Fibromyalgia - An Overview
A Chronic Rheumatoid Disorder
Oct 10, 2009 Karen Cioffi-Ventrice
According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), "Fibromyalgia syndrome is a common and chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain, diffuse tenderness, and a number of other symptoms. The word 'fibromyalgia' comes from the Latin term for fibrous tissue (fibro) and the Greek ones for muscle (myo) and pain (algia)."
Other fibromyalgia (FM) symptoms include: stiffness; tingling or pins and needles in extremities; numbness or odd sensation in extremities; heightened pain sensation; and irritable bowel syndrome. FM is usually a companion syndrome to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).
The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has created criteria for a fibromyalgia diagnosis: the patient must have 11 out of 18 specific tender points on the body. But, because there are no definitive diagnostic tests for FM, a process of elimination of other illnesses usually takes place before a FM diagnosis is given. This process is important because FM has many symptoms similar to other diseases such as lupus and multiple sclerosis.
As with CFS, the cause of fibromyalgia, according to Western medicine, is unknown. There is speculation that stress is a key factor. Some medical camps believe that extreme stress, whether physical or emotional, such as a traumatic event, may trigger the illness. Others feel it could be linked to an illness (virus) or environmental factors. And, some researchers are looking into a central nervous system and a specific gene connection. With the cause unknown, doctors can only treat the symptoms of this syndrome rather than the cause.
Fibromyalgia Treatments
With such a wide array of symptoms, FM is treated with a number of different medications. At the top of the medication list are painkillers, sleep aides, and anti-depressants to help elevate the levels of particular chemicals in the brain such as serotonin and norepinephrine. Then, depending on additional symptoms there may be muscle relaxers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antispasmodic medications, and irritable bowel syndrome medications. As you can see, doctors use a number of different medications to treat the symptoms, not the illness itself. Along with medication, physical therapy has been recommended.
There are also alternative treatments. Some FM sufferers have found relief with massage therapy and movement therapy. In addition, there is chiropractic care, acupuncture and herbs. Whatever the treatment regime you choose, it’s important to let your primary care physician keep track of your team of medical doctors, including alternative practitioners.
If you’d like more information about fibromyalgia, you can visit these sites:
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS):
Toll Free Number: 877-22-NIAMS (226-4267)
The American College of Rheumatology (ACR)
Phone: 404-633-3777
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Arthritis
National Fibromyalgia Association
Phone: 714-921-0150
Pain of Fibromyalgia
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