This is a welcome read for individuals and families facing the diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Ali, a medical doctor, takes great pains to describe fibromyalgia, clarifies that the text is only a reference, and encourages readers with physical concerns and questions to seek medical attention. He acknowledges that fibromyalgia, often misunderstood, is assumed to be an 'in one's mind' condition. Readers learn that although the condition was described as early as 400 BC, a formal diagnosis was not accepted by the medical establishment until 1987. There is no definitive diagnostic test for fibromyalgia, but several hematological tests are common, including a complete blood count, sedimentation rate, and T3 and T4 levels. Ali effortlessly compares and contrasts fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, noting that fibromyalgia is associated with pain, and chronic fatigue syndrome is associated with tiredness and inflammation. The author clarifies that fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that is managed with diligent attention to lifestyle behaviors. Ali discusses dietary management, noting the negative effects of food allergies, excess processed sugars, caffeine, and dairy products.

He also associates stress management with physical exercise and regulating the sleep pattern. Summing Up:Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates and general readers.ttention to lifestyle behaviors. Ali discusses dietary management, noting the negative effects of food allergies, excess processed sugars, caffeine, and dairy products. He also associates stress management with physical exercise and regulating the sleep pattern. Summing Up:Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates and general readers.

ttention to lifestyle behaviors. Ali discusses dietary management, noting the negative effects of food allergies, excess processed sugars, caffeine, and dairy products. He also associates stress management with physical exercise and regulating the sleep pattern. Summing Up:Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates and general readers.ttention to lifestyle behaviors. Ali discusses dietary management, noting the negative effects of food allergies, excess processed sugars, caffeine, and dairy products. He also associates stress management with physical exercise and regulating the sleep pattern.

Summing Up:Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates and general readers.