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Southern Illinois Fibromyalgia Support
Group
All persons from around the world are
welcome to join in our efforts!
Co-coordinators
of our Group: Marsha and Sharon
Webmaster: Mary
Peebels
Fibromyalgia Basics: Symptoms, Treatment and Research
| { What
is Fibromyalgia? | Symptoms and Associated Syndromes
| Possible Causes of Fibromyalgia } { Common Treatments | What is the Prognosis? | Self Help Strategies } |
| Below is
a description of Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS), but because of its substantial
symptom overlap with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) there is information
about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome as well.
WHAT IS FIBROMYALGIA SYNDROME? FMS (Fibromyalgia Syndrome) is a widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue disorder for which the cause is still unknown. Fibromyalgia means pain in the muscles, ligaments and tendons, the fibrous tissues in the body. FMS used to be called fibrositis, implying that there was inflammation in the muscles, but research later showed that inflammation did not exist. Most patients with Fibromyalgia say that they ache all over. Their muscles may feel like they have been pulled or overworked. Sometimes the muscles twitch and at other times they burn. More women than men are afflicted with Fibromyalgia, but it shows up in people of all ages.
To help your family and friends relate
to your condition, have them think back to the last time they had a bad flu.
Every muscle in their body shouted out in pain. In addition, they felt lack
of energy as though someone had unplugged their power supply. The severity
of symptoms fluctuate from person to person. SYMPTOMS AND ASSOCIATED SYNDROMES Pain - The pain of Fibromyalgia has no boundaries. Many persons describe the pain as deep muscular aches, burning, throbbing, shooting and stabbing. Quite often, the pain and stiffness are worse in the morning and you may hurt more in muscle groups that are used repetitively. Fatigue - This symptom can be mild in some patients and yet incapacitating in others. The fatigue has been described as "brain fatigue" in which patients feel totally drained of energy. Many patients depict this situation by saying that they feel as though their arms and legs are tied to concrete blocks, and they have difficulty concentrating. Sleep disorder - Most Fibromyalgia patients have an associated sleep disorder called the alpha-EEG anomaly. This condition was uncovered in a sleep lab with the aid of a machine which recorded the brain waves of patients during sleep. Researchers found that Fibromyalgia syndrome patients could fall asleep without much trouble, but their deep level (or stage 4) sleep was constantly interrupted by bursts of awake-like brain activity. Patients appeared to spend the night with one foot in sleep and the other one out of it. In most cases, a physician doesn't have to order expensive sleep lab tests to determine if you have disturbed sleep. If you wake up feeling as though you have just been run over by a Mack truck, what doctors refer to as unrefreshed sleep, it is reasonable for your physician to assume that you have a sleep disorder. It should be noted that most patients diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome have the same alpha-EEG sleep pattern and some Fibromyalgia-diagnosed patients have been found to have other sleep disorders, such as sleep myoclonus or PLMS (nighttime jerking of the arms and legs), restless leg syndrome and bruxism (teeth grinding). The sleep pattern for clinically depressed patients is distinctly different from that found in FMS or CFS. Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Constipation, diarrhea, frequent abdominal pain, abdominal gas and nausea represent symptoms frequently found in roughly 40% to 70% of Fibromyalgia patients. Chronic headaches - Recurrent migraine or tension-type headaches are seen in about 50% of Fibromyalgia patients and can pose as a major problem in coping for this patient group. Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome - This syndrome, sometimes referred to as TMJD, causes tremendous face and head pain in one quarter of FMS patients. However, many diagnosed Fibromyalgia patients may have jaw and facial tenderness that could produce, at least intermittently, symptoms of TMJD. Most of the problems associated with this condition are thought to be related to the muscles and ligaments surrounding the joint and not necessarily the joint itself. Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome - Sensitivities to odors, noise, bright lights, medications and various foods is common in roughly 50% of FMS or CFS patients. Other common symptoms - Painful menstrual periods (dysmenorrhea), chest pain, morning stiffness, cognitive or memory impairment, numbness and tingling sensations, muscle twitching, irritable bladder, the feeling of swollen extremities, skin sensitivities, dry eyes and mouth, dizziness, and impaired coordination can occur.
Aggravating factors - Changes
in weather, cold or drafty environments, hormonal fluctuations (premenstrual
and menopausal states), stress, depression, anxiety and over-exertion can
all contribute to symptom flare-ups. The cause of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome remains elusive, but there are many triggering events thought to precipitate its onset. A few examples would be an infection (a viral or bacterial), an automobile accident or the development of another disorder, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, or Hypothyroidism. These triggering events probably don't cause FMS, but rather, they may awaken an underlying physiological abnormality that's already present in the form of genetic predisposition.
What could this abnormality be? Theories
pertaining to alterations in neurotransmitter regulation (particularly serotonin
and norepinephrine, and substance P), immune system function, sleep physiology,
and hormonal control are under investigation. Substance P is a pain
neurotransmitter that has been found by repeat studies to be elevated threefold
in the spinal fluid of Fibromyalgia patients. Two hormones that have been
shown to be abnormal are cortisol and growth hormone. In addition, modern
brain imaging techniques are being used to explore various aspects of brain
function--while the structure may be intact, there is likely a dysregulation
in the way the brain operates. The body's response to exercise, stress and
simple alterations in position (vertical versus horizontal) are also being
evaluated to determine if the autonomic nervous system is not working properly.
Your body uses many neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and epinephrine,
to regulate your heart, lungs and other vital organs that you don't have
to consciously think about. Ironically, many of the drugs prescribed for
FMS/CFS may have a favorable impact on these transmitters as well.
Traditional treatments are geared toward
improving the quality of sleep, as well as reducing pain. Because deep level
(stage 4) sleep is so crucial for many body functions, such as tissue repair,
antibody production, and perhaps even the regulation of various
neurotransmitters, hormones and immune system chemicals, the sleep disorders
that frequently occur in Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue patients are thought
to be a major contributing factor to the symptoms of this condition. Medicines
that boost your body's level of serotonin and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters
that modulate sleep, pain and immune system function, are commonly prescribed.
Examples of drugs in this category would include Elavil, Flexeril, Sinequan,
Paxil, Serzone, Xanax and Klonopin. A low dose of one of these medications
may be of help. In addition, nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
like Ibuprofen may also be beneficial. Most patients will probably need to
use other treatment methods as well, such as trigger point injections with
Lidocaine, physical therapy, relaxation techniques, chiropractic care,
therapeutic massage, or a gentle exercise program. Long term follow-up studies on Fibromyalgia syndrome have shown that it is chronic, but the symptoms may wax and wane. The impact that FMS can have on daily-living activities, including the ability to work a full-time job, differs among patients. Overall, studies have shown that Fibromyalgia can be equally as disabling as Rheumatoid Arthritis. Lifestyle modifications may help you conserve your energy and minimize your pain. Join your local support group or form one if you are able. You may also contact us. Feel free to post comments or questions to our Message Board. |
Co-coordinator Email: yesac@midwest.net
Webmaster Email: ThreePeb@aol.com
Group
Disclaimer:
®This site is
provided for the purpose of assisting patients in understanding their
condition.
Patients should always consult their physician for medical advice and treatment.
Index of Fibromyalgia Website Pages
More Facts
about Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia
Tender Points
The Fibromyalgia Support
Message Board
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