibromyalgia.

Let’s start at the beginning.
Fibromyalgia is an extra-articular rheumatic disease, affecting about two million people in Italy, 90% women between the ages of 30 and 60.

Symptoms of fibromyalgia.

The main symptom of fibromyalgia is chronic pain, caused by muscle tension, which can be localized (the most common sites are the neck, shoulders, back, and legs) or spread throughout the body, and which can become so intense that it prevents normal daily activities, negatively affecting work, family life, and social relationships.

But there are many other important symptoms such as fatigue, asthenia, stiffness, feeling of swelling, paresthesias, tachycardia, sleep disturbances, headaches, and facial pain.
Cognitive, gastrointestinal, urinary, and sensitivity (vision, hearing, and touch) disorders, dysmenorrhea, vaginismus, changes in balance and body temperature, allergies, and intolerances are also often found:

“The disorders are many, so before landing on a diagnosis, the patient has to consult several specialists, from the neurologist to the orthopedist, the infectiologist and the rheumatologist,” Dr. Manicone explains.

Can fibromyalgia be cured?

Although the exact cause of fibromyalgia still remains a mystery, experts agree that it is a problem related to the abnormal perception of pain.

The pharmacological treatment of fibromyalgia may include the use of painkillers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antidepressants, and anticonvulsants. These medications aim to mitigate symptoms and improve patients’ quality of life. It is important to emphasize that drug treatment should always be individualized and closely monitored, given the possibility of side effects and interaction with other therapies. Medications are only one part of the treatment,” Dr. Manicone continues. “The educational approach for a regular lifestyle is crucial: one should pay attention to proper nutrition, exercise (yoga, Pilates or swimming) and learn relaxation techniques. Last but not least, spa therapy.”

Spas and fibromyalgia.

Spa therapy represents an ancient health and wellness practice, which over the years has found scientific confirmation regarding its benefits on the human body.
In particular, thethermal hydrokinesitherapy takes advantage of the unique properties of thermal waters to offer relief and treatment to those suffering from musculoskeletal disorders, including fibromyalgia.

“Performing targeted exercises in thermal waters with certain therapeutic characteristics helps to improve elasticity and physical strength, reduce pain and facilitate muscle relaxation.

“After a physiatric examination, a patient-friendly spa course is designed that combines balnotherapy and mud therapy.
To these are added postural gymnastics and decontracting massage to reduce pain, loosen stiffness, and improve joint function,” Dr. Manicone concludes.

“The salso-bromo-iodine waters of Monticelli Spa have anti-inflammatory properties that combined with the activity of heat and assisted by the mud baths achieve an important myorelaxant beneficial effect.
They also stimulate the synthesis of endorphins, which help to better tolerate pain and regulate sleep.”

Alsoread .

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Fibromyalgia, the invisible disease. What it is and how to treat it with spa treatments.