Fibromyalgia - A Commonly Misunderstood Diagnosis

Fibromyalgia is a very variable and devastating diagnoses most misunderstood, chronic, which exist in the lexicon of modern medicine. Unfortunately, while there are a number of treatment options available, which focus on treating the symptoms (not the cause) and can often be found with little success.

For this reason, it is not uncommon for people living with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia to be very discouraged and frustrated. The main characteristics of fibromyalgia (if debated in the medical community) include:

Pain - for at least 3 months, very widespread, on both sides of the body, above and below the belt, at least 11 of the 18 "trigger points" and also predetermined in the backbone and / or box chest.
Persistent fatigue even after a full night's sleep, and sleep problems (insomnia, etc.).

Morning stiffness
Many patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia also report depression, chronic headaches, numbness and gastrointestinal symptoms (these can include diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, etc - symptoms consistent with a syndrome IBS or irritable colon).

What causes fibromyalgia? This remains unknown. But assumptions include changes in the perception and pain control, changes in muscle tissue, infection (Fibromyalgia has been observed in some patients diagnosed with viral infections, Lyme disease and HIV), and other types of trauma surgery.

Psychological or psychiatric component and a relationship with a chronic illness is also postulated. As the diagnostic criteria, the exact number of people living with fibromyalgia is discussed, but estimates vary usually 2-3 100 are discussed. Women are about 9 times more likely than men to be affected, however, and the median age is the most affected age group. There is no known genetic link, at this stage, but research is ongoing to find a hereditary component.

Laboratory tests are often used to rule out other diagnoses. This includes tests of thyroid function (thyroid stimulating hormone or TSH levels, T3 and T4), the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR or "sed rate") and levels of rheumatoid factor (which can be high in . rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases), and tests for Lyme disease, HIV or other infections treatments of fibromyalgia are varied and may include:

Analgesics - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), paracetamol and potent analgesics may help some patients. Some antidepressant and muscle relaxants have been also useful for treating pain associated with this disease.

The sleep problems were treated with antidepressants, and implement best practices sleep "hygiene" (which has a fixed bed, no TV / reading in bed, a good sleep environment, etc.).

Depression - this may be treated the same as above, with antidepressants reuptake inhibitors of serotonin norepinephrine class (SNRI) that seems most promising today.

Support - Fibromyalgia can be treated effectively and lived with, and support from family, friends and health professionals is an essential component of successful treatment.

Exercise - two light aerobic exercise (walking, etc.) and stretching can really help patients with fibromyalgia.
Other - stress management, elimination of alcohol consumption and the development of techniques for active and effective self (often obtained through therapy) may also help. In addition, therapies "alternatives" such as relaxation techniques, massage, acupuncture, meditation, and have also been shown to be of some use.