Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues. Researchers believe fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain and spinal cord process painful and non-painful signals.
The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but a number of factors are likely involved. The majority of people diagnosed with fibromyalgia are women. Doctors think that this could be related to differences in the way men and women feel and react to pain. Disturbed sleep patterns may cause fibromyalgia.
Your parents may pass on their genes that make you more sensitive to pain. Other diseases such as arthritis or an infection raises your chance of getting fibromyalgia.
People who suffer from Emotional or Abuse, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety and Depression is more prone to Fibromyalgia. Children who are abused are more likely to have the condition when they grow up. This may happen because abuse changes the way the brain handles pain and stress.
The condition is much more common in people who aren’t physically active. Exercise is one of the best treatment for fibromyalgia.
Symptoms
Constant widespread pain is a common symptom of Fibromyalgia. Patients describe it as a dull pain and it occurs on both sides of your body, both above and below your waist, and has lasted for more than 3 months. Fatigue and other sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, sleep myoclonus, and bruxism are also found in patients with Fibromyalgia. Another symptom is the “fibro fog” which impairs the ability to focus, pay attention and concentrate on
mental tasks.
Fibromyalgia co-exists with other conditions such as:
- Chemical and/ or food allergies
- Dizziness and loss of balance
- Extreme fatigue
- Irritable bowel syndrome and bladder problems
- Menstrual pain Sensitivity to lights or loud noises
- Headaches
- Jaw pain
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Temporomandibular disorder
Diagnosis
In the past, doctors would check 18 specific points on a person’s body to see how many of them were painful when pressed firmly. Newer guidelines from the American College of Rheumatology don’t require a tender point exam. Instead, the main factor needed for a fibromyalgia diagnosis is widespread pain throughout your body for at least three months. To meet the criteria, you must have pain in at least four of these five areas:
● Left upper region, including shoulder, arm, or jaw
● Right upper region, including shoulder, arm, or jaw
● Left lower region, including buttock or leg
● The right upper-lower region, including hip, buttock, or leg
● The axial region, which includes the neck, back, chest, or abdomen
Tests
● Complete blood count
● Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
● Rheumatoid factor
● Thyroid function test
Treatment
Currently, there is no cure for fibromyalgia. Instead, treatment focuses on reducing symptoms
and improving quality of life with:
● Medications
● Self-care strategies
● Lifestyle changes
Medication
● Pain relievers – over the counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can
help mild pain. Narcotics are not recommended can pose a health risk
Natural Remedies
● Physical therapy
● Acupuncture
● Yoga
● Exercise
● Massage therapy
● Balance diet
● Work on maintaining your healthy weight
● Be sure to give your body sufficient rest. Set aside at least eight hours for sleep each
night
● Take a hot shower or a bath upon arising to stimulate circulations and help relieve
morning stiffness. Hot baths help to relax the muscle.
Perpetual Help Medical Center-Las Pinas recognizes the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. That’s why it has led to the birth of its new center, the ALTA Integrative Medicine and Wellness Center.
ALTA Integrative Medicine and Wellness Center offers a holistic range of services that aim to empower patients with choices on how they can enhance their overall well-being. We provide a team of medical experts trained to understand that each patient’s medical needs are unique and should therefore be conscientiously addressed with nuanced intervention
NONITA PALCES – ARAGDON, MD
FAMILY PHYSICIAN/ INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE
HOMOTOXICOLOGIST
