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Diagnosis and Treatment of Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic, widespread,
debilitating disease that often manifests as diffuse pain,
constant muscle aches and overwhelming fatigue. Although it
affects about 2-6% of the general population (about five million
people), fibromyalgia is not a contagious disease. Women are
about 9 times more likely to be diagnosed than men, and it is
most prevalent in prevalent in people between 20-50 years of
age.
Fibromyalgia usually displays a variety of symptoms including
generalized aches and pains, increased sensitivity of the skin,
chronic fatigue, weakness or dizziness, muscle stiffness or
joint pain and migraine headaches. Symptoms of fibromyalgia vary
greatly between individuals but almost all suffer from an
associated sleep disorder. Depression, anxiety, irritable bowel
syndrome, numbness and tingling of the extremities and
heightened sensitivity to stimuli may also be present.
Currently, there is no known specific cause of fibromyalgia.
Popular opinion suggests a disorder in pain perception and
processing in the pathways to the brain. Research has shown that
fibromyalgia patients have elevated levels of substance P
(involved with enhanced pain perception) and a lower than normal
production of natural stress hormones. Another theory revolves
around a sleep disturbance as the cause, because many
fibromyalgia patients cannot attain deep sleep. Still other
theories have implicated reduced immune system function,
environmental toxins, abnormal hormonal fluctuations, viral
causes, genetic links and dysfunctional neurotransmitters.
Although exciting new research is constantly being done, the
cause of fibromyalgia remains elusive and has the medical world
stumped.
Diagnosis of fibromyalgia is based on a specific set of
criteria, including a physical examination or observation, and
the symptoms described by the patient. Ruling out other possible
diseases is key. Currently, there are no conclusive laboratory
tests to identify fibromyalgia but for diagnostic purposes,
there has to be a history of diffuse pain lasting longer than
three months. Another diagnostic requirement is the presence of
at least 11 "tender points" out of a possible 18 and these are
typically located at elbow and knee joints, the neck, shoulders,
lower back and hips...
Individual cases of fibromyalgia have a wide variability, but
many patients also suffer from other disorders as well. These
comorbid syndromes commonly include chronic clinical depression,
lyme disease, chronic fatigue sydrome, premenstrual syndrome,
restless legs syndrome, spinal disorders, or hypothyroidism.
There are also many factors that can aggravate fibromyalgia.
Severe weather changes, nutritional deficiencies, over-exertion,
increases in stress levels, allergies and cold weather have all
been shown to contribute to flare-ups.
Treatment of fibromyalgia has historically been inadequate at
best. There is no cure for the disease and therapies are usually
aimed at alleviating the symptoms and improving quality of
sleep. Medications commonly prescribed for fibromyalgia include
conventional analgesics, low-dose antidepressants, muscle
relaxants and sleep-inducing agents. Alternative therapies that
have shown some promise include acupuncture, chiropractic care,
physical therapy, meditation or relaxation techniques and a
gentle aerobic exercise program. Other important considerations
to prevent fibromyalgia from flaring up include a regular sleep
routine, emotional and physical stress reduction, good social
support networks and strategies to conserve energy and minimize
triggering factors.
Fibromyalgia can be a very difficult disease to live with
because of its chronic, disabling nature and the presence of
widespread skepticism. There is often no objective evidence of
physical illness and the disease is very poorly understood.
Sufferers of fibromyalgia face accusations of laziness or
feigning illness. Social activity and recreation is often be
avoided and the patient's career is usually affected as well.
Although fibromyalgia can affect every aspect of its victims'
lives, it does not have to be as devastating as it once was.
With advanced scientific research and promising new treatments
waiting in the wings, anything's possible.
Disclaimer: The information presented here should not be
interpreted as or substituted for medical advice. Please talk to
a qualified professional for more information about fibromyalgia.
Copyright © 2006, Heather Colman. Find more fibromyalgia
resources at: http://www.fibromyalgia-notes.info and http://www.ebookpalace.com
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