Fibromyalgia - A Commonly Misunderstood Diagnosis

Fibromyalgia is one of the most poorly understood, chronic, highly variable, and the devastating diagnosis that exist in the modern medical lexicon. Unfortunately, while the number of potential treatments available, they are focused solely on treating symptoms (and not the cause), and can often meet with little success. Therefore, it is not uncommon for people living with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia become very sad and frustriran.Glavni features of fibromyalgia (although they are much debated within the medical community) are:

Bol - for at least 3 months, broadly, on both sides of the body, above and below the waist, at least 11 of 18 pre-defined "trigger points", and also in the spine and / or chest. Persistent fatigue, even after a full night's sleep, and sleep problems (insomnia, etc. ). morning stiffness Many patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia also exhibit depression, chronic headaches, numbness, and gastrointestinal symptoms (these may include diarrhea, constipation, abdominal discomfort, etc. - symptoms consistent with irritable bowel syndrome or IBS).

What causes fibromyalgia? It remains unknown. However, the hypothesis involved a change in the perception of pain and regulations, changes in muscle tissue, infection (noted in fibromyalgia patients with a diagnosis of some viral infections, Lyme disease, and HIV), surgery and other types trauma.Psihološki or psychiatric component of the relationship with chronic diseases are also postulated. Because the diagnostic criteria were discussed, the exact number of people living with fibromyalgia are also discussed, but estimates generally range two to three out of every 100 people. Women are about 9 times more likely than men to be affected, however, and the mean age is the most commonly affected age group. There are no known genetic predisposition, at this point, but research continues to reveal a hereditary component.

Lab testing is often employed to eliminate other diagnoses. These included tests of thyroid function (thyroid-stimulating hormone, or TSH, levels of T3 and T4 levels), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR or "sed rate"), and rheumatoid factor levels (that may be elevated in rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases ), and tests for Lyme disease, HIV or other infections. Treatments for fibromyalgia are diverse and may include:

Pain - nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, and stronger pain relievers may help some patients. Certain muscle relaxation agents and antidepressants are also useful for treating pain associated with this disease. Sleep problems are treated with antidepressants, and the launching of a good sleep "hygiene" practices (a fixed bedtime hour, without reading / TV in bed, good sleep environment, etc.). Depression - it can be treated similarly as above, with an antidepressant in the serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor class (SNRIs) shows the most promise today . Support -. Fibromyalgia can be treated effectively and live with, and support of family, friends and health care providers is an essential component for successful treatment Exercise -. Both light aerobic exercise (walking, etc.) and stretching can really help patients with fibromyalgia Other - stress management, removal of alcohol intake and the development of an active and effective self-management techniques (often achieved by therapy) may also help. In addition, "alternative" therapies such as massage, acupuncture, meditation and other relaxation techniques have also been shown to be of some use.

is an effective treatment? Yes, it certainly can be. Patients may benefit as well, including the exercise of the regime, and can feel much better if they sleep disorders are well controlled. Although fibromyalgia can be persistent and troublesome diagnosis, it can also, with proper treatment, be one that can live successfully. Additional resources are available. They include:

American College of Rheumatology has produced guidelines on classification and diagnosis of fibromyalgia, and American Academy of Family Physicians has also produced a very readable article on the treatment of fibromyalgia, available at Fibromyalgia Network has a variety of useful information available on the symptoms, treatment, and current research. Available at: The American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Association also has some valuable connections, as well as information on current research. Available at:

Finally, there are many, many other internet sources of "information" about fibromyalgia, but much of what is out there is not necessarily reliable. Be very careful of what you read and believe. Besides just being inaccurate, it is also common to many web sites or other sources of information on fibromyalgia also include additional symptoms that are not part of the clinical definition of fibromyalgia, which is well defined. - Jonathan Fay, MD, 26 September 2006.