Fibromyalgia is a widespread muscoskeletal pain that affects the whole body. It is a long term condition where the symptoms accumulate over time and cause extreme tiredness of body. Fibromyalgia occurs mostly in people of 30-60 years of age and is more common in women than in men. There is no cure for this but certain medications are available which can control the symptoms. There are several lifestyle changes that can help prevent and cope with fibromyalgia.
Cause Of Fibromyalgia:
The specific cause of fibromyalgia is unknown but research has given clues on certain changes that are noticed in patients suffering from this pain.
1. Altered pain passage
Brain transmits the pain message throughout the body through a passage of specialized cells. In fibromyalgia, this passage is altered or disturbed. This can lead to a constant feeling of pain in the body.
2. Low level of hormones
In people suffering from fibromyalgia, low level of certain hormones are registered. These hormones are serotonin, dopamine and noradrenalin.
3. Genetics
Several cases of fibromyalgia running in families have been seen. This can be attributed to certain genetic mutations which can cause fibromyalgia.
4. Physical or psychological trauma
Physical and psychological trauma increases the susceptibility of developing fibromyalgia.
5. Other ailments
Fibromyalgia can be a result of several other medical conditions like hypothyroidism and rheumatoid arthritis.
Symptoms Of Fibromyalgia:
1. Pain
Widespread pain is the main symptom. There are certain locations in body where when light pressure is applied, you will start to feel pain. These are referred to as tender points. Some tender points are:
a. Above the shoulders
b. Between the shoulder blades
c. Back of the head
d. Outer elbow
e. Above and sides of hips
f. Neck
g. Back of the knees
2. Change in sleep pattern
You will fail to fall into deep sleep due to pain, and might also suffer from the sudden sensation of wanting to move your legs for relief i.e. restless legs syndrome.
3. Fatigue
This can range from mild tiredness to extreme exhaustion.
4. Headache
Mild headaches to severe migraines can occur due to pain and stiffness in neck. This is accompanied by feelings of nausea.
5. Anxiety or depression
Low level of certain hormones increases the risk of developing depression. The constant pain and loss of hope to cope up can lead to depression.
6. Irritable bowel syndrome
This is a coexisting symptom of digestive disorder. This can lead to constipation, diarrhea and bloating in stomach.
Diagnosis Of Fibromyalgia
If you have a widespread pain lasting more than three months, then there are chances that you are suffering from fibromyalgia. You should consult a doctor. The doctor will check for the pain at tender points. 11 positive tender points out of 18 can establish that you might be developing fibromyalgia. But before confirming the fact, the doctor should rule out all other conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Treatment For Fibromyalgia
Medications can help control the symptoms of pain. Some of the common drugs recommended by doctors are as follows:
1. Analgesics like acetaminophen, Tramadol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen.
2. Antidepressants like milnacipran and fluoxetine.
3. Anti-seizure drugs like pregabalin.
Psychological therapies are also suggested as they help to cope with the pain.
Self Measures
Certain lifestyle change can help you to cope better with the condition of fibromyalgia. These include exercising regularly, getting adequate sleep, reducing stress, and pacing yourself.