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Fibromyalgia
This scenario has been played out in countless physicians' offices throughout
the world. A client enters and reports that he or, more statistically, she
hurts all over and is generally exhausted. A
physical exam is performed, as well as tests, all of which reveal nothing that
sheds light upon the condition. The frustrated physician gently suggests that
the problems may be psychological, which the equally frustrated patient
immediately rejects. Those who suffer from Fibromyalgia know that their pain is
real and increased by the failure of conventional medicine to recognize it.
However, recently, Fibromyalgia has become a legitimate diagnosis often, as with
other autoimmune conditions, defined by the cluster of symptoms rather than by
tests. These symptoms include widespread muscle pain, together with fatigue and
clusters of tender points or places where even slight pressure causes pain.
Fibromyalgia is more common in women than in men and has been defined as
fibrositis, chronic muscle pain syndrome, psychogenic rheumatism and tension
myalgias. Fibromyalgia symptoms will change in severity but almost never
entirely resolve. Fibromyalgia isn't life threatening and the condition does not
progressively doesn't worsen.
There do exist treatments and self-care steps that will lessen symptoms and
improve the individual's general health.  Fibromyalgia
is the most ephemeral of conditions since the symptoms vary with the weather,
the time of day, and amount of physical activity.
Stress plays an important role in the worsening of symptoms, which include
pain in specific areas when pressure is applied, including the back of the head,
upper back and neck, upper chest, elbows, hips and knees. The pain is
accompanied by stiffness and both can last for months.
The fatigue that sufferers
report is a result of a sleep disturbance called alpha wave interrupted sleep
pattern wherein deep REM sleep is interrupted by bursts of brain activity
similar to wakefulness. Individuals with Fibromyalgia never achieve the deep
restorative stage of sleep and may also experience nightly muscle spasms. Other
symptoms include irritable bowel syndrome, headaches and extreme sensitivity to
light, sound and touch. Many suffer from depression as well.
Although there is no known cure, some patients with Fibromyalgia have benefited
from guaifenesin, an ingredient found in cough syrup. Other treatments address
the symptoms and include pain relievers, antidepressants and anti-inflammatory
medications.
Many Fibromyalgia patients find comfort in support groups and in herbal
supplements. It is hoped that now that Fibromyalgia is recognized as a
condition, with defined symptoms, increased research will provide new treatment.
Stress
Pain Sleep |
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