Fibromyalgia
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain syndrome, characterized by widespread muscle pain, fatigue, and specific tender areas of soft tissue.
It is often difficult to diagnose, due to the lack of a specific laboratory test, but it is estimated that there are 3-6 million fibromyalgia sufferers in the US alone.
The causes of FM are still unclear, though recent studies have theorized that it may arise following a period of trauma, illness, or following a period of environmental or emotional stress; and there is some speculation on whether there may be some genetic susceptibility.
Though there is no known racial or age predisposition to FM, it does seem to originate in patients between the ages of 20 and 30, and 80-90% of cases will be female.
Though little is known about the causes of fibromyalgia, several studies have now shown that patients who display fibromyalgia have increased levels of the neurotransmitter ‘substance P’ in the spinal column.
This chemical transmitter effectively amplifies the sensation of pain in the brain, causing the patients to feel this intense pain.Common Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
- Pain – Fibromyalgia pain can vary in intensity and type; from deep muscular aches to shooting nerve pain. Pain tends to be more noticeable during activity, and can be worse in hot/cold weather, and upon waking.
- Sleep Disorders – Studies have shown that not only do patients with fibromyalgia suffer from disturbed sleep due to tenderness and pain, but they also spend less time in the deeper stages of sleep. During the most restful periods of sleep, studies have shown that patients with fibromyalgia suffer from ‘bursts’ of brain activity that prevent them from taking advantage of this deep sleep period. This lack of sleep can exacerbate their levels of fatigue.
- Fatigue – This can range from mild fatigue after gentle exertion to incapacitating tiredness.
- Other symptoms can include irritable bladder syndrome, headache, anxiety, depression, ‘restless leg’ syndrome, and cognitive/memory problems.
Although there is no exact treatment for fibromyalgia, some preventive measures can be taken to get rid of it. Presently doctors are concentrating on managing pain, relaxing muscles and reduced depression.
Doctors prescribe patients, low-stress exercises such as walking, swimming, water aerobics, and biking rather than muscle-straining exercises such as weight training.
Some other measures are heat applied to sore muscles, stretching exercises (Pilates is one form.) and massage.
Causes of Fibromyalgia
Although there is no exact treatment for fibromyalgia, some preventive measures can be taken to get rid of it. Presently doctors are concentrating on managing pain, relaxing muscles and reduced depression.
Doctors prescribe patients, low-stress exercises such as walking, swimming, water aerobics, and biking rather than muscle-straining exercises such as weight training.
Some other measures are heat applied to sore muscles, stretching exercises (Pilates is one form.) and massage.
As there is no specific medicine for fibromyalgia, doctors try to reduce the pain and increase sleep. In order to achieve that following types of medicines are prescribed:
Analgesics: Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) may reduce the pain and stiffness caused by fibromyalgia. However, its effectiveness varies with individuals.
Tramadol (Ultram) is a pain reliever medicine that may be taken with or without acetaminophen. Doctors often recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) or naproxen sodium (Anaprox, Aleve) — in combination with other medications, but NSAIDs haven’t proven to be useful in control the pain in fibromyalgia when taken by themselves.
Antidepressants: Doctors advise antidepressant medications, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor) or doxepin (Sinequan) to help deep and uninterrupted sleep.
Fluoxetine (Prozac) in mixture with amitriptyline has also been found efficient. Sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) are also effective for the patients suffering from depression.
These medications may be beneficial by affecting serotonin levels in the brain.
Muscle relaxants: Taking the medication cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) at bedtime may help to take care of muscle pain and spasms.
Doctors strictly oppose consumption of sleeping pills and painkillers. Patients sometimes take them for quick relief, but the effect is very short term while the side-effect lasts for a long term.
These medicines are a type of narcotic, so these are very harmful for the patients.
Some self-made measures can also be effective to prevent fibromyalgia. These procedures can be exercised at home. The measures are:
- Proper workout include walking, swimming, biking and water aerobics. A physical therapist may help you develop a home exercise program.
- Stretching, Free-hands, Good posture and relaxation workouts are also helpful.
- Develop a plan to avoid or limit over-exertion and poignant stress. Give yourself time each day to rest.
- Exercise stress lessening techniques, such as deep-breathing exercises, meditation and Yoga.
- Leading a very healthy and simple lifestyle can also help to prevent fibromyalgia.