General Description & Symptoms
Fibromyalgia (FMS) is a complex condition with no
known cause or cure. Its primary symptoms are severe
aching muscle and joint pain. This constant pain is
often accompanied by other symptoms, including fatigue,
chest pain, low-grade fever, swollen lymph nodes, insomnia,
abdominal pain, and irritable bowel syndrome may accompany
the muscle pain.
It should come as no surprise that symptoms of depression
are often present as well. Because of the wide variety
of symptoms, diagnosing the disease is dificult. There
may be 5 to 7 million cases of Fibromyalgia (FMS) in
the United States. The disease most commonly strikes
women between the age of twenty-five and forty-five
years.
Fibromyalgia diagnosis can be confirmed by "hot
spots", places on the body where the muscles are
extremely tender to the touch. The pain at these points
may be excruciating, along with a general level of pain
and discomfort. The hot spots are generally:
Neck, mid and upper back, especially lower neck vertebrae,
the base of the skull, and where the second rib meets
the spine;
Upper thighs near the pelvis, upper and outer areas
of the buttocks, near the spine and above the pelvis;
and,
Knee and elbow joints.
Because of the body's constant struggle against pain,
fibromyalgia sufferers often also experience any number
of additional medical problems, including:
Muscle disorders: jaw irritation, menstrual
cramping and pain, restless leg syndrome.
Generalized Disorders: Allergies, Anxiety, Depression,
Irritability, Chronic Fatigue, Dizziness and Headaches,
Sensitivity to Light and Skin Sensitivity, and Lack
of Concentration.
Sleep Disorders*: Teeth Grinding (bruxism),
alpha-EEG abnormalities, sleep apnea, and muscle contractions
while sleeping.
*It is believed that due to the persistent level of
pain, restful sleep is virtually impossible, and the
lack of restful sleep only serves to further stimulate
other symptoms.
Potential Causes of Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is much more common for women than men.
The disease seems to develop over an extended period,
not unlike rheumatoid arthritis or chronic fatigue syndrome.
With the gradual onset of symptoms, it is difficult
even for trained professionals to recognize fibromyalgia
in its early stages.
Theories as to the cause of fibromyalgia are still
in development. Many suspect that it is an autoimmune
disorder, with the body's disease-fighting mechanisms
turned against itself. Others believe it is an imbalance
of brain chemicals, or perhaps related to chronic fatigue,
anemia, hypoglycemia, thyroid imbalances, or the body's
incorrect or incomplete absorption of nutrients.
The possibility still exists that it is triggered by
substances originating outside the body, including chemical
poisoning, infections by viruses or persistent fungus
infections such as Candida albicans.
Others believe fibromyalgia is an excessive instance
of normal muscle functions we take for granted. Under
normal circumstances, muscle tissue that is injured
in a spain or strain, or simply exhausted from stress-related
tension will "shorten" or contract to protect
itself and heal. This is why we are stiff when we wake,
or after sitting or standing for a period of time. Anything
that aggravates your sleep will also make muscle shortening
worse. Some medical experts believe fibromyalgia is
a "super-tired" condition of the muscles,
where the shortening and tension are never fully relieved.
Life Style Changes May Reduce Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Just as there is no clear cause, there is also no evident
cure, though research is hopeful. Stress, exercise,
diet and rest are all demonstrated to have an impact
on the many symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Reducing stress and learning how to better manage stressful
situations may minimize pain and reduce the severity
of many symptoms.
Exercise at a low yet regular level has been reported
to lessen the severity and duration of painful flare-ups.
Even simple stretching movements seem to have a benefit.
Simplifying the diet has brought positive results to
many fibromyalgia suffers. Substances to avoid include:
caffeine, nicotine and alcohol.
Eating more raw fruits and vegetables, whole grains,
and fish, and drinking plenty of fresh water seem to
help.
Foods to avoid include dairy products, any form of sugar
including corn sweeteners, fructose and honey, saturated
fats, and meat.
Rest is critical to fibromyalgia sufferers. Chronic
pain disrupts normal sleep cycles by acting as a "stimulant"
to your sleeping ability. Anything that helps patients
rest better will help fibromyalgia symptoms significantly.
In conclusion, fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose
and perhaps more difficult to treat effectively. Dr.
Lamb says, "these very important points are part
of the fibromyalgia devil’s triangle that I describe.
The triangle being - severe pain which causes sleep
problems - which causes anxiety - which causes more
muscle pain - which causes more sleep problems - which
causes more anxiety and around and around it goes".
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