Fibromyalgia

February 9th, 2009 | by admin |

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Fibromyalgia – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

By Peter rodrick

Fibromyalgia is an arthritis-related condition characterized widespread and the presence of tender points, or areas of the body that are particularly sensitive to pressure. Other symptoms may include disturbances, severe fatigue, , cognitive difficulties, headaches, bladder irritability and spasms, irritable bowel syndrome, jaw problems and painful menstruation.

What causes fibromyalgia?

Experts have theories about what may , but there is not enough evidence to support any single cause. Some think that people with fibromyalgia may have nerve cells that are too sensitive. Others think that chemicals in the brain () may be out of balance. Or it may be related to problems with the deep phase of sleep.

It has been suggested that sleep disturbances, which are common in fibromyalgia patients, may actually cause the condition. Another theory suggests that the 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.

Signs And Symptoms Of Fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia carries many symptoms with the primary ones being pain and aching of the muscles, low energy and changes and disturbances to sleeping pattern.

Muscles can feel exhausted and can cause aching of the most of the body.

Most fibromyalgia patients have an associated sleep disorder called the alpha-EEG anomaly. This condition was uncovered in a sleep lab with the aid of a machine that recorded the brain waves of patients during sleep. Researchers found that the majority of fibromyalgia patients could fall asleep without much trouble, but their deep level (or stage 4) sleep was constantly interrupted by bursts of awake-like brain activity. Patients appeared to spend the night with one foot in sleep and the other one out of it.

Treatment of Fibromyalgia

The goal of treatment is to reduce pain, improve sleep, and relieve associated symptoms. Treatment is tailored to the individual. Some patients experience significant relief of symptoms, some find moderate improvement, and others report little or no relief. Only about 5% of fibromyalgia patients become symptom free.Most treatment regimens include medication, lifestyle changes, exercise, physical therapy, and behavior modification.

Exercise does not always help, but studies have shown that it improves symptoms in a good number of cases. If you are able, consider gradually building up to more and more exercise. Aerobic exercises which cause little ‘pounding’ such as walking, cycling and swimming are thought to be the best form of exercise to improve symptoms. Stretching exercises such as yoga may also help. A doctor or physiotherapist can advise on a suitable programme for your particular circumstances. The aim is to exercise safely and without increased pain. A typical goal to aim for is to build up exercise to 4-5 times a week for at least 20 to 30 minutes a session. However, it may take months to build up to this level.

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This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Seek the guidance of a licensed physician if you need medical advice.

Fibromyalgia Resources

Fibromyalgia – Info From The Mayo Clinic
Fibromyalgia Symptoms

  1. 3 Responses to “Fibromyalgia”

  2. By Carol Rooney on Apr 21, 2009 | Reply

    Is having major side effects to many medications a side effect of fibromyalgia?

  3. By Melanie on Sep 21, 2009 | Reply

    I have suffered from Fibromyalgia for about 7 years. I have had all the usual symptoms of fibro with an added symptom of my whole body swelling. I have been taking methadone, robaxin, motrin until just a few months ago. I hurt my back, which is another chronic problem, and had to return to my doctor. Not really expecting much of a change, my doctor changed my muscle relaxer and anti-inflammatory. I’m not sure if I can name the medications here, but I am going to. I am taking mobic and Zanaflex now and I have made a huge difference. The swelling is all but gone, the pain is better and I am actually able to sleep 5 or 6 hours straight, What an improvement. I hope I don’t develop a tolerance. I really dislike Fibromyalgia, my whole world was affected. I had not even heard of Zanaflex and I was a nurse for 20 years.

  4. By Clarissa on Sep 23, 2009 | Reply

    I am a 17yr survivor of Fibromyalgia and CFIDS . Four I was bed fast. I couldn’t even take care of my own needs. I had always been very active an was a manager of a local Pharmacy. Of course, I had to resign after collapsing on Aug. 11 1992. With little hope from the medical community of getting any better,as I could, I did my own research. Many years went into this process. I found supplements which helped with the energy, brain fog and immune system. I also learned of breathing techniques which helped with pain, brain fog and energy. I found with herbs, how to remove toxins from the body and the importance of riding my surroundings of chemicals. My doctor saw so many improvements to my quality of life that she suggested that I write a guide to these helpful steps. In July , I had this guide published and it is doing well locally but I want many more to be helped by what I’ve learned through much trial and error. You may check out an article in the Sep. issue of “All About Women” magazine. It is on pg 55 or 56. The online version is a bit different than the hard copy. It is on http://www.aawmag.com. I think many would find it very helpful. Thank you so much for your time.

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