What Is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a medical condition marked y chronic widespread pain, heightened and painful response to pressure and fatigue.
It is thought that fibromyalgia tends to cause intense pain by altering the way the brain processes information about pain.
Although the exact cause is unknown, it is thought to arise from psychological, neurobiological and environmental factors.
Recognized as a disorder by the National institute of health and the American College of Rheumatology, fibromyalgia is thought to affect 2-8% of the population. The female to male incidence ratio is approximately 9:1.
Associated diseases of fibromyalgia include tension headaches, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety and depression.
Although fibromyalgia cannot be cured, it can be managed via medications.
Causes Of Fibromyalgia:
The exact cause of fibromyalgia is yet unknown.
However, different theories have been proposed. It is thought that people with fibromyalgia have a lower threshold for pain because of increased reactivity of pain-sensitive nerve cells in the spinal cord or brain.
Moreover, a variety of factors may have combined to cause fibromyalgia:
- Physical or emotional trauma.
- Environmental factors
- Psychological factors
- Lifestyle
- Sleep disturbances
Symptoms Of Fibromyalgia:
Possible symptoms may include:
- Chronic muscle pain, muscle spasms, or tightness
- Moderate or severe fatigue and decreased energy
- Insomnia
- Muscle spasms
- Stiffness upon waking or after staying in one position for too long
- Difficulty remembering, concentrating, and performing simple mental tasks
- Abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and constipation alternating with diarrhea (irritable bowel syndrome)
- Tension or migraine headaches
- Jaw and facial tenderness
- Sensitivity to one or more of the following: odors, noise, bright lights, medications, certain foods, and cold
- Feeling anxious or depressed
- Numbness or tingling in the face, arms, hands, legs, or feet
- Increase in urinary urgency or frequency (irritable bladder)
- Reduced tolerance for exercise and muscle pain after exercise
- A feeling of swelling (without actual swelling) in the hands and feet
Diagnosis Of Fibromyalgia:
Fibromyalgia can be diagnosed via:
- Physical examination
- Blood tests
- Complete blood count
- Thyroid function test
Treatment Of Fibromyalgia:
There is no cure available for fibromyalgia. However, the following treatment options are available:
- Medications
- Pain relievers
- Anti depressants
- Anti seizure drugs
- Therapy
By : Natural Health News