Thursday 19 November 2009

Conquering Fibromyalgia Now

By Tre Pleggi

Fibromyalgia is defined as a common and chronic pain disorder that can affect people with real, persistent pain throughout the body. It is a condition that was once thought to be psychological because no specific symptom or cause could be identified. Therefore it is called a syndrome rather than a disease. Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain in ligaments and tendons, with painful response to pressure. There are multiple tender points on the body where even the slightest amount of pressure will cause debilitating pain. Today the medical community is inclined to believe that there may be a real basis for the physical pain, which might be the result of prolonged psychological stress. Conquering fibromyalgia is possible, but only with a better understanding of this complex pain disorder.

What Are the 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 has been considered a non-disease, and there is no conclusive test to diagnose the disorder. Several criteria are used. Tender points are sites used to apply slight pressure to initiate pain. There are' different sites used for diagnosis. The cause of the pressure points is not known, but they do cause pain and discomfort. Inflammation seems to be part of the problem, but when tissue has been examined no signs of inflammation have been found. Physicians rely on medical and family history and physical examination to pinpoint fibromyalgia and to make treatment recommendations. The American college of Rheumatology published a study in'90, which is considered the benchmark for the inclusion of fibromyalgia as a known physical disorder. The study involved patients suffering from pain problems that mimicked fibromyalgia. They were able to distinguish fibromyalgia from other chronic pain illnesses with 88% accuracy.

Causes

Individuals who suffer from fibromyalgia have found that specific factors heighten their pain. They include stress and anxiety, depression, or physical exhaustion. Lack of sleep and even changes in the weather will trigger the pain. But because there are no conclusive tests to identify fibromyalgia, physicians are unaware of what causes the disorder. They believe that it could be a variety of factors working together. These can include genetics, infections and physical or emotional trauma. Researchers have found that individuals who have sleep disorders, sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome are at high risk to develop fibromyalgia. Gender, age, family history and rheumatic disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can also be factors. Women are more likely than men to develop this condition, so knowing that conquering fibromyalgia is possible is essential for their well being.

Recommendations

There is no cure for fibromyalgia and no one treatment that will address all of its symptoms. Managing the pain is the first goal and this involves a multifaceted program of both traditional and alternative treatments. Some individuals find that their pain can be controlled using low doses of antidepressant medication combined with strengthening and aerobic exercises. Other pain management recommendations include therapeutic massage which manipulates muscles and soft tissue and helps ease the pain. It can also ease the discomfort of tender points, muscle tension and spasms. Moist heat applications can also benefit the stiffness of deep muscle pain Other people get better control from stress management, deep breathing exercises and hydrotherapy. Because stress increases the pain over tender points and decreases one's ability to cope with the pain, stress management is very important. Conquering fibromyalgia now is possible, so It is recommended to get enough sleep, reduce stress, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Avoid making too many commitments and set aside time each day for relaxation and rest.

Who Can Help?

Those who suffer from this condition do best when they have the support from family, friends, and others who suffer from fibromyalgia. There are many organizations providing classes and access to support groups where help in conquering fibromyalgia is possible and available. Finding this help and getting advice from these groups is something that could not be found anywhere else. It is most gratifying when these individuals know they are not alone in their pain.

Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread muscle and joint pain. It is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, because it is known as a non-disease, with no specific symptom or cause. Those individuals suffering debilitating pain from fibromyalgia need help for their depression and social isolation.

About the Author:

No comments:

Post a Comment