Conquering Fibromyalgia is Possible
Fibromyalgia is defined as a common and chronic pain disorder that can affect people with real, persistent pain throughout the body. It is a condition that was once thought to be psychological because no specific symptom or cause could be identified. Therefore it is called a syndrome rather than a disease. Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain in ligaments and tendons, with painful response to pressure. There are multiple tender points on the body where even the slightest amount of pressure will cause debilitating pain. Today the medical community is inclined to believe that there may be a real basis for the physical pain, which might be the result of prolonged psychological stress. Conquering fibromyalgia is possible, but only with a better understanding of this complex pain disorder.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms for fibromyalgia include numbness and tingling, muscle soreness, flu-like aching, problems with sleeping and severe fatigue. Other symptoms include irritable bowel, jaw pain, headaches, anxiety and depression. There are multiple tender points on the body where even the slightest amount of pressure will cause pain. These sites are around the neck, shoulder, chest, hip, knee and elbow regions. Why these pressure points cause pain is not known, but they are used by physicians in diagnosing this disorder. Conquering fibromyalgia now is a major concern to the millions of people affected by it.
Fibromyalgia is known as a syndrome because symptoms commonly occur together, such as anxiety or depression, tender points, incapacitating fatigue and widespread pain in muscles and joints. Physicians rely on physical examination and medical history to make an accurate diagnosis. They will rule out other conditions that mimic fibromyalgia, which is called a diagnosis of exclusion. In’90 The American College of Rheumatology published a study in which they were able to distinguish fibromyalgia from other chronic pain illnesses 88% of the time. It is considered the benchmark for the inclusion of fibromyalgia as a known physical disorder.
Causes
People who suffer from fibromyalgia have found specific factors that worsen their pain. Certain individuals are at higher risk because of gender, age, disturbed sleep patterns, family history and rheumatic disease. Other factors include stress and anxiety, depression or physical exhaustion, lack of sleep and restless leg syndrome. Researchers tend to believe that it could be a variety of factors working together, such as genetics, infections, and physical or emotional trauma. Women are more likely than men to develop fibromyalgia, so for them conquering fibromyalgia now is of particular concern to them.
Recommendations
When an individual is suffering from fatigue and the lack of sleep because of the pain, they are looking for some relief. Conquering fibromyalgia forever is possible and pain management is the first goal in treating this disorder. A program using both traditional and alternative therapies can be involved in the treatment. Some individuals find that low doses of antidepressants control their pain very well. Therapeutic massage helps ease the pain and daily moist heat applications benefits joint stiffness. Others get better control from stress management, exercise and hydrotherapy. Managing stress is very important, because stress increases pain over tender points and decreases the ability to cope with pain. Taking time each day for rest and relaxation will reduce the stress. Another recommendation includes maintaining a healthy lifestyle by getting enough sleep and exercising regularly.
Who Can Help?
It is very important for individuals suffering from fibromyalgia to know they are supported by family and friends and the numerous others who also suffer from this condition. The American Pain Society endorses hypnosis, acupuncture, and chiropractic manipulation for pain relief. It is reassuring knowing that organizations such as the Arthritis Foundation and the American Chronic Pain Association provide classes and support groups that give help and advice to these individuals that they could not find elsewhere. Conquering fibromyalgia would mean a happy, healthy life for those who have been suffering far too long.
Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread muscle and joint pain. It is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, because it is known as a non-disease, with no specific symptom or cause. Those individuals suffering debilitating pain from fibromyalgia need help for their depression and social isolation.
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