Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease classified as a form of arthritis. Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread muscle, ligament and tendon pain. Common symptoms of fibromyalgia include fatigue, headaches, painful menstrual periods, tingling or numbness in hands and feet, morning stiffness, multiple tender points on the body and difficulty sleeping. The most common sites of pain include the back, shoulders, neck, pelvic girdle and hands, but part of the body can be affected.
The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown. However, many factors can contribute to fibromyalgia. Researchers believe that alterations in sleep patterns may be a cause of fibromyalgia, rather than a symptom. Viral or bacterial infections may also be a trigger. Injury or trauma that affects the central nervous system may be a cause of fibromyalgia. An imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain can also be a cause of fibromyalgia. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that researchers believe is intended to cause fibromyalgia to depression, headaches and gastrointestinal disorders. Abnormalities in the autonomic nervous system may be a cause of fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia can also be caused by changes in muscle metabolism, such as deconditioning and decreased blood flow.
Fibromyalgia affects people in adulthood and in the middle, but can affect children. People affected by rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or ankylosing spondylitis are more likely to develop fibromyalgia. A family history of fibromyalgia also increases the risk of developing this disease. People with sleep disorders such as restless legs syndrome or sleep apnea are at risk of developing fibromyalgia increased.
Fibromyalgia is not progressive or life-threatening illness. Symptoms of fibromyalgia vary in intensity. There are many treatments that can improve the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Some medications can treat the pain involved with fibromyalgia. Some pain medications used to treat fibromyalgia include: acetaminophen (anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs) NSAIDs and Ultram (Tramadol). These drugs can be used in combination with each other for better pain relief. However, Ultram should be prescribed by a doctor right (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are counter NSAIDs.
Antidepressants can be prescribed by your doctor to treat fibromyalgia. These antidepressant medications that may be prescribed include: Pamelor, Elavil, Doxepin, Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft. These drugs can be prescribed in combination with each other. These drugs treat serotonin levels in the brain and may also promote sleep.
People with pain and muscle spasms may need to take a muscle relaxant such as Flexeril at bedtime. Your doctor may also prescribe a benzodiazepine to promote sleep and help relax the muscles. Some sleep medications like Ambien is classified as a benzodiazepine. However, these drugs are not recommended for long term use because of the increased risk of addiction.
Your doctor can help you create a unique treatment program that includes cognitive behavioral therapy and interdisciplinary program. Cognitive behavioral therapy is to teach patients to cope with stressful situations. Interdisciplinary treatment programs may include relaxation techniques, biofeedback and education on chronic pain.
Taking care of yourself is also very important in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Taking care of yourself includes stress reduction, achievement of adequate sleep, exercise regularly and eat healthily. There are also alternative therapies that can help relieve stress and pain associated with fibromyalgia. These treatments include massage, meditation, yoga, acupressure, chiropractic, physical therapy, light aerobics, aromatherapy, herbs, nutritional supplements, myofascial therapy, application of heat / cold, acupuncture and exercises.
Visiting a doctor of osteopathy may be beneficial for the treatment of fibromyalgia. Doctors of osteopathy are allowed to perform the same treatments and medical procedures, but are also taught to use manipulation to solve common problems and spine. A doctor of osteopathy may be more inclined to see the subtle signs of fibromyalgia.
There is no cure for fibromyalgia yet, but hope is on the horizon. Patient with fibromyalgia has many resources to help treat this disorder as support groups, organizations and health professionals to help improve their quality of life. Fibromyalgia is not life threatening and treatments tend to improve symptom severity over time. There are many tools the victim of fibromyalgia can be used to become a survivor of fibromyalgia?
No comments:
Post a Comment