Suffering with Fibromyalgia by the U.S. National Library of Medicine and Health
This what fibromyalgia is and what I suffer with on a day to day basis:
Fibromyalgia is a common condition characterized by long-term, body-wide pain and tender points in joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. Fibromyalgia has also been linked to fatigue, morning stiffness, sleep problems, headaches, numbness in hands and feet, depression and anxiety.
Fibromyalgia can develop on its own or along with other musculosketal conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
Causes:
The cause of this disorder is unknown. Physical or emotional trauma may play a role in development of the syndrome. Some evidence suggests that fibromyalgia patients have abnormal pain transmission responses.
It has been suggested that sleep disturbances, which are common in fibromyalgia patients, may actually cause the condition. Another theory suggests that the disorder may be associated with changes in skeletal muscle metabolism, possibly caused by decreased blood flow, which could cause chronic fatigue and weakness.
Others have suggested that an infectious microbe, such as a virus, triggers the illness. At this point, no such virus or microbe has been identified.
Pilot studies have shown a possible inherited tendency toward the disease, though evidence is very preliminary.
Men and women of all ages get fibromyalgia, but the disorder is most common among women aged 20 to 50.
Symptoms:
The overwhelming characteristic of fibromyalgia is long-standing, body-wide pain with defined tender points. Tender points are distinct from trigger points seen in other pain syndromes. Unlike tender points, trigger points can occur in isolation and represent a source of radiating pain, even in the absence of direct pressure.
Fibromyalgia pain can mimic the pain that occurs with various types of arthritis. However, the significant swelling, destruction, and deformity of joints seen in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis does not occur with fibromyalgia syndrome alone.
The soft-tissue pain of fibromyalgia is described as deep-aching, radiating, gnawing, shooting or burning, and ranges from mild to severe. Fibromyalgia sufferers tend to wake up with body aches and stiffness.
For some patients, pain improves during the day and increases again during the evening, though many patients with fibromyalgia have day-long, unrelenting pain. Pain can increase with activity, cold or damp weather, anxiety, and stress.
Treatment:
In mild cases, symptoms may go away when stress is decreased or lifestyle changes are implemented. A combination of treatments including medicaions, patient education, physical therapy, and counseling are usually recommended. Many fibromyalgia sufferers have found support groups helpful.
In 2007, the Food and Drug Administration approved Pregabalin Lyrica as the first drugh for the treatment of fibromyalgia. In June 2008, a second drug, Cymbalta, which was previously approved for treating depression, was FDA approved milnacipan (Savella) for the treatment of fibromyalgia.
Certain classes of antidepressant medications are sometimes prescribed for the disorder. Studies show that antidepressants in low doses can decrease depression, relax craniofacial and skeletal muscles, improve sleep quality, and release pain-killing endorphins. Other medications that are used include anti-inflammatory pain medications that work on pain transmission pathways, such as Gabapentin.
Eating a well-balanced diet and avoiding caffeine may help with problems sleeping, and may help reduce the severity of the symptoms. Lifestyle measures to improve the quality of sleep can be effective for fibromyalgia.
Some reports indicate that fish oil, magnesium/malic acid combinations, or vitamins may be effective. Reducing stress and improving coping skills may also help reduce painful symptoms.
Improved fitness through exercise is recommended. Studies have shown that fibromyalgia symptoms can be relieved by aerobic exercise. Starting out slowly and gently can help ease you into an effective program you can stick with. Starting slowly helps stretch and mobilize tight, sore muscles. High-impact aerobics and weight lifting could cause increased discomfort. Symptoms may be relieved by gentle stretching and light massage, as well as acupressure, acupuncture, and relaxation techniques.
Severe cases of fibromyalgia may require a referral to a pain clinic.
My condition of this is severe. I have been seen by a pain doctor in a pain clinic for 2 years. i am currently on seven different type of pain medications and one of them being Lyrica, i get anywhere from 10 to 15 injections every three weeks, i have physical therapy off and on, i do water aerobics and stretch exercising, heating pads, ointments, tense unit, hand massager, support group and church. I have had accupuncture and other types of pain medications that i am now immune to. There is so much to do just to get some relief that is very depressing for me and keeps me from being able to do alot. But i try to have a positive outlook and be grateful for everyday that i arise.
