Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease classified as a form of arthritis. Fibromyalgia is characterized by wide pain in muscles, ligaments and tendons. Common symptoms of fibromyalgia include fatigue, headaches, painful menstrual periods, tingling or numbness in the arms and legs, morning stiffness, multiple tender points on the body, and difficulty sleeping. Common places of pain are the back, shoulders, neck, pelvic girdle, and arms, but any part of the body can be affected.
The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown. However, many factors can contribute to fibromyalgia. Researchers believe that abnormalities in sleep patterns can cause fibromyalgia, not a symptom. Viral or bacterial infections can also be a trigger. An injury or injury that affects the central nervous system can cause fibromyalgia. An imbalance in the neurotransmitters in the brain can also cause fibromyalgia. Serotonin is one such neurotransmitter, which, according to researchers, is associated with the cause of fibromyalgia along with depression, migraines and gastrointestinal disorders. Abnormalities in the autonomic nervous system can cause fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia can also be caused by changes in muscle metabolism, such as deconditioning and reduced blood flow.
Fibromyalgia affects people in early and middle age, but it can also affect children. Those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or ankylosing spondylitis, develop fibromyalgia more often. A family history of fibromyalgia also increases the likelihood of developing this disorder. Those with sleep disorders, such as restless legs syndrome or sleep apnea, have an increased risk of developing fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia is not a progressive or life-threatening disease. Symptoms of fibromyalgia vary in intensity. There are many treatments that can improve the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Some medications can treat the pain associated with fibromyalgia. Some analgesics used to treat fibromyalgia include: acetaminophen, NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and Ultram (tramadol). These drugs can be used in combination with each other for better pain relief. However, Ultram must be prescribed by a doctor, while NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin) and acetaminophen (tylenol) are available behind the counter.
Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants for the treatment of fibromyalgia. Such antidepressants that may be prescribed include: Pamelor, Elavil, Doxepin, Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft. These drugs can be administered together. These medications treat the level of serotonin in the brain and may also contribute to sleep.
Those who suffer from muscle pain and cramps may need to take a muscle relaxant, such as Flexeril, before going to bed. Your doctor may also prescribe benzodiazepine to help sleep and help relax muscles. Some sleep medications, such as Ambien, are classified as benzodiazepine. However, these drugs are not recommended for long-term use because of the increased risk of addiction.
Your doctor can help you create a unique treatment program that includes cognitive behavioral therapy and an interdisciplinary program. Cognitive behavioral therapy involves teaching patients how to handle stressful situations. Interdisciplinary treatment programs may include relaxation techniques, biofeedback, and education associated with chronic pain.
Self-medication is also very important in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Self-care includes reducing stress, achieving adequate sleep, regular meals, and eating a healthy diet. There are also alternative treatments that can help alleviate the stress and pain associated with fibromyalgia. These methods include chiropractic care, massage, meditation, yoga, acupressure, physical therapy, light aerobics, aromatherapy, herbs, nutritional supplements, myofascial release therapy, heat / cold, and acupuncture.
A visit to an osteopathic doctor may be useful for treating fibromyalgia. Osteopathic doctors are licensed to use the same treatment and procedures as doctors, but they also learn how to use manipulations to solve problems of the joints and the spine. An osteopathic doctor may be more likely to see the signaling signs of fibromyalgia.
There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but there is hope on the horizon. A patient with fibromyalgia has many resources to help deal with this disorder, such as support groups, organizations, and medical specialists to help improve the quality of life. Fibromyalgia does not increase life, and treatment over time improves the severity of the symptoms. There are many tools that a patient with fibromyalgia can use to become a survivor of fibromyalgia!
Copyright 2006 Kristi Haugen
