Fibromyalagia

What is fibromyalgia?
Previously unrecognized as a genuine medical condition, fibromyalgia is now known to afflict many Americans. It is a disorder that causes widespread muscle pain and generalized fatigue. The word fibromyalgia is derived from the Latin word for fibrous tissue (fibro) and the Greek words for muscle (myo) and pain (algia).

Teaching Point: Fibromyalgia is a disease of both muscle and connective tissue.

Causes:
Current traditional medical belief is that there is no known cause to fibromyalgia. Additional theory is that people with this condition are more sensitive to pain due to increased sensitivity within the brain to pain signals.

Teaching Point: Fibromyalgia has no known cause.

Symptoms:
The symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

Tender points on specific spots on the body-

Other symptoms:

Teaching Point: Symptoms of fibromyalgia are varied but often include specific tender trigger points on muscle and other symptoms, including fatigue and/or mood disorder.

Risk Factors: Risk factors thought to predispose a person to developing fibromyalgia include:

Teaching Point: Female adults under stress are most susceptible to fibromyalgia.

How is it Diagnosed?
Fibromyalgia symptoms often mimic other medical conditions. Specific criteria exist for diagnosing fibromyalgia. The American College of Rheumatology created these criteria to assist medical providers in diagnosing fibromyalgia. The criteria are as follows: Diagnosis is based on:

- History of widespread pain (above and below the waist and on both sides of the body) lasting more than 3 months
- Presence of at least 11 of 18 specific Tender points on the following areas: at designated sites on the body.

These sites include:

• Neck
• Upper chest
• Upper back
• Mid arm
• Lower back
• Upper thigh
• Mid leg

There are no specific laboratory blood or x-ray tests for that will confirm the presence of fibromyalgia. Your doctor may order tests to ensure no other medical condition co-exists with fibromyalgia. Tests may be done to rule out other conditions.


Key points:

- Symptoms of fibromyalgia include specific tender trigger points on muscles in specific areas

- Other symptoms include fatigue, anxiety or depression, and poor sleep



How is it treated?
Typical of a medical condition that is not completely understood, treatment options abound for fibromyalgia. No one treatment is guaranteed to alleviate all of the symptoms, and combining different treatments is more likely to produce adequate relief. Treatments include:

1. Analgesics, such as acetaminophen, aspirin and related medicines, (ibuprofen, etc.), and prescription pain relievers such as tramadol. Combining one or more of the above types of analgesics may work better than simply relying on just one type or class of drug.
2. Muscle relaxants are of potential value when taken intermittently or at night to help with getting adequate rest. Cyclobenzaprine is one such muscle relaxer, but others are also potentially of value.
3. Sleep enhancer medicines may also help with respect to improving overall sleep patterns. Caution is advised when taking these medicines and their potential to interact with other medicines and alcohol, and Warning: These should only be used under the supervision of a doctor.
4. Mood-related medicines have been tried over the years to treat the fatigue and stress often accompanying fibromyalgia. Some success has been achieved with traditional antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or doxepin, fluoxetine (Prozac) and related medicines are also being used with varying degrees of success. Newer medicines such as duloxetine, venlafaxine, and pregabalin. hold promise in controlling pain and/or reducing pain sensitivity.
5. Cognitive behavioral therapy, specifically designed to improve one’s ability to cope and deal with stress, may help manage fibromyalgia. This therapy can be taught by a variety of counselors, psychologists and related health-care professionals.
6. Non medical treatments include Additional modalities, such as biofeedback, chiropractic, Pilates, acupuncture and various dietary supplements, have all been tried with varying degrees of success and failure, but have not been proven in clinical trials.
7. Exercise, adjusting work routine to accommodate how you feel, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough rest may also help at night are always important to general health and well-being and will almost certainly improve one’s outlook and symptoms.

Please Ask your doctor for advice about which treatments options are best for you.

Key points:

– A combination of both medicines and stress management techniques has been shown to help alleviate symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Are there any complications?
Fortunately, Fibromyalgia is not a life-threatening medical condition. However, its effects are troubling to many and can result in much physical and psychological distress. However, it can impair the ability to function normally during a routine day can often be impaired due to fibromyalgia.


Given the intrusive nature of fibromyalgia and its symptoms, it is certainly worthwhile to consult a medical provider for advice and guidance regarding the best approach in dealing with this chronic condition. Please consult your family doctor for further information.]


Fast facts:
– Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes muscle pain, fatigue, and poor sleep
– The cause of fibromyalgia is not known
– Symptoms include:
ß Painful tender points on specific areas of muscles and tendons
ß Chronic fatigue
ß Morning stiffness
ß Depression or anxiety
ß Numbness and tingling of the hands or feet
ß Difficulty concentrating
– Treatments vary and include pain relieving medications, muscle relaxants, anti-depressants, and psychotherapy
– Non-medical treatments like Pilates, yoga, acupuncture and nutritional supplements may help
– Exercise, healthy eating, work environment, and adequate rest can also help

For more information about fibromyalgia, visit: http://www.fmaware.org/about.htm.

References:

1. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), National Institute of Health. Questions and Answers about Fibromyalgia. June 2004. NIH publication No. 04-5326.
2. www.mayoclinic.com/health/fibromyalgia - accessed 02/02/2007

Copyright 2007, MD Kiosk, Inc.