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FIBROMYALGIA

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that affect connective tissue structures, including muscles, ligaments, and tendons. It is a chronic condition that causes widespread muscle pain, or "myalgia," and excess tenderness in certain areas of the body. Many patients also experience fatigue, sleep disturbances, headaches, and mood disturbances, such as depression and anxiety. Despite ongoing research, the cause, diagnosis, and optimal treatment of fibromyalgia are not clear

Some believe fibromyalgia to be the most common cause of generalized musculoskeletal pain in women between the ages of 20 to 75. It is about 6 times more common in women than men. Most patients initially develop symptoms between the ages of 30 and 55.

Causes!!
The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown. However, research suggests that various physical or emotional factors may play a role in triggering symptoms. These triggers include infections, emotional trauma, and/or physical injury. Although the pain is felt in muscles and soft-tissues, there are no permanent pathologic abnormalities at these sites.

Sign and Symptoms:
The primary symptom of fibromyalgia is widespread, chronic, and persistent pain that may be described as a deep muscular aching, soreness, stiffness, burning, or throbbing. Patients may also feel numbness, tingling, or unusual "crawling" sensations in the arm as well as forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating.

About 50 to 75 percent experience repeated migraines or muscular headaches as well as symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Fibromyalgia is also associated with persistent fatigue in more than 90 percent of patients. Unusually light, unrefreshing, or nonrestorative sleep is a common complaint. Difficulties falling asleep, awakening repeatedly during the night, and feeling exhausted upon awakening are also common findings.
Many individuals experience mood disorders, particularly depression and anxiety.

 

Diagnosis:
Individuals are often affected by fibromyalgia for several years before receiving the correct diagnosis. During the diagnostic process, patients may have undergone multiple testing procedures, consulted with numerous specialists, and been incorrectly advised that "nothing appears to be wrong".
The difficulty in diagnosis arises from the fact that there are no specific laboratories or imaging tests that definitively confirm the diagnosis. Thus, the diagnosis is typically based upon a complete physical or clinical examination, a thorough patient history, and routine tests that assist in excluding conditions with similar symptoms.

 

Treatment
Therapy of fibromyalgia includes a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach in which patients, physicians, physical therapists, and mental health professionals, work together to manage the disease.
Fibromyalgia is not a degenerative or deforming condition, nor is it life-threatening. However, treatment of chronic pain and fatigue are challenging and there are no "quick cures."
Some treatment options are available.

  • Medications may be helpful in alleviating pain, improving the quality of sleep, and elevating mood. Antidepressants, anticonvulsants and analgesics have been found to be helpful. Narcotic pain medications should not be the first line of therapy.
  • Exercise, stretching programs, and other activities are important.
  •  Understanding fibromyalgia may help to improve response to treatment. As an example, some patients believe that their illness is due to an undiagnosed infectious agent, although there is no evidence indicating that fibromyalgia (or chronic fatigue syndrome) is related to persistent infection. Those who know the facts generally tend to have more effective results with treatment.
  • Realistic expectations are important concerning the ability to function and the overall long-term management of the condition.

Symptoms may wax and wane over time, yet some degree of muscle pain and fatigue generally persist. Nevertheless, many people with fibromyalgia have improvement of their condition and most patient lead full, active lives.
With currently available treatments, many patients with fibromyalgia have moderate or marked improvement.

 

Need more information??
We can provide best source of information for questions and concerns related to your medical problem. Because no two patients are exactly alike and recommendations can vary from one person to another, it is important to seek guidance from a provider who is familiar with your individual situation.

  • (www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/healthtopics.html)
  • National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal, and Skin Diseases (www.niams.nih.gov/, search for "fibromyalgia")

 

Disclaimer
We have provided this website as a source of introduction to our practice and a chance to present limited educational information. This information is no substitute for individual patient assessment based upon the healthcare provider's examination of each patient and consideration of laboratory data and other factors unique to the patient. Although we have tried to create a reliable and accurate website, it is not a substitution for an actual consultation to a physician since every patient condition is unique which deserve a detailed investigation and treatment by a physician or other healthcare providers. Please consider this site as an information center only. Arthritis Medical Clinic, its doctors and employees are not liable for the content of the information, accuracy, or any errors that is provided in the website or the links provided. Please note that we are not liable and we will be legally immune if any loss or damage occurs due to reliance on our site. Standards and practices in medicine change as new data become available and every individual should seek medical professional and possibly consult a variety of sources. Arthritis Medical Clinic prohibits reproduction and redistribution of any part of the website without obtaining written permission.