Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Fibromyalgia is one of the most common diseases that affect your muscles causing you chronic pain and disability.

The cause of fibromyalgia is presently unknown.

The painful affected tissues do not caused inflammation.

Despite its potentially disabling pain, fibromyalgia do not leads to body damage or deformity and does not cause damage your internal body organs.

Fibromyalgia is different from other rheumatic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus and polymyositis.

In these conditions, tissues inflammation is the main cause of pain, stiffness and tenderness of the joints, tendons,

muscles and it leads to joint deformity and also damage your internal organs or muscles.

Why does it hurt?

Fibromyalgia increases painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals.

In a theory called central sensitization, people with fibromyalgia have a lower threshold for pain due to additional of painful sensation to the brain.

This repeating painful nerve stimulation is believed to causes the brain of people with fibromyalgia to change, involving an abnormal increased level of certain chemicals in the brain that signal pain (neurotransmitters).

In the long run, your brain's pain receptors seem to developed a sort of memory of the pain and become more sensitive.

That means they will over react to any pain signals.

Coexisting conditions

If you have fibromyalgia you may also have,

* Fatigue

* Anxiety

* Depression

* Headaches

* Irritable bowel syndrome

* Insomnia

* Rheumatic diseases

There is no known cause of fibromyalgia but it is most likely to involve these four factors such as,

1. Your sex

Women are more likely to develop fibromyalgia than men.

2. Genetics and family history

Fibromyalgia run in the family, there may be a genetically mutation that makes you more susceptible to developing the disorder.

You are more likely to develop fibromyalgia if your family also has the condition.

3. Infections

Some illnesses can trigger or aggravate fibromyalgia.

4. Trauma

Post-traumatic stress disorder has also been linked to fibromyalgia.

Symtoms

The pain associated with fibromyalgia is often described as a constant aching arising from your muscles.

In a widespread condition, the pain occurs on both part of your body, above and below your waist.

Pain can be felt when you apply pressure or press on the affected areas of your body, called tender points.

Tender point locations are,

* Back of your head

* Between your shoulder blades

* Top of your shoulders

* Front side of your neck

* Your upper chest

* Your outer elbows

* Your upper hips

* Both side of your hips

* And your inner knees

Complications

Fibromyalgia normally does not lead to any other complications.

But the pain and lack of sleep associated with fibromyalgia can interfere in your daily functions, at home or at work.

It is frustrating when dealing with this often misunderstood condition. You will end up with health related anxiety and depression.

Fibromyalgia is also referred to as fibromyalgia syndrome or FMS, formerly known as fibrositis.

The combinations of education, stress reduction, exercise, and medications are the most effective treatment for Fibromyalgia.

Posted by: Mo Salle

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