Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a medical condition defined by widespread pain within the muscles and bones accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood swings. The majority who are suffering from fibromyalgia are ladies but men and youngsters can also be stricken by the disorder. Individuals with fibromyalgia have a heightened sense of pain typically described as muscle ache.
Fibromyalgia Treatment
There’s presently no cure for the disorder. Treatment choices are offered to help relieve symptoms and create the condition easier to live with. Medicines are given to patients for improved sleep and pain relaxation. Moreover, therapies can also scale back symptoms associated with the disorder such as physiotherapy and mind-body therapy.
Advance Explanation
Fibromyalgia is often misdiagnosed and misunderstood. Its characteristics include widespread muscle and joint pain and fatigue, as well as other symptoms. Fibromyalgia can lead to depression and social isolation. Chronic widespread body pain is the primary symptom of fibromyalgia. Most people with fibromyalgia also experience moderate to extreme fatigue, sleep disturbances, sensitivity to touch, light, and sound, and cognitive difficulties. Many individuals also experience several other symptoms and overlapping conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, lupus, and arthritis.
Pain
The pain of fibromyalgia is profound, chronic, and widespread. It can migrate to all parts of the body and vary in intensity. FM pain has been described as stabbing and shooting pain and deep muscular aching, throbbing and twitching. Neurological complaints such as numbness, tingling, and burning are often present and add to the discomfort of the patient. The severity of the pain and stiffness is often worse in the morning. Aggravating factors that affect pain include cold/humid weather, non-restorative sleep, physical and mental fatigue, excessive physical activity, physical inactivity, anxiety, and stress.
Fatigue
In today’s world many people complain of fatigue; however, the fatigue of FM is much more than being tired after a particularly busy day or after a sleepless night. The fatigue of FM is an all-encompassing exhaustion that can interfere with occupational, personal, social, or educational activities. Symptoms include profound exhaustion and poor stamina
Sleep problems:
Many fibromyalgia patients have an associated sleep disorder that prevents them from getting deep, restful, restorative sleep. Medical researchers have documented specific and distinctive abnormalities in Stage 4 deep sleep of FM patients. During sleep, individuals with FM are constantly interrupted by bursts of awake-like brain activity, limiting the amount of time they spend in deep sleep.
Other symptoms/overlapping conditions:
Additional symptoms may include irritable bowel and bladder, headaches and migraines, restless legs syndrome (periodic limb movement disorder), impaired memory and concentration, skin sensitivities and rashes, dry eyes and mouth, anxiety, depression, ringing in the ears, dizziness, vision problems, Raynaud’s Syndrome, neurological symptoms, and impaired coordination.
Treatment:
Since there is no known cure for FM, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and improving function.
A variety of prescription medications are often used to reduce pain levels and improve sleep. On June 21, 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Lyrica (pregabalin) as the first drug to treat fibromyalgia. Cymbalta (duloxetine HCl) was approved in June 2008, and Savella (milnacipran HCl) was approved in January 2009. Non-pharmacological therapies such as aerobic exercise, self-management, and cognitive-behavioral therapy have demonstrated benefits in FM Alternative therapies, such as massage, myofascial release, acupuncture, chiropractic, herbal supplements, and yoga, may also be effective tools in managing FM symptoms for some people. Increasing rest, pacing activities, reducing stress, practicing relaxation, and improving nutrition can help minimize symptoms and improve quality of life.