Clinical Features & Treatment of Fibromyalgia
Next to osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia is one of the leading causes of people's frequent visits to rheumatology clinics. While it is considered a generalized pain syndrome of unknown origin, doctors usually do not find something wrong with people suffering fibromyalgia at its early stage. This explains why most people fail to seek immediate treatment for fibromyalgia.
-
Fibromyalgia
-
Frequent exhaustion and feeling hurt all over is a classic sign of fibromyalgia. It is a chronic condition that usually causes widespread pain in the muscles, ligaments and tendons as well as fatigue and tenderness of joints. The disease normally affects the soft fibrous tissues in the body.
Possible Causes
-
Although the direct cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, its development has been linked to physical as well as emotional trauma. The condition results from abnormal pain transmission responses. This explains the chronic pain conditions that come with the disease. Other theories are that the disorder is related to the changes in skeletal muscle metabolism, which results in decreased blood flow, chronic fatigue and weakness. There is also a suspicion that the condition is caused by an infectious microbe. Pilot studies on the possible genetic tendencies of fibromyalgia have shown preliminary evidence.
-
Signs and Symptoms
-
Aside from throbbing, shooting and sharp musculoskeletal pain, people diagnosed with fibromyalgia have other symptoms such as headaches, sleeping difficulties, morning stiffness and problems in thinking and memory, called "fibro fog." Its more overwhelming characteristics include long-standing and bodywide pain with defined tender points. Unlike other pain-related conditions, fibromyalgia's trigger points occur in isolation. But while fibromyalgia symptoms mimic the symptoms of various types of arthritis, it never causes swelling and deformity of joints, like arthritis can. The symptoms of the disease may worsen over time. Immediately seeking professional help is important in improving the condition.
Related Conditions
-
While fibromyalgia disorder is generalized as a pain condition, it often shares symptoms with a number of related diseases. A majority of fibromyalgia patients suffer from frequent abdominal pain, abdominal gas and nausea represented by Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Jaw-related pain, stiffness and discomfort that are linked to Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome also afflict fibromyalgia patients.
Who Are at Risk
-
Based on the number of fibromyalgia cases, the disease more commonly occurs in women than men. A majority of fibromyalgia patients are in the 30 to 50 years age bracket. People with rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases are highly likely to develop fibromyalgia disorder. Aggravating factors of the disease include changes in weather and cold or drafty environment. People suffering from hormonal fluctuations, allergies, stress, depression, anxiety and overexertion may suffer fibromyalgia flareups.
Treatment
-
The treatment and management options for fibromyalgia have improved over the years. Patients can enjoy its multi-faceted treatment approaches. In mild cases, implementing lifestyle changes can help improve fibromyalgia symptoms. A combination of medication, patient education, physical therapy and counseling, along with participation in support groups are helpful in managing the continuing symptoms of the disease.
-
