Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes extensive pain and fatigue as well as a range of other symptoms.  The word Fibromyalgia is derived from "fibro" meaning fibrous tissues (such as tendons and ligaments), "my" meaning muscles and "algia" meaning pain.  Fibromyalgia is sometimes confused with arthritis but unlike arthritis, Fibromyalgia does not cause any pain or swelling in the joints.  Fibromyalgia produces pain in the tissues surrounding joints, in skin and organs throughout the body. 

Pain caused by Fibromyalgia typically consists of aching or burning and it is frequently accompanied by muscle spasms.  This pain varies in severity on a day to day basis and changes location.  The pain targets the body parts that are used the most (i.e., neck, shoulders and feet).  In some people the pain can be so extreme that it interferes with their daily lives, while in others it can cause only reasonable discomfort.  The fatigue caused by Fibromyalgia also varies from person to person ranging from a tired feeling to the fatigue of a flu-like illness.  Fibromyalgia is not actually crippling and does not reduce a person's expected life span. 

Along with pain and fatigue a number of other symptoms are linked with Fibromyalgia.  The main symptom that people affected by Fibromyalgia typically experience is stiffness.  Body stiffness is most evident on awakening and after extended periods of sitting or standing in one position.  Other symptoms include frequent headaches and facial pain, sleep disturbances, cognitive disorders, gastrointestinal complaints, genito-urinary problems, paresthesia, myofascial trigger points, chest symptoms and dysequilibrium. 

The causes of Fibromyalgia are still unknown although new research results continue to bring us closer to understanding the basic factors of Fibromyalgia.  Because the causes still remain a mystery, doctors have to rely on patient histories, symptoms, a physical assessment and an accurate manual tender point examination.  To obtain an accurate diagnosis of Fibromyalgia, an estimated time period of five years must elapse.  Many doctors are still not sufficiently informed or educated about Fibromyalgia.  Laboratory exams frequently show negative, and numerous symptoms associated with Fibromyalgia overlap with those of other conditions.  All this consequently leads to expensive investigative costs and aggravation for both the doctor and patient.  An additional necessary point that should be considered is that the presence of other diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, does not rule out a positive Fibromyalgia diagnosis.  For the patient to receive a diagnosis for Fibromyalgia, they have to meet certain criteria such as extensive pain in all four quadrants of the body for at least a period of three months.  In addition when pressure is applied the patient should experience tenderness or pain in at least eleven of the eighteen tender points. 

For proper treatment of Fibromyalgia the patient must recognize the need for lifestyle change.  Other treatments for Fibromyalgia are alternative choices, nutrition, relaxation techniques and exercise, this all play an important role in FM treatment as well.  In addition to lifestyle change, becoming knowledgeable about Fibromyalgia gives the patient more of a chance to recover.