Fibromyalgia No More

Fibromyalgia seems to be one of those diseases that becomes more popular through the years.  It’s kind of like peanut allergies, where were those when we were kids?  Now you can’t take it treat into a classroom without seeing the signs warning of kids that might have peanut allergies.

In reality, fibromyalgia is only experienced by 2% of the general population, with nine times as many women experiencing symptoms than men.  Individuals between the ages of 20 and 50 are most commonly diagnosed with fibromyalgia, the symptoms may begin to be exhibited in childhood.

The term fibromyalgia was not coined until 1976 and comes from Latin words for fiber, muscle and pain.  However, the condition itself has been studied since the early 19th century under names like muscular rheumatism and fibrosis -itis.

Fibromyalgia includes a number of symptoms that can also relate to different diseases, so it is difficult for scientists, doctors and researchers to agree on common symptoms and the common definition of fibromyalgia.  Many people believe it is just a psychosomatic illness, requiringtreatment of the mind, and not of the body.

As with many similar conditions, there is no single accepted cure for fibromyalgia.  Some physicians or drug companies claim to have found cures, and a steady increase of interest in this disorder is leading to improvements in treatment.

Treatments can be grouped into basically two categories: pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical.  Pharmaceutical treatments are, of course, drugs.  These make lewd hormones like cortisol, analgesics, which are basically painkillers, muscle relaxants, antidepressants, serotonin inhibitors, and the central nervous system stimulants.

There is still research being done in the drag and the non-drug treatment areas.  One of the new studies being done involves putting fibromyalgia patients in a flotation take.  This is designed to help relieve stress, anxiety, and depression and as a result alleviate the fibromyalgia.

Exercise is always healthy, and because it improves fitness levels and quality of sleep, it can have the effect of reducing pain and fatigue in the fibromyalgia sufferers.  For patients with pain in specific areas, they may find relief by applying heat to those areas, or participating in physical therapy sessions, or receiving a massage in those areas.  Acupuncture can be effective as well.

As with most conditions, it is important to eat a healthy diet, avoiding a specially mono sodium glutamate otherwise known as MSG.

There is no definitive answer on what causes fibromyalgia.  There is evidence that genetic factors may play a role, but that is still being researched.  However, there are some things that science has found to exacerbate symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Number one, stress seems to be a significant factor in the development of fibromyalgia, with PTSD also being linked to the condition.  Stress can affect the levels of cortisol in the body which results in widespread pain.  There are some who believe stress-induced fibromyalgia is psychosomatic, and will propose education, attitude change, and psychotherapy as treatment.

Second, lack of slow-wave sleep is thought to lead to fibromyalgia.  According to this hypothesis, dramatic events or illness lead to sleep disturbance and eventually to chronic pain.  This is a difficult hypothesis to prove or disprove due to a variety of other factors that may be involved.

Third are chemical imbalances.  Our bodies to create a variety of chemicals that help regulate things like pain, sleep patterns, mood, and concentration.  If these are out of balance, it can lead to problems like fibromyalgia.  Dopamine is critical in regulating how we perceive pain, and serotonin plays a role in regulating or sleep patterns and boots.  These are both considered neurotransmitters and if they are ineffective, it can lead to pain and other symptoms.

Unfortunately, there is still much research to be done on the causes of fibromyalgia.  The best advice at this point seems to be eating healthy, and get regular exercise to help avoid things that may bring on fibromyalgia.

There are a variety of symptoms of fibromyalgia, of which people should be aware.  The general symptoms include such things as aches and pains, tenderness to the touch, and [...] Continue Reading…

Fibromyalgia is a condition indicated by chronic, widespread pain and tenderness to the touch.  It is not contagious, and those who develop fibromyalgia may be genetically predisposed to it.  [...] Continue Reading…