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.