Fibromyalgia syndrome: causes, symptoms, and diagnosis

Fibromyalgia

The objective of this study is to examine the condition of Fibromyalgia. Toward this end, this study will conduct a review of current literature in this area of inquiry.

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome reported as common and one in which the individual has pain throughout their body as well as joint, muscle, tendon and soft tissue tenderness on a long-term basis.

Causes of Fibromyalgia

While the cause of Fibromyalgia is uncertain it has been linked to such as fatigue, problems sleeping, headaches, anxiety, and depression. Factors that are believed to be potential triggers of fibromyalgia include: (1) physical or emotional trauma; (2) abnormal responses to pain in areas of the brain; (3) disturbances in sleep; and (4) infection although no specific virus has been identified as being responsible for causing Fibromyalgia.

Occurrence of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is known to occur most in women ages 20 to 50 years of age. Conditions that may appear the same as Fibromyalgia include the conditions of: (1) chronic pain to the back or neck; (2) chronic fatigue syndrome; (3) depression; (4) hypothyroidism; (5) Lyme disease; and (6) sleep disorders. (Summary of Cochrane Review, 2012, p.1, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012, p.1)

Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia

Diagnosis of fibromyalgia requires at least three months of pain widespread in the individual's body and pain and tenderness in 11 of 18 areas of the body include those as follows: (1) arms (elbows); (2) Buttocks; (3) chest; (4) knees; (5) lower back; (6) neck; (7) rib cage; (8) shoulders; and (9) thighs, (Summary of Cochrane Review, 2012, p. 1) While blood and urine testing in those with Fibromyalgia are generally normal it is necessary to conduct these tests so that other conditions that are similar to Fibromyalgia can be ruled out.

Treatment of Fibromyalgia

The goal of treatment is to relieve pain and other symptoms associated with Fibromyalgia. (Summary of Cochrane Review, 2012, paraphrased) The first type of treatment involves (1) physical therapy; (2) exercise and fitness program; and (3) stress-relief methods including light massage and relaxation techniques. (Summary of Cochrane Review, 2012, p. 1) When these types of treatment are not effective an antidepressant or muscle relaxant may be prescribed. Medication is used to improve sleep and tolerance to pain and should be used in combination with exercise and behavior therapy. Medications that are used for treating fibromyalgia include: (1) anti-seizure drugs; (2) other anti-depressants; (3) muscle relaxants; (4) pain relievers; and (5) sleeping aids. (Summary of Cochrane Review, 2012, p. 1) Another therapy for treatment of fibromyalgia is cognitive behavioral therapy which assists the individual in coping with negative thoughts, in keeping a diary of pain and other symptoms of Fibromyalgia, recognition of what makes the symptoms of Fibromyalgia worse, seeking out activities that the individual enjoys and setting limitations for themselves. Support groups have been found to be of great assistance. Additional recommendations include consuming a well-balanced diet, avoidance of caffeine, practicing good sleeping routines, and acupressure and acupuncture. In the case of severe fibromyalgia, a referral to a pain clinic may be required.

Prognosis of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a disorder that is long-term and that is characterized many times by improvement of symptoms. The pain may worsen at other times and be ongoing for months and even years.

Research Studies on Fibromyalgia

The work of Demirbad and Erci (2012) examined the effects of sleep and touch therapy on symptoms of fibromyalgia and depression. It is reported that there are various interventions practiced in the attempt to bring about a reduction in fibromyalgia symptoms. The study reported by Demirbad and Erci (2012) was conducted in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Polyclinic in Trabzon Turkey between September 2009 and March 2011. The sample was comprised by 162 female patients with a previous diagnosis of fibromyalgia at least six months prior to the study. The sample contained two intervention groups and one control group containing 54 patients. A personal information form was used for collection of data as well as a Fibromyalgia Symptom Form and the Beck Depression Index. The study employed a pre-test/post-test control group design. A paired sample t-test was utilized to make comparison of the in-group scale points, the chi-square in the intergroup comparisons and the McNamer test in the in-group comparisons. Following the intervention it is reported that the depression levels in the touch-music-aroma therapy group "however a larger decrease (before: 22.01±5.3; after: 14.52±3.7) than in the sleep-music-aroma therapy group (before: 24.81±5.1; after: 20.16±4.9) and control groups (before: 23.73±4.4; after: 21.05±2.6). Symptoms such as restless sleep, headache, morning fatigue, exhaustion, feeling like crying and bowel complaints were also significantly reduced (P

The work of Ward, Stebbings, Cherkin and Baxter (2013) reports that the leading cause of disability and chronic pain in the developed world is that of musculoskeletal conditions. The review reported is such that conducts an investigation of the effectiveness of yoga on primary outcomes of functional ability, pain and psychosocial outcomes across a range of MSCs. The study reviewed 20 databases that contained randomized, full-text controlled trials of yoga in clinically diagnosed MSCs. The study concludes that enough evidence exists to indicate that yoga is "an acceptable and safe intervention, which may result in clinically relevant improvements in pain and functional outcomes associated with a range of MSCs." (Ward, Stebbings, Cherkin and Baxter, 2013)

Summary and Conclusion

The causes of Fibromyalgia are unknown although the syndrome has been linked to such as fatigue, sleeping problems, headaches, depression and anxiety. Possible triggers of Fibromyalgia include trauma either physically or emotionally, abnormal brain responses to pain, sleep disturbances and viral infection. The syndrome occurs in women ages 20 to 50 years of age more than in any other sector of the population. There are various treatments used for Fibromyalgia including medications and cognitive behavioral therapy. Recent research has found that yoga and acupuncture as well as aroma-music and touch therapy are effective in treating the symptoms of Fibromyalgia.