The Benefits of Weighted Blankets for Fibromyalgia Patients

September 16, 2021 5 min read

Fibromyalgia is a medical disorder characterized by widespread chronicpain, fatigue, muscle & joint stiffness, and sleep disturbances. Other stress-related disorders can accompany fibromyalgia, leaving the afflicted with mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. Medications are sometimes prescribed to fight both musclepain and anxiety, however physical therapy and aerobic exercise are also recommended to combat the aches and pains.

Since there is no definitive cause for this syndrome, minimizing symptoms is currently the only standard treatment. Fibromyalgia causes what's now referred to as"regions of pain." Some of these regions overlap with what was previously referred to as areas of tenderness called "trigger points" or "tender points." The pain in these regions feels like a consistent dull ache. Your healthcare provider will consider a diagnosis of fibromyalgia if you've experienced musculoskeletalpain in 4 out of the 5 regions of pain outlined in the2016 revisions to the fibromyalgiadiagnostic criteria.

One of the things that a fibromyalgiapatient suffers with is sleep. A Mosaic Weighted Blanket® can be used to treat stress, physical discomfort, and sleeplessness in those with chronicpain. Weighted blankets are helpful when it comes to getting a restful nights sleep, due to the consistent pressure a heavy blanket can provide. The added weight sewn into a Mosaic Weighted Blanket® dispenses a gentle pressure over the body or to a localized tender point, such as the shoulders or back which is ideal for those who have wide spread dull aching jointpain. This creates a comfortable sleep setting, especially with the benefits of raising serotonin levels and lowering cortisol.

Deep pressure touch stimulation, like that of a massage, eases muscle tension and jointpain in a way that does not aggravate the pain signals of fibromyalgia. This pressure on the body also encourages serotonin and endorphin production, which elevates your mood and further soothes body aches naturally. When serotonin converts to melatonin, a hormone that induces sleep, your Mosaic Weighted Blanket® reduces incidents of insomnia and gives you the opportunity to get the restorative sleep your body needs.

Melody is someone who came down with an acute case of Fibromyalgia at 35 years old. She has 12 and 14 year old teenagers and has had to change her families routine to better assist her with coping her chronicpain symptoms.

Both teens are learning basic cooking skills and helping her set up digital management for her medications. Melody is an attorney and her husband has picked up with the grocery shopping and she has hired a part time housekeeper to keep everyone on track for a clean and comfortable home. A nurse at her physician's office recommended a very lightly weighted blanket (a 10 lb weighted blanket in a twin size).

Amy is 130 lbs and about 5 foot 5 inches. She really enjoys the lighter side, which is a key to success for many fibro patients.

If you have chronicpain, it's important to know that you are not alone. Around 10 million Americans (2-4%) have Fibromyalgia with a ratio of approximately 8 to 2. Women are more likely to meet the diagnostic criteria than men have it. There is no specific age group, Fibromyalgia Syndrome can occur in those of all ages, children included. According toNews Medical, the term Fibromyalgia is derived from the Latin "fibro," meaning fibrous tissues; "my," meaning muscles and "algia," meaning pain. Given that translation, the musculoskeletalpain is a complex illness and it presents many symptoms that vary with each person.

A Healthcare provider has the ability to diagnose Fibromyalgia based on a combination of pertinent symptoms, or how the patient is presenting their set of issues, including but not limited to tiredness, skin tenderness, the ability to function, and an overall feeling of well-being. The diagnostician may request lab tests to rule out co-existing conditions, this can include thyroid problems, rheumatoidarthritis, hormone resistance or lupus.

One thing to know is that there is a wide range of fibro sufferers. Fibromyalgia symptoms can vary in intensity. Symptoms can include: disturbance in sleep, Fatigue, and this can include apnea during sleep or waking up tired, thinking and demonstrated cognitive difficulties - including recall/memory problems or thinking and focus). Physical stiffness is consistently reported and is a prevalent symptom. Some suffer with mood disorders, headaches, severe migraines, pain in the pelvis, IBS (or irritable bowel symptoms), GERD (Gastrointestinal Reflux Disease) or even an overactive bladder. Facial pain is also a potential symptom, TMJD (including tinnitus).

Unfortunately, there is no cure for fibromyalgia. Trying several things at once is effective in treating Fibro. There are Multi-disciplinary approaches for management of symptoms are often recommended to fibromyalgia patients. Weighted blankets are thought to help with the mild pain associated with fibro because it distracts the nervous system and allows the body to focus on the weight rather than the pain. Other treatments include Medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, and light exercise are used in tandem to treat Fibromyalgia.

Consistent treatment includes a good relationship with a healthcare provider, keeping a diary of ongoing or sudden changes and deciding to focus on solid health goals may reduce the reoccurring symptoms. However, flare ups can still arise at very acute times. They can vary by frequency, duration, and intensity of onset (rapid increase of symptoms).

Common behavior side affects causes mild to severe anxiety and depression of people with chronicpain, depending on cultural attitudes and stigmatizing of Fibromyalgia sufferers. This can cause those to become withdrawn from society as well as family and friends. Feeling alone and overwhelmed with painful trigger points can also contribute to depression.

Tom, 42 years old and an educator has become depressed by his diagnosis of fibromyalgia. It's not an acute onset for him but it has certainly worn Tom down over last three years. He has had to give up his favorite things, like coaching football. Due to that, he has moved up in administration for the local school district. Interestingly enough, his therapist recommended a lightly weighted blanket just as a throw for his lap and at 38 X 60 inches the weighted throw is perfect for him. It helps him sleep more securely better and doesn't touch his shoulders where he tends to feel a lot of tenderness. He says, "It's like the heavy blanket displaces my widespreadpain by keeping my body busy at night. I never thought it would work, but it's been a real godsend." It allows him to sleep deeply enough at night to continue to advance his positive routines.

Everyone is happier when they are getting regular sleep and solid rest at night. Whether you have fibromyalgia or another chronicpain, you can use a weighted blanket to distract your body from feeling the pain symptoms. You can continue to search for the perfect cocktail to diminish your pain sensation.

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