Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Conquering Fibromyalgia is Possible

By Tre Pleggi

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.

Signs and Symptoms

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.

Fibromyalgia is known as a syndrome because symptoms commonly occur together, such as anxiety or depression, tender points, incapacitating fatigue and widespread pain in muscles and joints. Physicians rely on physical examination and medical history to make an accurate diagnosis. They will rule out other conditions that mimic fibromyalgia, which is called a diagnosis of exclusion. In'90 The American College of Rheumatology published a study in which they were able to distinguish fibromyalgia from other chronic pain illnesses 88% of the time. It is considered the benchmark for the inclusion of fibromyalgia as a known physical disorder.

Causes

People who suffer from fibromyalgia have found specific factors that worsen their pain. Certain individuals are at higher risk because of gender, age, disturbed sleep patterns, family history and rheumatic disease. Other factors include stress and anxiety, depression or physical exhaustion, lack of sleep and restless leg syndrome. Researchers tend to believe that it could be a variety of factors working together, such as genetics, infections, and physical or emotional trauma. Women are more likely than men to develop fibromyalgia, so for them conquering fibromyalgia now is of particular concern to them.

Some Recommendations

Individuals who are suffering with this disorder are looking for help and want to know if conquering fibromyalgiais possible. They are suffering from fatigue, sleep disturbances, migraines, jaw pain and often psychological distress. Pain management is the first goal a patient is looking for in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Some recommendations to help ease the pain can involve therapy massage or exercise which helps ease pain, muscle tension and spasms. Applying moist heat can benefit stiffness as well. Stress increases the pain over tender points and decreases the ability to cope with pain. Therefore stress management is an important means to control the pain. Using low doses of antidepressant medications is another recommendation in controlling pain. Some individuals find help from deep breathing exercises or relaxation techniques. Treatment recommendations include daily rest, reducing stress, and getting enough sleep. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, exercising regularly and eating healthy foods is important as well.

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 characterized by widespread muscle and joint pain. It is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, because it is known as a non-disease, with no specific symptom or cause. Those individuals suffering debilitating pain from fibromyalgia need help for their depression and social isolation. - 14130

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