While watching television, numerous advertisements come on concerning fibromyalgia. Just what is fibromyalgia and why all the concern. Fibromyalgia is defined as a syndrome rather than a disease, because it has no specific cause or symptom. Its characteristics include widespread muscle and joint pain and debilitating fatigue. The disorder causes heightened pain all over the body with multiple tender points that are painful to the touch. An individual with this condition suffers physical and psychological distress interfering with daily living. Physicians are unaware of what causes fibromyalgia and have no conclusive tests to identify it, but they are inclined to believe that the basis of the physical pain is brought on by psychological stress. For those who suffer from this painful condition, and there are millions worldwide, conquering fibromyalgia now is essential to their well being.
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia causes achiness and pain all over. The tender points on the body may be painful to the slightest touch. Severe fatigue, sleep disturbances, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic headaches, and jaw pain are some of the symptoms of this disorder. Others include joint stiffness, anxiety, numbness or tingling in the fingers and feet, and depression. Many other chronic pain illnesses have symptoms that mimic fibromyalgia. In’90, The American College of Rheumatology conducted a study that evaluated individuals suffering from neck pain, low back pain, tendinitis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and other painful disorders. They were able to pinpoint those who had fibromyalgia with 88% accuracy. The study concluded that this condition is a known physical disorder that could be distinguished from other pain disorders. Conquering fibromyalgia forever is a goal that all individuals suffering from this condition wish to attain.
Diagnosing fibromyalgia is difficult because it is a syndrome and not a disease. Physicians use several criteria in their diagnosis, one of which is using pressure on the multiple tender points. There are’ different sites that are used in this method, but the cause of pressure points is not known. Many symptoms occur together such as the tender points, anxiety, extreme fatigue widespread pain in muscles and joints. This is the reason fibromyalgia is called a syndrome, because it has no one specific symptom or cause. Because there are no conclusive tests to diagnose fibromyalgia, physicians rely on physical examination and medical history to accurately pinpoint it.
Causes
People who suffer from fibromyalgia have found specific factors that worsen their pain. Certain individuals are at higher risk because of gender, age, disturbed sleep patterns, family history and rheumatic disease. Other factors include stress and anxiety, depression or physical exhaustion, lack of sleep and restless leg syndrome. Researchers tend to believe that it could be a variety of factors working together, such as genetics, infections, and physical or emotional trauma. Women are more likely than men to develop fibromyalgia, so for them conquering fibromyalgia now is of particular concern to them.
Some Recommendations
When an individual is suffering from fatigue and the lack of sleep because of the pain, they are looking for some relief. Conquering fibromyalgia forever is possible and pain management is the first goal in treating this disorder. A program using both traditional and alternative therapies can be involved in the treatment. Some individuals find that low doses of antidepressants control their pain very well. Therapeutic massage helps ease the pain and daily moist heat applications benefits joint stiffness. Others get better control from stress management, exercise and hydrotherapy. Managing stress is very important, because stress increases pain over tender points and decreases the ability to cope with pain. Taking time each day for rest and relaxation will reduce the stress. Another recommendation includes maintaining a healthy lifestyle by getting enough sleep and exercising regularly.
Who can help?
It is very important for individuals suffering from fibromyalgia to know they are supported by family and friends and the numerous others who also suffer from this condition. The American Pain Society endorses hypnosis, acupuncture, and chiropractic manipulation for pain relief. It is reassuring knowing that organizations such as the Arthritis Foundation and the American Chronic Pain Association provide classes and support groups that give help and advice to these individuals that they could not find elsewhere. Conquering fibromyalgia would mean a happy, healthy life for those who have been suffering far too long.
Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by widespread muscle and joint pain. The cause is unknown and the symptoms are many. Because it is a syndrome, many symptoms occur at the same time, making diagnosis difficult. It is an ongoing disorder looking for a solution.
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categories: Conquering Fibromyalgia,chronic fatigue syndrome,chronic pain,tender points,sleep disorders
