What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia was diagnosed in the late 17th
century. In 1987, the American Medical Association (AMA) acknowledged this complex disorder as fibromyalgia, which is
composed of a set of signs and symptoms. Many people have not heard about this syndrome and wonder what is
fibromyalgia?
Some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia and common fatigue syndrome are similar. In addition, the symptoms can be
confused with 46 other conditions. For this reason, many people with Fibromyalgia visit a physician and may receive an
incorrect diagnosis.
It takes an extended period of time to correctly diagnose this disorder. In the old days, the event that caused
fibromyalgia was unknown but advanced research in today’s world will help to unmask the mysteries of this disorder. Research
on biochemical, metabolic, and immunoregulatory abnormalities shows there is data associated with fibromyalgia. It appears
there is a reduction in the regulation of one of the central hormones, called "Cortisol releasing hormone” or CRH, in response to
stress. The result are fibromyalgia symptoms similar to the physiologic effects when people are withdrawn from these
glucocorticoid hormones. This hormone withdrawal causes the fibromyalgia symptoms of fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain,
sleep disturbances, cognitive disturbances, and gastrointestinal issues.
Symptoms
In the general population, 10% to 12% report chronic generalized musculoskeletal pain that can be associated with
fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Here is a list of some common signs of FMS.
Pain People with Fibromyalgia will experience deep muscular pain in all 4 quadrants of the body for
at least 3 months along with intense burning in this muscle group. Sometimes the pain originates in a location, but the
sufferer is unable to identify a cause for the pain.
Sleep Disorders People with Fibromyalgia suffer from sleeping disorders associated with the
alpha-EEG anomaly. Patients with fibromyalgia have no problem falling asleep, but their deep sleep is constantly
interrupted with brain activity associated with being awake, causing them to awaken or be restless.
Chronic Headache Most of those with fibromyalgia have migraine attacks or headaches on most
days.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients suffer from constipation, acute abdominal pain, abdominal gas and
nausea. This bowel syndrome will later result in acid reflux or gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) if not treated in the
early stages.
There are factors that are known to aggravate this disorder like weather or climate changes or dry environments,
stress, infections, premenstrual syndrome and painful periods, depression, allergies, and anxiety.
Treatment
Fibromyalgia symptoms will get worse when stage 4, deep sleep is continuously interrupted. The body
needs this level of sleep to repair the muscles and connective tissue. Correcting the sleep disorder will help to relieve
symptoms.
Medications and physical therapy can also help. Some doctors will prescribe pain medication or muscle
relaxants to reduce the stress on the muscles. Apart from medications, people with fibromyalgia need therapy
to reduce the symptoms of this disorder such as therapeutic massage, physical therapy, gentle exercise program, osteopathic
manipulation, acupuncture/acupressure, relaxation/biofeedback techniques, and occupational therapy.
Fibromyalgia must be correctly diagnosed by a doctor experienced with treating this syndrome. The patient
cannot rely on medication alone because there is no known cure, only management.
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