Fibromyalgia is one of the most debilitating diseases about which very little has been known up until now. Most people are unaware of the disease, but there is growing evidence that it is affecting more and more people around the world. The incidence of the disease is much higher among women as compared to men.
Fibromyalgia Symptoms and Causes
Fibromyalgia is syndrome of unknown etiology marked by muscular and tissue pain across multiple tender points, chronic fatigue, irregular sleep patterns and usually stress and depression. Other symptoms may include acute headaches, morning stiffness, limb numbness and foggy memory or “fibro fog.”
Scientists continue to have conflicting opinions on the causes of fibromyalgia. Researchers at the Mayo Foundation are of the view that genetics, infections and physical or emotional trauma may be the most likely causes, but there has been no conclusive evidence until now. There is no proven cure for fibromyalgia, but several medical and alternative treatment approaches are known to reduce the symptoms.
Fibromyalgia Facts
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that fibromyalgia affects about 2% of the American population. However, the National Fibromyalgia Association (NMA) puts this figure at about 4%. CDC suggests that the quality of life of a fibromyalgia patient gets severely compromised.
On SF-36 Health Survey that yields an 8-scale functional health profile, fibromyalgia patients scored lowest on 7 out of 8 sub-scales in comparison to patients with other chronic diseases. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) in the United States sponsors ongoing research to help understand this complex chronic disorder and find a cure for it.
Treatment for Fibromyalgia
New research in recent years has led to several drug therapies to treat fibromyalgia. In 2007, Pregabalin, marketed by Pfizer under the brand Lyrica, became the first FDA-approved drug in the U.S. for specific treatment of fibromyalgia. In the following years, researchers have found new and improved drug therapies, including milnacipran and duloxetine for effective pain and psychological distress alleviation in fibromyalgia patients.
Alternative treatments have also been used with varying degrees of reported success. Alternative healers such as acupuncturists, chiropractors and massage specialists continue to complement the treatment efforts for fibromyalgia. However, there is no scientifically conclusive evidence that these alternative therapies serve any other purpose than providing temporary pain relief to the patient.
Pain Management and Relief
Fibromyalgia patients need to apply a multi-pronged approach to manage pain and achieve relief from pain in order to lead a reasonably normal life. Drug therapy under the supervision of an experienced specialist is critical to keep chronic pain and fatigue under check. Additionally, the patient may consider physical therapy, exercises and yoga to reduce stress and maintain a flexible body.
Anti-depressants and muscle relaxants may be used in exceptional circumstances, but not as a regular part of the therapy, as far as possible. Patient education programs and behavioral therapies can help to cope with the condition. It is also useful to join online or offline fibromyalgia support groups in order to learn more about the disease and handle it with more confidence and commitment.
Watch Video: Living with Fibromyalgia
Sources:
Fibromyalgia-symptoms.org “Widespread Pain Caused by Fibromyalgia” (accessed on July 14, 2010)
MayoClinic.org “Fibromyalgia” (accessed on July 14, 2010)
Nlm.nih.gov “Fibromyalgia Treatment” (accessed on July 14, 2010)
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