Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia Fibrositis, fibromyalgia, and fibromyositis is an inflammation of the fibrous or connective tissue of the body which causes widespread muscle pain, fatigue, and multiple tender or painful points. These are a set of symptoms believed to be caused by the same general problem.

Causes, Incidence and Risk Factors

Fibromyalgia is more common in adults than children. It is more common in women than in men - nine out of ten fibromyalgia patients are women, particularly women of childbearing age. The syndrome usually occurs in people ages 20 to 65 years old, peaking at age 35 years.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a common associated condition, as are myofascial pain syndrome and depression. It is possible that there is a common genetic predisposition to fibromyalgia and depression. Sometimes fibromyalgia occurs in several family members, suggesting that it may be inherited.

The cause of fibromyalgia is not known. There is not yet a proven cause, but there is some evidence to suggest that it may be created by a certain central nervous system abnormality that heightens a person's sensitivity to pain.

Symptoms

The hallmark of fibromyalgia is tender points of the body. This is different than myofascial pain syndrome which is characterized by trigger point.

Pain is the major symptom with aches, tenderness, and stiffness of multiple muscles, joints, and soft tissues. The pain moves from one part of the body to another and is most common in the neck, shoulders, chest, arms, legs, hips, and back. Symptoms of fatigue may result from chronic pain and anxiety about the problem. The inflammatory process also produces chemicals that cause fatigue.

Other common symptoms are tension headaches, difficulty swallowing, recurrent abdominal pain, diarrhea, and numbness or tingling of the extremities, intolerance to pain, lightheadedness, dizziness, depressed mood, anxiety, and sensitivity to light, sound and odors. Stress, anxiety, depression, or lack of sleep can increase symptoms. Symptoms vary from gradual improvement to episodes of recurrent symptoms.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is difficult because symptoms of fibromyalgia are vague and generalized. Coexisting nerve and muscle disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or spinal arthritis may further complicate diagnosis. There are no tests to diagnose fibromyalgia. The diagnosis is usually made after ruling out other medical conditions with similar symptoms. The bottom line is that fibromyalgia is often unrecognized, untreated and under-diagnosed. If you have a constellation of symptoms that fits this pattern, talk to your doctor about referring you to the appropriate specialist for consultation and treatment.

Treatment

With a chronic condition like fibromyalgia, it is important to establish a strong partnership between doctor and patient with good communication. Treatment will be individualized thru a
multidisciplinary approach in order to achieve improvement in the patient's condition.

• Physical Therapy and Exercise: Physical activity increases a sense of well being, and reduces fatigue and pain. Strength training and low-impact aerobic exercise have been proven effective in raising the pain threshold.
• Diet: Low animal fat, high fiber; plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; eliminating common food allergens and additives has been observed to be helpful for
some patients
• Medications Pharmacologic regimens usually include the following groups of medication:
         o Anticonvulsant
         o Antidepressants
         o Analgesics
         o Sleep promoting agents
• Psychotherapy
         o Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a system for working with one's personal self-limiting thoughts and      behaviors to manage a disease condition more effectively
• Group Therapy: Supportive sessions managed by a professional therapist with others suffering from fibromyalgia may help you discover new coping techniques.

Self-Care Management

Living with fibromyalgia is complex and demanding. But there are things you can do to control the condition rather than allowing it to control your life.
• Exercise Regularly
• Practice good sleep: Go to bed at regular hours and avoid daytime naps. Have a regular sleep plan.
• Reduce stress: Avoid undue stress in your life while remaining active and engaged in the world. Isolating yourself from others is not the answer! Practice deep breathing, relaxation technique, meditation or mindfulness.

The goal of treatment is to manage the symptoms through exercise, proper rest, and diet. A patient's clear understanding of his or her role in the recovery process is imperative for successful management.

References:
Fibromyalgia-symptoms.org. https://www.fibromyalgia-symptoms.org/fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia Network, https://fmnetnews.com/basics-faqs
The Medical City, Pain Management Center

Note: This information is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advise, diagnosis or treatment. If you or someone you know have any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable to seek professional help.

The Medical City offers a roster of competent Pain specialist who may assess and treat people with pain. For any inquiries please call:

PAIN MANAGEMENT CLINIC
Tel. no. (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 ext. 6453

CENTER FOR PATIENT PARTNERSHIP
Tel. no. (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 ext. 6444