Fibromyalgia

Living with fibromyalgia can be frustrating. Just ask Sharon. Two years back, Sharon had to give up her job as a media executive. She was constantly feeling tired, her whole body would ache and she was never able to get a good sleep at night. In fact, Sharon would keep tossing and turning throughout the night. Finally, Sharon went to a doctor. She was later diagnosed with the condition.

Fibromyalgia is scientific term applied to a disorder wherein the patient experiences chronic pain throughout the body. Those afflicted also complain of fatigue and weakness

Fibromyalgia is also known as tension myalgias, fibrositis, chronic muscle pain syndrome, and psychogenic rheumatism.

Symptoms of fibromyalgia:

Symptoms displayed are common in nature to, and can be caused by, other diseases as well.

Symptoms include:

Pain: Pain is the most profound symptom. It is not restricted to a particular point or region but is widespread. In most cases, pain is experienced in the ligaments, tendons and muscles- the soft fibrous components in a human body. Additionally, patients also experience pain in the tender points of the body such as the upper back and neck, elbows, knees and hips upon applying pressure to these regions.

Stiffness: The stiffness is more pronounced during the mornings when one wakes up after sleeping.

Fatigue: Patients often complain of fatigue and tiredness. Though healthy people can experience a feeling of tiredness, in case of patients who suffer from this syndrome, the feeling is more pronounced and frequent.

Disturbed sleep patterns: Research has revealed that most patients show a disturbed sleep pattern. We are aware that we sleep in stages, which includes a stage of light sleep and deep sleep. Deep sleep is a restorative sleep and the restful state of the body and the brain reaches its zenith during this stage. Patients suffering from the disease display an alpha wave interrupted sleep pattern. Here deep sleep is often interrupted brain activities, which resemble its wakefulness stage. Hence, even though the patient appears to be sleeping, he or she is deprived of deep sleep to a large extent and therefore, in most cases, fibromyalgia sufferers wake up feeling tired and sleepy.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Fibromyalgia also causes the occurrence of constipation, diarrhea, and gas in many patients. It might also trigger off acid reflux in some cases.

Headaches and Jaw pain: Fibromyalgia also increases the frequency of headaches. It can also lead to Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome, which can cause facial pain as well as pain in the jaws. However, research has revealed that the intensity of the pain can vary from patient to patient.

What causes fibromyalgia?

Scientists and researchers have not been able to pinpoint the exact causes. However, latest research technology and extensive studies have thrown light on this issue.

Recent studies have revealed that patients display a high level of substance P in their spinal cord. This substance is responsible for carrying the pain signals to and from the brain. Increase in the amount of P substance means that the brain receives more signals, or in other words, it becomes more sensitive to pain. Thus, if pressure is applied to a particular point, it might not result in discomfort in most people, but might cause pain in a person suffering from the syndrome.

Some of the common causes of fibromyalgia include:

Injury: Injury to the spinal chord increases the chances of getting the condition. Similarly, if you have injured your central nervous system, it might trigger the disease.

Infection: Many researchers also believe that a viral or a bacterial infection can cause the condition in certain cases.

Emotional disturbance or stress: Research has proven that emotional stress or disturbance can set off the syndrome in certain cases.

Treatment for fibromyalgia:

In most cases, doctors administer a variety of drugs to patients with this condition. Some common medications include:

Analgesics: Analgesics such as Acetaminophen and Tramadol are often administered to provide relief from pain and stiffness. Doctors might also recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen along with analgesics.

Antidepressants: Tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin reuptake inhibitors benzodiazepines are some of the common antidepressants that doctors prescribe. Besides, providing relief from pain, they can also help in getting restful sleep.

Muscle Relaxants: Muscle relaxants such as cyclobenzaprine are used to treat muscle pain.

Alternative treatments: Alternative treatments such as acupressure and acupuncture are known to provide relief for some people.

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