What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a complex, chronic disorder which currently has no known cause or cure. The symptoms most identified with Fibromyalgia are pain and fatigue. However, Fibromyalgia can also cause a range of other symptoms such as body stiffness, gastro-intestinal and urinary problems, sleep difficulties and headaches. These symptoms can come and go, intensify or decrease, as well as move around the body. As such, this disorder is very difficult to identify and is frequently misdiagnosed. Fibromyalgia is not life-threatening. However, depending on the severity of the symptoms, the disorder can be extremely or completely debilitating and create huge challenges in the daily life of the patient.
The cause of Fibromyalgia is not known, but the vast majority of sufferers are women and it tends to run in families. It is generally believed to be a condition of the brain, and there is a wide variability in how patients develop Fibromyalgia, what their symptoms are, and how they respond to treatment. Popular theories are that Fibromyalgia can be triggered and exacerbated by illness, injury, stress, and sleep interruptions.
One of the most frustrating aspects of this disorder is the difficulty in diagnosing it. First, diseases such as multiple sclerosis and lupus, which Fibromyalgia frequently mimics, must be ruled out. Then the doctor can use the diagnostic criteria established by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) in 1990 for an official diagnosis.
Although there is no cure for Fibromyalgia, there are many treatments available. Prescription drugs, such as anti-depressants and anti-inflammatory medications, can be given to alleviate symptoms. Non-traditional remedies such as massage therapy and acupuncture can also be helpful. Many doctors feel that one of the most effective ways to manage the symptoms of Fibromyalgia is simple physical exercise. Although this may be difficult in the beginning, patients can start with two or three minutes and slowly build up their tolerance.
Written by Emma F
