Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease that affects about 5 million Americans. Doctors diagnose fibromyalgia based on the patient's symptoms and physical examination. Patients experience pain and stiffness in muscles, but no measurable X-rays or most of the results of laboratory tests. While fibromyalgia not damage your joints or organs, pain and constant fatigue can have a significant impact on daily life.
Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Characteristic of fibromyalgia is muscle pain in the body, usually accompanied by:
Fatigue
Sleep problems
Anxiety or depression
Specific access points
Sensitive Points Fibromyalgia
One of the unique aspects of fibromyalgia is the presence of hot spots in specific body sites. When these points are pressed, people with fibromyalgia feel pain, while those without the condition to feel the pressure. This illustration shows 18 possible tender points.
Fibromyalgia pain is real
The pain of fibromyalgia can be intense. Because there are traditionally laboratory tests or x-rays can confirm a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, patients were once led to believe that pain is "in your head." But the medical community now accepts that fibromyalgia pain is real. Research suggests that it is caused by a problem in the way the body senses pain.
Fibromyalgia: Who is at risk?
Women between the ages of 25 and 60 have the highest risk of developing fibromyalgia. Doctors are not sure why, but women are 10 times more likely to have the condition than men. Some researchers believe that genetics may play a role, but no specific genes have been identified.
Fibromyalgia and Fatigue
After the pain, the most common and debilitating symptom of fibromyalgia is fatigue. This is not the normal tiredness after a busy day, but a persistent feeling of exhaustion. People with fibromyalgia may feel tired first thing in the morning, even after hours spent in bed. Fatigue can be worse on some days than others and can interfere with work, physical activity, and household chores.
The cause of fibromyalgia
There are many theories about what causes fibromyalgia, but research does not identify an obvious culprit. Some doctors believe that hormonal or chemical imbalances alter the pain signal nervously. Others suggest a traumatic event or chronic stress can increase a person's susceptibility. Most experts agree that fibromyalgia probably results from a combination of factors, rather than a single cause.
Fibromyalgia impact on daily life
The fight against pain and constant fatigue can make irritable, anxious and depressed people. You may have trouble staying focused on work, childcare, or follow the housework. Exercise or hobbies like gardening can seem daunting. Exhaustion and irritability may also lead to miss visits with friends.
Fibromyalgia Diagnosis
Your doctor can diagnose fibromyalgia after hearing your symptoms and do a physical exam. There is a laboratory test that can detect fibromyalgia. Measures levels of protein in the bloodstream and can help confirm the diagnosis of fibrosis. However, your doctor may do some tests to rule out other conditions. Be sure to describe your pain in detail, including where and how often it occurs. Also raise other symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disorders or anxiety.
Fibromyalgia: Getting Treatment
Fibromyalgia was once the exclusive domain of rheumatologists. Today, the state has attracted the attention of a wide range of health care providers. Many people who receive treatment from their primary care providers. Check with local support groups and hospitals to a list of fibromyalgia expert in your area.
triggers of fibromyalgia
An important first step is to identify what makes your symptoms. Common triggers include:
The cold or wet weather
Too much or too little physical activity
Stress
Lack of sleep
Fibromyalgia and Sleep
Many people with fibromyalgia have sleep problems, including difficulty falling asleep or frequent awakenings during the night. Studies suggest that some patients are kept in a state of deep sleep and never rest, sleep. This deprives the body a chance to repair and replenish itself, creating a vicious circle. Lack of sleep can make pain seem worse, and the pain can lead to lack of sleep.
Fibromyalgia and depression
Almost a third of people with fibromyalgia also have major depression when they are diagnosed. The relationship between the two is unclear. Some researchers believe that depression may be the result of chronic pain and fatigue. Others suggest that abnormalities in brain chemistry can lead to depression and feeling pain. Symptoms of depression can include difficulty concentrating, hopelessness and loss of interest in favorite activities.
Fibromyalgia: Management of medicines
The goal of fibromyalgia treatment is to minimize pain, sleep disorders and mood disorders. Doctors may recommend medications to help relieve symptoms - family over-the-counter pain relievers to prescription drugs. There is also specifically approved for the treatment of fibromyalgia, including Cymbalta, Lyrica and Savella prescription drugs.
Fibromyalgia Management: Exercise
Exercise can relieve many of the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Physical activity can reduce pain and improve physical fitness. The exercise just three times a week has also been shown to relieve fatigue and depression. But it is important not to exaggerate. Walking, stretching and aerobics are good forms of exercise to start people with fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia Management: Plan
Some experts say that diet may play a role in fibromyalgia - not just the same function in all patients. Some foods, such as aspartame, MSG, caffeine and tomatoes seem to aggravate symptoms in some people. But avoiding these foods will not help everyone. To find what works for you, try to eliminate foods one by one and see if your symptoms improve.
Managing Fibromyalgia: Massage
Some research suggests that massage may help relieve the pain of fibromyalgia, but its value is not fully tested. Practitioners say the application of moderate pressure is the key, while the technique is less important. Friction, kneading, stroking or all seem to help. A couple can learn to give regular massages - and 20-minute session can be enough to get results.
Fibromyalgia Management: Acupuncture
Formal studies have produced mixed results on the use of acupuncture for fibromyalgia, but some patients say it helps their symptoms. This traditional Chinese practice of inserting thin needles into key points on the body. Acupressure stimulates the same pressure points and can be a good alternative for people who want to avoid needles.
Fibromyalgia Management: Fibro Fog
Many people with fibromyalgia have difficulty concentrating, a phenomenon known as fibro fog name. While receiving treatment for pain and sleeplessness can help, there are other steps you can take to improve your accent.
Fibromyalgia Management: Stress
Stress seems to be one of the most common triggers of fibromyalgia flare. Although it is impossible to remove all stress from your life, you can try to reduce unnecessary stress. Determine what situations make you anxious - at home and at work - and find ways to make them less stressful situations. Experiment with yoga, meditation or other relaxation techniques. And stop jumping non-core activities that cause stress.
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