|
Home / Health / Diseases and Conditions
Fibromyalgia - The Mysterious Condition
By:Michael Russell
Fibromyalgia is also know as "chronic fatigue syndrome". CFS is also called "Epstein-Barr Syndrome". Although fibromyalgia and Epstein-Barr have since been diagnosed and recognized as two different illnesses, the CFS name is still attached to both. We will cover fibromyalgia in this article and leave Epstein-Barr for another.
Signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia can include wide-spread body aches, sensitivity and pain when touched (even gently), fatigue, sleep disruptions, irritable bowel syndrome, headaches, facial pain, tenderness in the back and shoulders, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, painful menstruation, irritable bladder and dry eyes, skin, and mouth.
There has not, at the time of this article, been a specific cause cited for fibromyalgia. However, many doctors believe that the following are contributing factors:
- Chemical changes in the brain
- Sleep disturbances
- Injury or trauma, especially to the upper spine
- Changes in muscular metabolism
- Abnormalities of the autonomic (sympathetic) nervous system.
Risk of developing fibromyalgia seems to be higher in women and the age groups most affected tend to be those in their early and middle adulthood. It has, however, been diagnosed in children, men, and teens.
No conclusive evidence has been found as to whether sleep disorders are a cause, or a result, of fibromyalgia. But those who suffer from restless leg syndrome, night time muscle spasms in one's legs, or sleep apnea frequently develop fibromyalgia. Family history may also be a contributing factor. If one has a relative with this condition, one may be a higher risk for having it.
Further, if one has a rheumatic disease such as ankylosing spondilitis, rheumatic arthritis, or lupus, the likelihood of fibromyalgia increases.
Currently, there are no specific tests for diagnosing the disease. One may be tested for numerous other illnesses and diseases, and have those ruled out, before a physician decides to check further using the guidelines set forth by the American College of Rheumatology. For further information on those guidelines. go to:
http://www.rheumatology.org/public/factsheets/fibromya_new.asp
Once diagnosed, there are many ways that the disease can be treated, BUT, there is no cure for fibromyalgia yet. One's physician may prescribe medications to treat the symptoms and could recommend that one seek out alternative, non-medical treatments for relief from the chronic pain associated with it. In the meantime, medical scientists continue to search for answers about this mysterious disease. With symptomatic treatment, along with some possible and achievable lifestyle adjustments, one can cope.
Fibromyalgia is not a progressive illness and there are no indications that it will lead to other diseases or conditions. One must be prepared, however, to experience the chronic pain, sleeplessness, depression, and anxiety which accompany it. This in turn can cause problems with one's ability to work, and maintain healthy familial and friendly relationships. And frustration from coping with this frequently misunderstood illness can add more complications to the conditions.
Stress can be a major factor in the intensity of one's pain, due the further tensing of already-stressed muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It is important to help in educating those around you so that they have a better concept about what you are experiencing. Their understanding and coping when one has a particularly bad day can help to reduce your stress and, perhaps, help to alleviate your pain. Taking time out to relax, calm, and soothe one's body and mind can also be beneficial to keeping the pain to a minimum.
In conclusion, if you suffer any of the symptoms, discuss it with your health care provider or doctor. After ruling out any other possible reasons for your suffering, he or she can help you with controlling your symptoms with pain relievers (over-the-counter or prescription), stress reduction (by medication and/or alternative treatments), and lifestyle adjustments.
One can also join a support group. Check with your doctor to find one in your local area. Or go online at:
http://www.fmnews.com or http://www.fmaware.org
These sites can provide you with excellent information, updated reports on the latest research, where to find support groups in your area, and free information with many topics on the subject of fibromyalgia.
If you are diagnosed with FM, know that you are not alone. There's an incredible network of support out there which is helping to educate others about the illness.
See your physician or health care provider then join in with others who are suffering, or know someone who suffers, from this sometimes overwhelming illness. Together, let's teach more people to understand and cope.
