Conquering Fibromyalgia is Possible

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.

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

For those suffering from fibromyalgia, the symptoms can be many, including debilitating fatigue, sleep disorders, and joint stiffness with numbness and tingling. Other symptoms include irritable bowel, chronic headaches, jaw pain, anxiety and depression. Some feel that their symptoms were brought on by a physical or emotional trauma, while in others there was no triggering event. It is estimated that 2-4% of the population suffers from fibromyalgia and therefore it affects millions of people worldwide. For those who suffer from severe symptoms, conquering fibromyalgia is possible and essential for basic daily activities.

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.

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?

There are millions of people worldwide who suffer from fibromyalgia. They do best when supported by each other and family and friends. This condition causes depression and social isolation. Help and advice can be found in organizations such as the Arthritis Foundation and the American Chronic Pain Association. They provide classes and access to support groups where individuals find each other and know they are not alone in this fight in conquering fibromyalgia forever.

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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