What Is Fibromyalgia?
Learn Fibromyalgia information and symptoms commonly shared by suffers of this chronic disorder
Definition
A chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and multiple tender points that occur in precise, localized areas, particularly in the neck, spine, shoulders, and hips; also may cause sleep disturbances, morning stiffness, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, and other symptoms.
For many decades, fibromyalgia syndrome was considered an emotional problem, 'created' unwittingly by anxious or depressed persons. During the mid-1970's, this theory was dispelled, mainly due to the fact that most fibromyalgia patients do not have emotional problems (as the root cause, any do as a result of chronic pain).
Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS)may resemble a post-viral state. This similarity is the resons experts of Fibromyalgia Syndrome and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome believe these two syndromes maybe one and the same.
Who is Affected by Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) afflicts more women than men, overall. Over 12 million Americans suffer from Fibromyalgia Syndrome, estimated 4% of the general population. 90% are women. Typically, the problem begins between 20-30 years of age. 70% of the patients consider themselves to be disabled. Most, if not all, report sleep disturbances.
However, we must not forget that friends and family are also affected by Fibromyalgia. If you lack energy or in constant pain, and as a result, you can not do most of the activities you used to do and enjoy ... guess who suffers. Others in the family typically do your share of the chores (in addition to their share), family time in the park is limited or eliminated, you have trouble enjoying get-togethers with friends. The list goes on, but you get the idea. This is nothing new. No matter what illness you have, family and friends suffer right along with you.
Causes of Fibromyalgia
The root cause it still unknown. There are, however, triggering effects that are thought to precipitate its onset. Such triggers are: viral or bacterial infection, a severe injury (ie, an automobile accident), or the development of another disorder (ie, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or hypothyroidism). While they don't directly cause Fibromyalgia Syndrome, they may awaken an underlying physiological abnormality that is already present.
Some cases being with a flu-like infection, but most start with lower backpain, whiplash, or other localized pain, which then spreads throughout the body. The most likely cause of persistant and spreading pain is subtle changes in the central nervous system, more likely the result of abnormally high levels of certain neurotransmitters, which make people more sensitive to pain. It is also thought to have a heredity component, since fibromyalgia tends to run in families.
Fibromyalgia Symptoms
The most frequent pain is the 'all over body ache', akin to a bad flu ache, where your whole body, especially the muscles, shout out in pain. Many have pain as deep muscular aching, throbbing, shooting, and stabbing. Some have intense burning. Frequently, the pain and stiffness is worse in the morning.
Fatigue varies from mild to incapacitating. Many sufferers describe chronic "brain fog", their body weights a ton, and other related symptoms.
Most sufferers have an associated sleep disorder called the alpha-EEG anomaly. This condition was uncovered in sleep lab studies. It was found that most sufferers could fall asleep without much trouble, but their deep level (or stage 4) sleep was constantly interrupted by bursts of awake-like brain activity. Other sleep disorders are also found in fibromyalgia patients, such as sleep apnea, bruxism (teeth grinding), periodic limb movement, and restless leg syndrome (RLS). Sleep disturbances may be responsible for the low energy levels and can also lead to muscle pain.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome consists of constipation, diarrhea, frequent abdominal pain, abdominal gas, and nausea. It is found in roughtly 40-70% of fibromyalgia patients. Acid reflux or gastroesophogeal reflux disease also occurs with same the high frequency.
Recurrent chronic headaches or migraines are seen in about 70% of patients.
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome (TMJ or TMD) occurs in about 1/4 of fibromyalgia patients. However, one report states that as much as 75% of patients can have some form of jaw discomfort. The problems are typically related to muscles and ligaments surrounding the jaw joint, and not the jaw itself.
Other Common Symptoms: Premenstrual syndrome and painful periods, chest pain, morning stiffness, cognitive or memory impairment, numbness and tingling sensations, muscle twitching, irritable bladder, the feeling of swollen extremities, skin sensitiviities, dry eyes and mouth, dizziness, and impaired coordination. Patients are often sensitive to odors, loud noises, bright lights, and sometimes to prescribed medications.
Fibromyalgia Syndrome is chronic, but symptoms wax and wane. The impact on daily life varies from person to person. When symptoms seem to be at their worse, it is what is called flare-ups. If you keep a daily journal for even just one month, you may be able to spot what triggers your flare-ups: stress, over-doing it on the housework, poor eating or sleep, etc. Once you can identify those triggers, you can find strategies to prevent the triggers and reduce the number and intensity of your flare-ups.