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Understanding
Fibromyalgia - Fibromyalgia - The Mysterious Condition
Fibromyalgia is also known as "chronic fatigue syndrome". CFS is also called "Epstein-Barr
Syndrome". Although fibromyalgia and Epstein-Barr have since been
diagnosed and recognized as two different illnesses, the CFS name is still attached to both. We will
cover fibromyalgia in this post and leave Epstein-Barr
for another.
Signs
and symptoms of fibromyalgia can include wide-spread body aches,
sensitivity and pain when touched (even gently), fatigue, sleep disruptions, irritable bowel syndrome, headaches, facial pain, tenderness in the back and
shoulders, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, painful menstruation, irritable bladder and dry
eyes, skin, and mouth.
There
has not, at the time of this article, been a specific cause cited for fibromyalgia. However, many doctors believe
that the following are contributing factors:
-
Chemical changes in the brain
-
Injury or trauma, especially to the upper spine
-
Changes in muscular metabolism
-
Abnormalities of the autonomic (sympathetic) nervous system.
Risk
of developing fibromyalgia seems to be higher in women and the
age groups most affected tend to be those in their early and middle
adulthood. It has, however, been diagnosed in children, men, and teens.
No
conclusive evidence has been found as to whether sleep disorders are a cause, or a result, of fibromyalgia. But those who suffer from restless leg syndrome, night-time muscle spasms in
one's legs, or sleep apnea frequently develop fibromyalgia.
Family history may also be a contributing factor. If one has a relative
with this condition, one may be a higher risk for having it.
Further,
if one has a rheumatic disease such as ankylosing spondilitis, rheumatic arthritis, or lupus, the likelihood of
fibromyalgia increases.
Currently,
there are no specific tests for diagnosing the disease. One may be tested for numerous other
illnesses and diseases, and have those ruled out, before a physician decides to
check further using the guidelines set forth by the American College of Rheumatology. For further information on those
guidelines. go to:
http://www.rheumatology.org/public/factsheets/fibromya_new.asp
Once
diagnosed, there are many ways that the disease can be treated, BUT there is no
cure for fibromyalgia yet. One's
physician may prescribe medications to treat the symptoms and could recommend
that one seek out alternative, non-medical treatments for relief from the
chronic pain associated with it. In the
meantime, medical scientists continue to search for answers about this mysterious
disease. With symptomatic treatment,
along with some possible and achievable lifestyle adjustments, one can
cope.
Fibromyalgia
is not a progressive illness and there are no indications that it will lead to
other diseases or conditions. One must be prepared, however, to
experience the chronic pain, sleeplessness, depression, and anxiety which accompany it. This in turn can
cause problems with one's ability to work and maintain healthy familial and
friendly relationships. And frustration from coping with this frequently
misunderstood illness can add more complications to the conditions.
Stress can be a major factor in the intensity of
one's pain, due the further tensing of already-stressed muscles, tendons, and
ligaments. It is important to help in educating those around you so that
they have a better concept about what you are experiencing. Their
understanding and coping when one has a particularly bad day can help to reduce your stress and, perhaps, help to alleviate
your pain. Taking time out to relax, calm, and soothe one's body and mind
can also be beneficial to keeping the pain to a minimum.
In
conclusion, if you suffer any of the symptoms, discuss it with your health care
provider or doctor. After ruling out any other possible reasons for your
suffering, he or she can help you with controlling your symptoms with pain relievers (over the counter or prescription),
stress reduction (by medication and/or alternative
treatments), and lifestyle adjustments.
One can
also join a support group. Check with
your doctor to find one in your local area.
Or go online at:
http://www.fmnews.com
or http://www.fmaware.org
These
sites can provide you with excellent information, updated reports on the latest
research, where to find support groups in your area, and free information with
many topics on the subject of fibromyalgia.
If you
are diagnosed with FM, know that you are not alone. There's an incredible network of support out
there which is helping to educate others about the illness.
See
your physician or health care provider then join in with others who are
suffering, or know someone who suffers, from this sometimes-overwhelming
illness. Together, let's teach more
people to understand and cope.
Fibromyalgia
Q&A: Understanding Fibromyalgia
* What
is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia
also sometimes called Fibromyalgia Syndrome, Fibromyositis, Fibrositis, or
Myofascial pain syndrome, is a continual disorder characterized by extensive
musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, tenderness in contained areas of the neck,
spine, shoulders, and hips sometimes referred to as multiple tender points or
pressure points. It may cause sleep disorders, morning firmness, irritable bowel syndrome and nervousness.
*
What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?
Though
the symptoms of fibromyalgia can be unbearable, they are not serious. Symptoms
may differ, depending on stress level, physical action, time of day, and the
weather.
Pain
is the main symptom, found in almost 100 percent of cases, particularly, pain
and tenderness in some areas of the body when pressure is applied.
Fibromyalgia
is a constant condition and symptoms may be continuous or irregular for years.
Some of the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia consist of:
·
Lack
of feeling or irritations
·
Sharp
sensitivity to odours, noises, bright lights, different foods, medication and
·
Repeated
urination, strong urge to urinate, and painful urination
·
Fast
or irregular heart rate, and breathlessness
·
Bulging
sensation in the hands and feet, although swelling is not visible
*
Are there different forms of fibromyalgia?
Yes,
there are actually different forms of fibromyalgia. These forms are categorized
according to the symptoms a person experience. They are:
·
Post
traumatic – there is a record of a single incident such as a car accident the
pre-dates the pain syndrome. The accident commonly is an effect of an intense
tremor and wounding of spinal muscles. Patients first complain of headaches and
afterwards complain of arm or leg stiffness or itchiness or pain.
·
Repetitive
Traumatic - The idea of this is that a repeated injury can add up to the
symptoms of fibromyalgia.
·
Mood
related fibromyalgia - usually, most fibromyalgics suffer this syndrome
especially if they are suffering from extreme anxiety and pain. As a result, to
this, fibromyalgics develop mood disorders such as depression.
·
Hormonal
abnormalities such as hyperthyroidism – this commonly cause enlarged muscle
tension, anxiety and sleep disorder (a perfect ingredient indicative of
fibromyalgia).
* What
causes fibromyalgia?
The
causes for fibromyalgia are not identified. The condition creates unclear signs
and symptoms connected with reduced blood flow to some parts of the brain and
improved amounts of substance P believed to be a sensory neurotransmitter
included in the message of pain, touch and temperature from the body to brain.
However,
researchers have found some other potential causes, includes the:
•
Autonomic malfunctioning of the nervous system
•
Psychological strain or distress
•
Malfunctioning of the immune or endocrine system
• Upper
spinal cord damage
• Viral
or bacterial infection underwent
* Is
fibromyalgia a real disease or just in my head?
Patients
with fibromyalgia know that the pain is real and not just a fake. Fibromyalgia specialist
also know their patients are experiencing real symptoms.
In
addition, there is now evidence that fibromyalgia patients’ intense feeling of
pain is not just an illusion or imagination.
It is
now probable to look at the brain and see accurately where it is active. This
thorough brain scan is referred to as functional magnetic resonance imaging.
There is no escaping the fact that there is malfunctioning sensory activity
going on in the brain when Fibromyalgics undergo this series of brain scans.
This
article is from the Get Your Health Back – Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Freedom.
It consists of a strategy filled with guides on sleep, pain, depression,
anxiety, diet, exercise and fitness plans, diet plans and packed with 369
healthy and delicious recipes
To
find out more about this program, visit the website - Get Your Health Back – Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Freedom
