Fibromyalgia


What  is  Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a condition associated with pain in muscles, fatigue, and mood changes.  It affects about two percent of the  United States' population, and it is more common in women than in men.  It is a form of soft-tissue rheumatism, and can also occur in people with different types of arthritis or lupus.

~According to the American College of Rheumatoloty, a person has fibromyalgia, if in the past, they have experienced widespread pain that lasts for at least three months and have "tender points."  Tender points are sites in the body that are unusually sensitive to pain.~


Tender Points

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia:

• widewid~1.  widespread musculoskeletal pain (most common)
• ~usually occurs at multiple sites in the body
• ~pain has been described as a burning, gnawing, aching, or stiffness
• ~usually varies according to the time of day
• ~a tender point on one side of the body usually has a matching
• tender point in the same place on the opposide side of the body
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• 2.  fatigue
• ~sometimes the fatigue is severe and can become a greater
•  problem than the pain
• ~people with fibromyalgia fall asleep easily but sleep
• lightly and have a hard time staying asleep
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• 3.  problems with mood and concentration
• ~sadness and depression are common
• ~some people may feel anxious
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• 4.  other problems
• ~tension headaches and migranes are common
• ~abdominal pain and bloating
• ~frequent urination due to bladder spasms
• ~dizziness
  
• ~numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
  
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Causes

The exact cause of fibromyalgia is not known.  However, infectious illness, physical trauma, emotional trauma, or hormonal changes may trigger the development of pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances that are the common symptoms of this condition.


(physical trauma can lead to the development of fibromyalgia)

Treatments

~Small doses of anti-inflamatory drugs (asprin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen) help to some extent.    COX-2  inhibitors (a subcategory of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as celecoxib and rofecoxib) provide pain relief without much of the stomach problems.  Sleep aids may be prescribed to help patients get rest.  Antidepressants may also be prescribed. 
~Exercise is extremely important.  It helps to stretch sore muscles.  Exercises that strengthen muscles through resistance are unhealthy for people suffering with fibromyalgia. 
~Physical therapists help with designing programs to improve posture, flexibility, and fitness.