subject: Living With Fibromyalgia And Its Symptoms [print this page] Patients were once told this condition was all in their heads. Some doctors told their patients to learn to live with the widespread pain. Though it has been studied since the 1800s, the condition was not given the name "fibromyalgia" until 1976. Even then doctors were reluctant to give this diagnosis until more recently when, in 1990, it was given a diagnostic criterion by the American College of Rheumatology.
What is fibromyalgia?
The name is an attempt to describe the primary symptoms of the condition. Fibro means fibrous tissue; my stands for muscle; algia refers to pain. It is a mysterious illness that has so far defied a concrete understanding. The first theory was that the root causes lay in the muscle tissue but studies showed that to be untrue. The next line of thought was that it must be an autoimmune problem, but that was likewise found not to be the case.
Some practitioners decided at this point that it must be a psychological issue, not a medical one, and a stubborn few still cling to this false thinking today. Modern brain imaging and lab testing have shown fibromyalgia to be a real disorder, likely a malfunction of the central nervous system. Research along these lines is yielding not only hope for patients but new treatments as well.
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
Pain is the primary symptom of fibromyalgia. This pain is usually widespread and lasting for at least three months. The diagnostic criterion says that the pain should exist on both the right and left sides of the body, both above and below the waist. It is a full body pain with up to 18 tender points. It may mimic other disorders, like arthritis. Following are some of the additional symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.
Cognitive difficulties or a "foggy" mind
Multiple tender spots, often in or near joints
Numbness
Headaches
Sleep disturbances
Fatigue
Depression, anxiety and other mood disorders
Diagnosing Fibromyalgia
Getting proper diagnosis is essential to treating fibromyalgia but the diagnosis can be elusive. Since this condition can mimic arthritis, it is frequently misdiagnosed by doctors who do not specialize in chronic pain disorders. Visiting a pain clinic may be a better choice than a family doctor or general practitioner. Specialized diagnostic tests, like neural scans, may be available through a pain clinic. Patients should be persistent, especially if treatments are not working.
Living with Fibromyalgia: Treatments and Pain Management
Unfortunately, there is not currently a cure available for fibromyalgia. There are treatments with which many patients have found great relief. Lifestyle changes may also help alleviate pain and stiffness as well as the depression often associated with chronic pain disorders. Medication may help manage the pain and the FDA has recently approved several new medications to treat this condition. Heat and massage can relieve some of the pain and physical therapy is often helpful.
Living with fibromyalgia may mean making some changes to your life. Aerobic exercise like swimming and walking often help relieve the muscle soreness and stiffness. Stress plays an important role in many forms of pain and this is no exception. Reducing stress may help reduce pain levels. A pain clinic may be able to help you live with fibromyalgia in a less painful way.
