Fibromyalgia - What is This Chronic Pain Condition?

Fibromyalgia means pain in the fibrous tissues in the body and it is thought that the pain comes from the connective tissues, such as the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Most people with fibromyalgia say that they ache all over and this chronic condition changes with time, with no cure that is generally accepted although individuals benefit from a variety of therapies.

There is still no consensus on what causes this chronic pain condition. There is an identifiable criteria to diagnose fibromyalgia, with a history of chronic symptoms of at least three months' duration. Doctors will perform a simple physical exam of 18 specific points where at least 11 of the 18 points are tender or painful to pressure.

Symptoms

• Pain

• Fatigue

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• Chronic headaches

• Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome

Other common symptoms - Sleep problems, painful menstrual periods, chest pain, morning stiffness, memory impairment, numbness and tingling sensations, muscle twitching, irritable bladder, the feeling of swollen extremities, dry eyes and mouth, dizziness, and impaired coordination can occur.

Common Treatments

Medications: Traditional treatments attempt to improve the quality of sleep, as well as reducing pain. Some people benefit from medications such as amitriptyline, doxepin and paroxetine. A low dose of one of these medications improving the quality of sleep, reducing fatigue and may reduce the perception of pain. Routine use of most sleeping pills should be avoided, as they are addictive and require increasing doses to gain the same results.

Other treatments which may be helpful:

Acupuncture, nutrition, relaxation techniques, osteopathic manipulation, chiropractic care, therapeutic massage, or a gentle exercise program have all reports as working for different people. Other complementary therapies people have benefited from are heat or hot baths, ice massage, biofeedback and other relaxation techniques, stress reduction, behaviour modifications, posture training, cognitive behavioural therapy and meditation.