Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a widely mis-understood and sometimes mis-diagnosed chronic disease, commonly characterized by widespread muscle pain, fatigue, concentration problems and sleep problems.

The severity of fibromyalgia symptoms can vary from person to person. Because it is a chronic illness, in most cases the symptoms of fibromyalgia never disappear completely. The good news is that fibromyalgia is not progressive or life-threatening, and treatments can help alleviate many symptoms.

Fibromyalgia is a clinical condition in which people describe symptoms that include widespread pain and tenderness in the body, often accompanied by fatigue, cognitive impairment and emotional distress.

Fibromyalgia affects two to five percent of the population, mostly women, but men and teenagers can also develop the disease. It tends to develop during middle adulthood.

The causes of fibromyalgia

Symptoms of fibromyalgia

The symptoms of fibromyalgia can vary from mild to severe.

It is important to remember that each person with fibromyalgia will have its own unique set of symptoms.

The symptoms of fibromyalgia are variables. They can be mild, moderate or severe. Symptoms can disappear for long periods of time, perhaps even years. Other people have pain every day, or variations of experience between these two extremes.

Some people with fibromyalgia have other symptoms, such as, irritable or overactive bladder, irritable bowel syndrome, headaches, and swelling and numbness or tingling in the arms and legs. Living with chronic pain and fatigue often leads to secondary problems such as anxiety and depression.

The diagnosis of fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia can be very difficult to diagnose because it does not cause inflammation or damage. There are no blood tests, X-rays or CT scans that can help diagnose for fibromyalgia, but these tests can be used to rule out other conditions.

Treatment of fibromyalgia

While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, medications and self care strategies can help control its symptoms. A management program must be designed to meet the needs of each person.

Education:

people with fibromyalgia need to understand the condition in order to decide which management approach will help them.

Medications:

In combination with other strategies, medications can be used to control pain, reduce stress and promote sleep.

Exercise:

A program of gentle aerobic exercise, such as walking, tai chi or water-based exercise can help control symptoms such as pain, fatigue and sleep disorders.

Stress management and relaxation:

Stress can aggravate symptoms. Skills that can help manage stress include planning, relaxation, assertiveness and emotional management.

Balance rest and activity:

Plan their activities to make the most of their energy by alternating periods of activity with rest. Break big jobs into small achievable tasks so you do not overdo things.

Massage:

This can help muscle relaxation and stress management.

Nutrition:

Eating a balanced diet can help provide better energy levels; it helps to maintain your weight, and gives you a greater sense of wellbeing.

Physiotherapy Options for Fibromyalgia Relief

The increased flexibility and strengthen of muscles through an exercise routine are two important ways by which physiotherapy can help reduce fibromyalgia pain and make life more manageable.

Stretching exercises:

By increasing flexibility through stretching, tight, stiff muscles loosen up, providing relief. Your physiotherapist can instruct you on the proper way to stretch muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Number of repetitions should be 5 to 10. Holding a stretch for 30 to 60 seconds is good for large muscle groups, with possibly only one or two repetitions necessary.

Aerobic exercises:

Low-speed and low-impact activities are best, stationary bicycles and elliptical machines are usually less stressful on the joints.

Aquatic exercises:

Swimming and other water exercises are excellent for patients with fibromyalgia. "The buoyancy of water can decrease the strain on muscles and joints and improve flexibility." A heated pool can be especially beneficial because heat can soothe aching muscles.

Joint mobilization:

Can improve muscle tightness, tenderness and joint stiffness

More Ways to Relieve Fibromyalgia Pain

TENS (Trans-cutaneous electrical nerve stimulation): TENS stimulates nerve fibers and can decrease fibromyalgia pain.

Soft tissue manipulation:

It is helpful in relieving muscle spasms or soreness, but is best used in combination with strengthening, stretching, lifestyle modification, and conditioning exercises.

Biofeedback:

Your physiotherapist might use biofeedback device that may help control muscle tension and reduce pain, and provide information about the amount of stress on your muscles.

The therapist places electrodes on the skin with a soft gel. This helps in recording the muscular tension. Your therapist can then explain how you can relieve that tension.

Conclusion

Fibromyalgia is a general, debilitating disorder with widespread and fluctuating symptoms. It is important to recognize diagnosis, so that the patient has access to an appropriate therapeutic strategy.

Management of fibromyalgia is best carried out by using a multimodal and holistic approach with involvement of patient’s local doctor.

The patient themselves need to be encouraged to take an active role in their own treatment which augments any other therapeutic benefits.