Fibromyalgia: symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment approaches

Fibermyoalgia or fibromyalgia is a common and long0standing physical disorder, which is characterized by widespread pain, fatigue and several painful or tender points or parts all over the body (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disorders. 2004). These specific parts are the neck, shoulders, back, hips and upper and lower extremities. It is only similar to arthritis because of the pain and fatigue but, unlike arthritis, there is no inflammation of the joints, muscles or other tissues. In addition to pain and fatigue, fibromyalgia may cause sleep disturbances, morning stiffness, headaches, the irritable bowel syndrome, painful menstruation, numbness or tingling of the extremities, the restless leg syndrome, memory problems, and sensitiveness to temperature. Unlike a disease, which is a medical condition and has a specific cause or causes, fibromyalgia is considered only a syndrome, consisting of signs, symptoms and other medical problems, which occur together (NIAMSD).

The American College of Rheumatology reported that 3 to 6 million or one in every 50 Americans suffers from fibromyalgia (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disorders 2004). Most of those afflicted are women at 80 to 90% and middle-aged. Those who are sick of rheumatoid diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, or ankylosing spondylitis, are more likely to develop fibromyalgia. Some studies say that it seems to run in families, the exact cause is still unknown but an emotionally stressful or traumatic event, like an automobile accident, repetitive injuries or an illness may predispose people to it. Some scientists assume that the genes of a person with fibromyalgia may cause him to react to pain stimuli more strongly than those without it. Sufferers consult with many doctors for their pain and fatigue, which develop along with other conditions. At present, there are no diagnostic laboratory tests for fibromyalgia. Because of this, some doctors may conclude that the patient's condition is only imagined and that nothing can be done about it the patient should consult those who specialize in arthritis and other conditions, which affect the joints and soft tissues (NIAMSD).

Fibromyalgia treatment now often requires a team approach by the doctor, a physical therapist and other health professionals and the patient himself who will focus on improving the patient's quality of life (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disorders 2004). Doctors prescribe analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-depressants and benzodiazepines. Patients may also benefit from a combination of physical and occupational therapy, pain-management and coping techniques and by balancing rest and activity. Some have benefited from alternative or complementary treatments or approaches, such as massage, chiropractic medicine, acupuncture, and herbal and dietary supplements. These supplements, however, have not been tested for scientific proof and the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate the sale of these dietary supplements. Doctors should be consulted on their effectiveness and safety (NIAMSD).

In the meantime, a person with fibromyalgia can help himself or herself feel better besides taking medicines (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disorders 2004). He can try to get enough sleep of the right kind to ease or lessen the pain and fatigue. Although pain and fatigue may make exercise and daily activities difficult, the person should be as physically active as possible. Studies show that regular exercise is, in fact, among the most effective treatments of the condition. A patient can try walking or doing mild exercise slowly and according to the severity of his condition. He can or should also make adjustments at work, such as reducing his working hours or change to a less strenuous type of work, change some things in his work space. His diet also deserves a second look. Some persons suffering from fibromyalgia said they felt better after eating or avoiding certain foods. While there is no specific or prescribed diet for fibromyalgia, it is always important that a person eats a balanced diet. Proper nutrition will not only provide more energy and general well-being but also help avoid other health problems from developing or occurring. Current researches conducted on fibromyalgia offer a greater understanding of pain. Previous studies showed that those suffering from it have reduced blood flow in the parts of the brain, which help the body deal more effectively with pain. Funded researchers will not use a modern imaging technology, called positron emission tomography or PET to compare blood flow between those with the condition and those without it. This early, researchers believed that reproductive hormones could play a role in the increased sensitivity to pain of people afflicted with fibromyalgia. They will study the role of sex hormones in pain sensitivity, in reaction to stress and in symptom perception at the different points of the menstrual cycle. Other studies will try to understand more about stress, how exercise improves the body's response to stress by enhancing the function of the pituitary and adrenal glands, how to improve sleep, evaluate the hereditary predisposition of fibromyalgia, target treatments. The effectiveness of gabapentin will be investigated in reducing the symptoms of the condition. Gabapentin has been found to be effective in relieving chronic pain caused by nervous system disorders and was recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of persistent and severe pain following an attack of shingles (NIAMSD).