Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain in the musculoskeletal system which is considered to be a serious neurological disorder. People who suffer from it can also experience pain in ligaments, tendons and the joints. Another characteristic of fibromyalgia is fatigue over the whole body that never seems to let up. Sometimes, it gets misdiagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis because the symptoms are similar.
Causes
It is estimated that 3.7 million or more Americans have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, and that number is disturbing to the medical community because as of now there has been no specific cure discovered for it which is partly because there has yet to be a definitive cause found. However, scientists suggest that there is a connection between the symptoms of this disorder and abnormal brain activity. Others feel that it is due to irritation or inflammation of nerves deep within muscle tissue. This uncertainty leads to much anxiety for those who suffer from this debilitating condition.
It is more likely that a woman will develop Fibromyalgia than a man, and tension headaches often accompany this disorder along with irritable bowel syndrome, TMJ, endometriosis, depression and anxiety.
Symptoms
People, who experience Fibromyalgia, often hurt all over their bodies and deal with a general feeling of exhaustion. Doctors usually have a difficult time diagnosing the condition, even after ordering and getting the results of numerous lab tests.
Symptoms of this disorder vary according to changes in weather, physical activity, stress and sometimes simply the time it is during the day. Sufferers describe their pain as being a constant dull ache that comes from the joints and muscles and the pain must be exhibited on both sides of the body above and below the waist for a true diagnosis.
Although sufferers usually sleep long hours at night, they arise the next morning tired as if they had not achieved the deep restorative sleep necessary to refresh both body and soul. Restless leg syndrome and sleep apnea are also associated with Fibromyalgia. It occurs in women more often than it does in children or men and symptoms begin to show during early or middle adulthood. It seems that heredity is sometimes a factor in the development of this disorder.
Treatment
Treatment options for Fibromyalgia include the use of steroid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but many are finding relief from natural remedies such as herbs and supplements.
Common choices for relief of symptoms that are recommended by medical doctors are analgesics like acetaminophen, prescribed Tramadol, ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen sodium and other NSAIDs.
Antidepressants are also prescribed to aid patients in getting restful sleep. Cymbalta is also given to help relieve pain and reduce the feeling of fatigue. Others have also been shown to be helpful. Lyrica is another drug that has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of this disorder.
Fibromyalgia disrupts lives and can cause those who suffer from it to withdraw from activities, but with the right treatment there is no need to hole up at home by yourself.