About Fibromyalgia
What Is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia (FM) is the name given to a particular group of Symptoms. It is a chronic pain syndrome and is sometimes called fibromyalgia syndrome. (FMS)
Fibromyalgia is a common condition. It is estimated that between 2% and up to 10% of people have it. It is more common in women of childbearing age. The condition is long lasting, often for many years.
The symptoms include chronic widespread muscle pain, above and below the waist and on both sides of the body, together with stiffness and debilitating tiredness. The condition is associated with tender points throughout the body, which hurt when pressed. Pain is often felt in the neck, shoulders, back and hips. The pain is not caused by damage to the muscles.
There is often increased sensitivity to normal things such as light, touch, draughts, or clothing, which is felt as pain.
Sleep disturbance is characteristic of the condition. Sleep is un-refreshing and there is muscle stiffness on waking often lasting for many hours.
Depression is common in Fibromyalgia.
Other symptoms are common such as headaches, irritable bowel, restless legs (with numbness, tingling, or itching), and intolerance of cold.
The condition can be disabling and affects all aspects of peoples lives including being unable to function normally, or to work.
Diagnosis
There are no specific tests for fibromyalgia and nothing is visible on X-rays or scans.
After looking at your detailed medical history, your doctor will look for symptoms which indicate that you have fibromyalgia. These include widespread pain for longer than 3 months and painful tender points, together with any history.
You may be referred to a Rheumatologist, (a specialist in rheumatic and arthritic disorders). He can carry out tests to check that you do not have a rheumatic disease or any other underlying condition.
What Causes Fibromyalgia?
The cause of fibromyalgia is not known.
It may start after an accident, an infection or a stressful life event. It may also begin for no particular reason.
Doctors have some theories about what may cause the condition. Your nervous system may have become over sensitive to normal aches and other sensations such as touch and cold, which the brain registers as pain.
Because you have pain and tiredness, your activities decrease. This leads to de-conditioning of the body and you may then become depressed. This becomes a vicious cycle of pain, tiredness and depression.
Treatment
There is no cure for fibromyalgia. Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms and managing the condition. A positive practical approach to coping with the symptoms will help.