Fibromyalgia syndrome has been
described by many different terms over the years, such as fibrositis, myofascial pain, myofascial pain syndrome,
psychogenic rheumatism, fibromyositis, myofasciitis, tensionmyalgia, psychological muscle disorder, and muscular fatigue
syndrome. This illness is frequently observed in women more than men and usually occurs between the ages of 20
and 55. Most people can detect certain disorders like fatigue syndrome, premenstrual syndrome, etc. But there are certain complex syndromes like fibromyalgia that cannot be detected easily.
This doesn’t mean that it does not exist.
People diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome
experience pain in the muscles, ligaments and tendons along with extreme fatigue. The fatigue is due to the disturbed sleep they experience, preventing them from entering
stage 4 Delta sleep. This is the deep sleep humans need to restore their body
on a daily basis. Without this deep sleep, the muscles are unable to repair
properly which produces deep muscle pain.
Unknown physical and emotional traumas are
the main cause for the occurrence of fibromyalgia syndrome. Fibromyalgia can
be brought on by complications of infection, such as Lyme Disease. Other
autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus sometimes increase
the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
The first attempt to standardize
fibromyalgia was to identify 11 of the 18 tender points needed for a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. But in the real world outside of the doctor’s office and research labs, fibromyalgia
consists of pain all over. The pain is elevated due to the increased activity
in the nervous system and can lead to permanent disability.
In most cases, the pain from fibromyalgia is
generalized with muscle stiffness, joint pain, disrupted sleep and fatigue.
May patients complain of swelling and feeling bloated with others complaining of multiple points with
swelling. Over 50% of fibromyalgia patients have related back
pain.
Patients suffering with fibromyalgia
complain about the frustration of having the illness. Few people really
understand what it is because it’s so difficult to explain. Even more
frustrating is the severe, constant pain that exists, but when touched directly by the sufferer, fails to register what or
exactly where it is coming from. These symptoms of fibromyalgia can be long
and debilitating.
Fibromyalgia cannot be cured, but it can be
managed as a chronic illness. After diagnosing through X-ray and blood tests,
fibromyalgia syndrome will be treated. There are different types of treatment to manage this syndrome. But the best is
self-management with a group consisting of psychiatrist, rheumatologist and a physiotherapist. A massage therapist can
also help in this task of managing the pain in the patient. Change your life style by doing more exercise according to
your doctor’s advice. Establish an eating pattern of consuming more healthy foods. Gentle muscle exercising can stretch the muscles and ease the pain.
Although fibromyalgia syndrome cannot be
cured, treatments can be prescribed for your specific symptoms to make your life more productive.
Fact Dyscognition (or fibro fog) - Patients may describe this
brain fogged feeling in a variety of ways, such as difficulty concentrating, disorganized thinking, memory problems, and
inability to stay focused or alert. Minor distractions may greatly impair cognitive functions in people with
fibromyalgia. ~ AFSA
