Fibromyalgia has only recently been utilized as a term to diagnose patients that endure from a particular series of abnormalities revolving about chronic muscular irritation. The name Fibromyalgia alludes to painful fibrotic modifications in the muscle tissue, but has come to mean considerably much more to the patients who suffer using the syndrome.
Even though no pathological changes within the muscle tissue have been demonstrated on any type of imaging procedure, Fibromyalgia patients have really tender muscular points which trigger a fantastic deal of pain. Individuals who suffer with Fibromyalgia may well have a whole host of other signs and symptoms including but not restricted to extreme fatigue, irritable bowl, headaches, insomnia, and depression.
Even via Fibromyalgia in itself is just not life threatening, it may be incredibly life altering if not dealt with properly. Whilst presently nobody remedy exists to fully resolve Fibromyalgia, understanding the disease can go a lengthy strategy to helping cope and reside an usual life-style with it.
Some physicians have speculated that Fibromyalgia begins with the Mononucleosis virus, and followed by the lingering Epstein’s bar virus. It has also been noted that numerous Fibromyalgia patients have had a current heavy emotional or physical trauma prior to the onset of the illness.
Fibromyalgia patients have also been recognized to not get into the deepest phase of sleep, identified as the delta stage, and therefore don’t let their muscles shut down and rest properly. It really is also possible that a mixture of these explanations may well combine to trigger a person to acquire Fibromyalgia. Either way, you will need to address any probable causes, as well as assist get your muscles on the best healing track by way of therapeutic procedures covered in this section.
When a person has Fibromyalgia, they’re more susceptible to various other types of muscle issues for instance tendonitis, bursitis, muscle strain, muscle cramping and spasm, thoracic outlet syndrome and several other nerve compression syndromes. The method to treating Fibromyalgia therapeutically will be comparable to other muscle issues by emphasizing procedures to support and protect the muscles, enable them to loosen up and lessen the pain and reduce any inflammation.
Due to the extreme sensitivity of a Fibromyalgia patient, extreme care should be taken to not over irritate the musculature from any process, as this may well set their condition back temporarily. It really is critical for a person with Fibromyalgia to obtain at the source of any tension, lessen the physical stress placed on the physique through improving poor posture and not overusing the muscles. Staying as active as your body will tolerate, and eating a suitable balanced diet are also extremely critical components. In reality, 1 issue in prevalent that many Fibromyalgia patients who are living a lot more active lifestyles share, is typical an workout routine.
The listed Therapies, Products and Actions section will give a lot more details on how you can aid your problem, on the other hand, as each and every Fibromyalgia situation is various, usually consult your doctor to decide what treatment is suitable for your distinct situation.
What are the signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia?
The most common symptoms of fibromyalgia are
- Pain and stiffness all over the body
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Depression and anxiety
- Sleep problems
- Problems with thinking, memory, and concentration
- Headaches, including migraines
Other symptoms may include:
- Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
- Pain in the face or jaw, including disorders of the jaw known as temporomandibular joint syndrome (also known as TMJ)
- Digestive problems, such as abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and even irritable bowel syndrome (also known as IBS)
How is fibromyalgia treated?
Fibromyalgia can be effectively treated and managed with medication and self-management strategies. You can learn about self-management strategies in the section below titled How can I improve my quality of life?
Fibromyalgia should be treated by a doctor or team of healthcare professionals who specialize in the treatment of fibromyalgia and other types of arthritis, called rheumatologists. Doctors usually treat fibromyalgia with a combination of treatments, which may include:
- Medications, including prescription drugs and over-the-counter pain relievers
- Aerobic exercise and muscle strengthening exercise
- Patient education classes, usually in primary care or community settings
- Stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, and massage
- Good sleep habits to improve the quality of sleep
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat underlying depression. CBT is a type of talk therapy meant to change the way people act or think
In addition to medical treatment, people can manage their fibromyalgia with the self-management strategies described below, which are proven to reduce pain and disability, so they can pursue the activities important to them.
Fibromyalgia Medications
Each fibromyalgia drug has its own side effects, ranging from mild to serious. You and your doctor will work together to figure out the right medicine to keep your symptoms under control.
Antidepressants
Even if you’re not depressed, these drugs can ease pain and other fibromyalgia symptoms. Antidepressants raise levels of chemicals such as serotonin and norepinephrine that help control pain.
Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). They can help with pain, sleep problems, and sad moods. The two main SNRI drugs for fibromyalgia are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and milnacipran (Savella).
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). They’re good for your pain and depression. Your doctor may suggest one of these:
- Citalopram (Celexa)
- Escitalopram (Lexapro)
- Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
Tricyclics. They’re an older form of antidepressant. Amitriptyline (Elavil) is one of them. Low doses of these drugs relieve pain and fatigue, as well as improve sleep. But you may get side effects like drowsiness and weight gain.
Antidepressants can sometimes give you a bunch of different side effects, like:
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Change in appetite
Anti-Seizure Medicines
Drugs that treat epilepsy seizures may also help ease your fibromyalgia pain. These medications prevent sensitive nerves from sending too many pain signals to the brain.
Pregabalin (Lyrica). The FDA has approved this drug for fibromyalgia treatment. It curbs your pain and can help your fatigue and sleep problems.
Gabapentin (Neurontin). Research shows this drug lessens pain and fatigue, and improves sleep. It’s similar to pregabalin, and works in the same way.
If you take one of these drugs you may get side effects like:
- Blurry vision
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Weight gain
- Swelling of your hands or feet
Pain Relievers
These medications can ease fibromyalgia’s aches and pains:
Check with your doctor before taking NSAIDs regularly. Over a long period of time, they may raise your chances of getting a heart attack or stroke. They may also cause ulcers and bleeding in the stomach or intestines.
Acetaminophen has fewer side effects, but it’s important to stick to the dose your doctor recommends. Taking too much of the drug can lead to liver damage.
Prescription drugs. In most cases, opioid painkillers aren’t recommended for fibromyalgia. They don’t work, and they may even make the pain worse. But for serious cases, your doctor may prescribe tramadol (Ultram). Because tramadol can be addictive, you’ll usually only take it for a short period of time. It can also lead to stomach pain, constipation, nausea, and trouble concentrating.
Muscle Relaxants
Although experts aren’t sure why, muscle relaxants can treat a variety of fibromyalgia symptoms.
Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril). Very low doses of this medication may help you sleep more soundly. It can also ease your fatigue and pain. Some side effects you may get are dry mouth, dizziness, and blurry vision.
Tizanidine (Zanaflex). A small study shows that this muscle relaxant eases pain, fatigue, and tenderness. It also improves sleep. Headaches, chest pain, nausea, and fever are some of the side effects of this drug.