Digg
del.icio.us
Blink
Stumble
Spurl
Reddit
Netscape
Furl
Article keywords: fibromyalgia
Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Fibromyalgia
|
|
| Top Diseases and Conditions Articles |
- 1). Acid Reflux: What You Really Need To Know. By : Tyson J Stevenson
The formation of gases and acidic substances in the stomach and its backing up into the esophagus causes severe pain or burning sensation in the stomach and chest area that is clinically known as Acid Reflux or Gastroespohageal Reflux Disease.
|
- 2). Alcoholism— What Should I Know About It? By : Geoff Hugh
What is alcoholism?
Alcoholism is a disease that affects the part of the brain that controls your feelings, the way you make decisions, and the way you act. People with alcoholism cannot control how much they drink. What causes alcoholism?
Nobody knows what causes alcoholism. People with parents who have alcoholism have a greater chance of getting the disease.
|
- 3). What is Anorexia By : Keith George
Self induced emotional eating disorder characterized by persistent loss of appetite is called anorexia. Excessive consciousness toward weight loss, counting calories and excessive exercises can lead to a severe emotional eating disorder called anorexia.
|
- 4). Alcoholism Disease Or Not? By : The Source
Alcoholism can be given a lot of definitions and all of them stress the fact that there is a terrible disease that involves addiction to spirits. Apart from the physical dependence on alcohol, there are other psychological, genetic and social factors that may play a role in the development of alcoholism. Many social, economic and public health problems are determined by this very serious disease.
|
|
|
- 6). Gastritis Is More Than Indigestion By : Kevin Pederson
It is the inflammation of the stomach getting the defense system on roll. It would mean that the stomach is injured and the white blood cells move on the walls of the stomach for help. The inflammation can be caused due to an infection caused by bacterium which can lead to stomach ulcers. Any other injury can also cause such problems.
|
- 7). The Demonization Of Genital Herpes By : Christopher Scipio
Those of us who have so-called “genital herpes” are caught between a rock and a hard place. On one hand we are ostracized by the minority of the population (about 40%) who don’t currently have herpes simplex in their body, which is bad enough, but more cruelly we are often isolated by our fellow members of the herpes community who have so-called cold sores (heroes simplex 1 of the mouth and face).
|
- 8). I am a mouth ulcers By : Ryan Fyfe
Although it's not my favorite thing to be in the world, I am a mouth ulcer. My street name is most commonly: canker sore. I've got a fancy name, and that involves painful open sores that will exist in your mouth when the mucous membrane breaks. You might also choose to call me one of these other names: aphthous stomatitis or aphthous ulcer. Now that we have that out of the way.
|
|
|
- 10). HPV Virus By : Ryan Fyfe
Human Papilloma Ciruses (HPV) is a virus that infects humans. Some of the effects of the virus are associated with sexually transmitted diseases (STD's).
Over one hundred strains of the virus have been identified by Scientists. Most of these strains are harmless. Some of these strains can produce common skin warts which appear on the hands and feet.
|
| New Diseases and Conditions Articles |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- 4). Understanding Coeliac Disease By : Anne Wolski
Coeliac disease is a genetic condition that is caused by an inability to digest gluten. Hence the reason that this disease is also known as gluten intolerance.
|
|
|
- 6). Home Remedies For Breast Tenderness By : Kevin Pederson
A problem like breast tenderness may arise due to combination of factors like diet, nutrition, water, weight, age, menstrual cycle and fluctuating hormones. Studies conclude nearly three in four women suffer this discomfort at least once in their mature life.
|
|
|
- 8). Alzheimer’s Disease: What Every Family Needs to Know By : Douglas Hardwick
Alzheimer’s disease touches the lives of millions of Americans. Today, some 4.5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s, and 1 in 10 families have a loved one afflicted with it. With no cure in sight, it is important for families to arm themselves with information about this devastating disease.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
