Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia syndrome is a chronic common disorder characterized by widespread pain, diffuse tenderness, and a number of symptoms. The word “fibromyalgia” emanates from the Latin term(fibro)from fibrous tissue and the Greek words(myo) for muscle and(algia) pain. Fibromyalgia is often considered an arthritis-cognate condition, it is not authentically a form of arthritis ( joints disease) because it does not cause inflammation or damage the joints, muscles, or other tissues. Like other arthritis, however, fibromyalgia can cause paramount pain and fatigue, and it interferes with a person’s daily activities. Fibromyalgia is considered like arthritis, a medical condition that impairs the joints and soft tissues and causes chronic pain.
Sign & Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
- Widespread pain.
- Fatigue (muscle spasms, weakness in the limbs)
- Cognitive difficulties
- Other problems- Many people who have fibromyalgia also experience depression, headaches, pain and cramping in the lower abdomen.
Causes of Fibromyalgia
The causes are unknown, but there are a number of factors involved. Many people have the development of fibromyalgia with a physically or emotionally stressful or traumatic condition. Some connect it to perpetual(repetitive) injuries. For others, fibromyalgia seems to occur spontaneously.
Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia
People with fibromyalgia typically see many physicians before receiving the diagnosis. One reason for this that pain and fatigue, the main symptoms of fibromyalgia, overlap with other many conditions. Therefore, physicians often have to rule out other causes of these symptoms before making a diagnosis. There are currently no diagnostic tests for fibromyalgia; standard tests fail to reveal the physiologic reason for pain.
Physicians habituated with fibromyalgia, however, can make a diagnosis predicated on criteria established by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR): a widespread history of pain lasting more than 3 months, and other general symptoms including fatigue, waking unrefreshed, and cognitive (recollection or thought) problems. In making the diagnosis, physicians consider the number of areas which the patient has had pain in the past week.
Some scientists nationally theorize that a person’s genes may regulate how his or her body processes painful stimuli. According to this theory, people with fibromyalgia may have a gene or genes that cause them to react vigorously to stimuli that most people would not perceive as painful. There are already been several genes identified that more common in fibromyalgia patients, and researchers are currently looking for other possibilities.
Fibromyalgia Treatment & Self-care Management
No cure for fibromyalgia, but there are several ways of managing your symptoms. Your physicians will be able to suggest treatments and therapies tackle categorical aspects of the condition. These include drug treatments but physical and other therapies are just as paramount or even more so.
Medications-
Medications can avail reduce the pain of fibromyalgia and improve the quality of sleep. Medication includes:
Pain relievers- Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen sodium may be helpful for you. Your physician may suggest a prescription pain reliever such as tramadol. Narcotics are not advised because they can lead to dependence and may even worsen the pain over time.
Antidepressants- Duloxetine and milnacipran may avail ease the pain and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia. Your physicians may prescribe amitriptyline at night to avail promote sleep.
Anti-seizure drugs- Medications designed to treat epilepsy are often subsidiary in reducing certain types of pain. Gabapentin is sometimes subsidiary in reducing fibromyalgia symptoms, while pregabalin was the first drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration(FDA) to treat fibromyalgia.
Physical therapy and other Self-care management-
Exercise regularly- At first, exercise increases your pain. But doing it gradually and customarily often decreases symptoms. Exercises may include ambulating(walking), swimming, biking, and aerobic exercise in water. A physical therapist can avail you develop a domicile exercise program. Stretching, good posture and relaxation exercises are also helpful.
Reduce stress- Develop a plan for reducing emotional stress. Allow time each day to relax. Try to learn stress management techniques, such as deep-breathing exercises or cogitation(meditation).
Getting enough sleep- Fatigue is the main characteristics of fibromyalgia, getting adequate sleep is essential. Such as going to bed and getting up each day at the same time and inhibiting daytime napping.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle- Eating fresh and healthy foods. Reduce caffeine intake. only proper nutrition give more energy and make you feel better, it also helps your other health problems.