Fibromyalgia
Incidence of
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia or FMS is
characterized by chronic widespread pain and a heightened
and painful response to pressure. It is one of the most
common causes of musculo - skeletal pain, affecting 2 to
4% of the population. Fibromyalgia is usually accompanied
by fatigue and poor sleeping patterns. Far more common in
women than in men, the peak incidence is between the ages
of 20 and 60, although it may even occur in
children.
Causes of
Fibromyalgia
While the exact cause is unknown,
symptoms often begin after a physical or emotional trauma
and the condition can be associated with an underlying
disease such as, rheumatoid or osteo - arthritis,
systemic lupus erythematosus, sleep apnea and chronic
fatigue syndrome.
Various
theories postulate that:
- Blood flow to the muscle is
decreased because of poor muscle aerobic
condition.
- Blood flow to the thalamus and
caudate nucleus is decreased leading to a lowered
pain threshold.
- There is abnormal endocrine
function.
- There are abnormal levels of
the neurotransmitter Serotonin which affects pain and
sleep.
- Because of the overlap with
other pain syndromes such as CFS, there is a possible
infection with microbes such as Parovirus
B19.
Signs and
Symptoms of
Fibromyalgia
The primary symptom is a diffuse,
dull ache concentrated across the neck and shoulders and
spreading to the lower back and the limbs. The pain is
typically worse in the mornings and exacerbated by
stress, lack of sleep, weather changes and
inactivity.
Other signs may include; irritable
bowel syndrome, tension headaches, depression and puffy
hands.
Diagnosis of
Fibromyalgia
Characteristically there are
multiple tender points, sleep problems, morning
stiffness, headaches and problems with clarity of
thought.
Approximately 40% of patients with
fibromyalgia describe having alternating bouts of diarrhea
and constipation, and also experience bloating, cramping,
and an increased urge to defecate. Approximately 20% of
persons with fibromyalgia have concomitant restless legs
syndrome and approximately 50% of patients with fibromyalgia
present with complaints of swollen tissues numbness and
tingling in the extremities.
Levels of hormones under the
direct or indirect control of human growth
hormone
including, IGF 1, cortisol, leptin and neuropeptide Y may
be abnormal. Fibromyalgia patients demonstrate lower
heart rate variability which can be indicative of
sympathetic - parasympathetic imbalance.
While the pain is mainly in muscle
areas, microscopic evaluation of biopsies of tender
points, show no abnormalities when compared to normal
muscle tissue.
Treatment
of
Fibromyalgia
As with many other medically
unexplained syndromes, there is no known cure or
universally accepted treatment for fibromyalgia and
treatment is typically aimed at symptom management.
Integrated, individualized treatment plans that
incorporate medication, patient education, aerobic
exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy have been shown
to be effective in alleviating pain and other
fibromyalgia related symptoms.
Prescription drugs such as
amitriptyline and nortriptyline are used to improve sleep
and lessen pain. Alternative treatments, including
massage and physical therapy, chiropractic, and
acupuncture, vitamins and supplements, moderate exercise,
lifestyle changes, including diet and stress management
all have their place. Studies show that strengthening
exercises using free weights decrease pain and even
reduce depression in people with fibromyalgia.
There are a number of interesting
new theories that postulate the role of the ever growing
influence of toxins on modern life being implicated in
the growing incidence of Fibromyalgia and other
associated diseases. Because of this, some therapists and
researchers think that complete elimination of carbonated
beverages, alcohol, chocolates and coffee can help one
prevent the onset of fibromyalgia if not cure
it.
There have also been numerous
reports of the use of Lifewave acupuncture patches in
detoxifying acupuncture meridians and for helping with
the relief of diverse symptoms such as pain, sleep
disturbances and heart rate variability.
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