Fibromyalgia - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

                                                                                         

Fibromyalgia is an arthritis-related condition characterized widespread muscle pain and the presence of tender points, or areas of the body that are particularly sensitive to pressure. Other symptoms may include sleep disturbances, severe fatigue, depression and anxiety, cognitive difficulties, headaches, bladder irritability and spasms, irritable bowel syndrome, jaw problems and painful menstruation.

What causes fibromyalgia?

Experts have theories about what may cause fibromyalgia, but there is not enough evidence to support any single cause. Some think that people with fibromyalgia may have nerve cells that are too sensitive. Others think that chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters) may be out of balance. Or it may be related to problems with the deep phase of sleep.

It has been suggested that sleep disturbances, which are common in fibromyalgia patients, may actually cause the condition. Another theory suggests that the disorder may be associated with changes in skeletal muscle metabolism, possibly caused by decreased blood flow, which could cause chronic fatigue and weakness.

Others have suggested that an infectious microbe, such as a virus, triggers the illness. At this point, no such virus or microbe has been identified.

Signs And Symptoms Of Fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia carries many symptoms with the primary ones being pain and aching of the muscles, low energy and changes and disturbances to sleeping pattern.

Muscles can feel exhausted and can cause aching of the most of the body.

Most fibromyalgia patients have an associated sleep disorder called the alpha-EEG anomaly. This condition was uncovered in a sleep lab with the aid of a machine that recorded the brain waves of patients during sleep. Researchers found that the majority of fibromyalgia patients could fall asleep without much trouble, but their deep level (or stage 4) sleep was constantly interrupted by bursts of awake-like brain activity. Patients appeared to spend the night with one foot in sleep and the other one out of it.

Treatment of Fibromyalgia

The goal of treatment is to reduce pain, improve sleep, and relieve associated symptoms. Treatment is tailored to the individual. Some patients experience significant relief of symptoms, some find moderate improvement, and others report little or no relief. Only about 5% of fibromyalgia patients become symptom free.Most treatment regimens include medication, lifestyle changes, exercise, physical therapy, and behavior modification.

Exercise does not always help, but studies have shown that it improves symptoms in a good number of cases. If you are able, consider gradually building up to more and more exercise. Aerobic exercises which cause little 'pounding' such as walking, cycling and swimming are thought to be the best form of exercise to improve symptoms. Stretching exercises such as yoga may also help. A doctor or physiotherapist can advise on a suitable programme for your particular circumstances. The aim is to exercise safely and without increased pain. A typical goal to aim for is to build up exercise to 4-5 times a week for at least 20 to 30 minutes a session. However, it may take months to build up to this level.

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