Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia:

Fibromyalgia stands for ligaments, pain in the muscles, sleep disturbances, stiffness, general fatigue and soft fibrous tissues in the body. This disease develops pain in the back, pelvic girdle, neck, shoulders, hands and any parts of the body. Earlier, it is also known as chronic muscle pain syndrome, tension myalgias, fibrositis and psychogenic rheumatism.

Causes of fibromyalgia:

Sleep disturbances: According to researchers, disturbances in sleep patterns may be developing fibromyalgia.

Infection: Some researchers theorize that infection from bacteria and viral may also caused fibromyalgia.

Abnormalities of autonomic nervous system: Autonomic nervous system is divided into two parts such as parasympathetic systems and sympathetic systems. Abnormalities of sympathetic systems may cause fibromyalgia. Sympathetic systems may produce norepinephrine and affect the adrenal gland. Blood vessel contraction, salivary flow, heart rate, sweating and intestinal movements are also control by sympathetic nervous system.

Chemical changes in the brain: people who have fibromyalgia may appear some chemical changes in the brain. Brain chemicals may include stress, pain, migraines, depression and anxiety.

Injuries: Sometimes, people develop fibromyalgia by injuries and trauma in the spinal region. Central nervous system may also affected by injuries and then develop fibromyalgia.

Changes in muscle metabolism: Abnormalities in muscle metabolism such as decreased blood flow and deconditioning may be developing fibromyalgia. Sometimes, hormonal changes and psychological stress can be developed fibromyalgia.

Signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia:

Widespread pain: People, who have fibromyalgia, may feel pain such as severe pain in neck, back of your head, upper chest, hips, elbows and knees. These pains may be persisting for a long term.

Irritable bowel syndrome: Irritable bowel syndrome is commonly found in people who have fibromyalgia. The conditions such as abdominal pain, diarrhea and bloating may be developed with irritable bowel syndrome.

Sleep disturbances: People with fibromyalgia may experience disturbances in sleep patterns and excessive fatigue. Fibromyalgia also may be developing by restless legs syndrome and muscle spasms in legs at night time.

Headaches and facial pain: People with fibromyalgia may experience headaches and facial pain that affected the neck and shoulders. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction is often found in patients.

The following are others symptoms and signs of fibromyalgia:-

• Changes in mood
• Dry mouth, eyes and skin
• Pain during menstrual periods
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Difficulty in concentration
• Dizziness
• Pain in chest, neck and shoulders
• Irritable bladder
• Paresthesia

Diagnosis of fibromyalgia:

Medical tests such as X-rays and blood tests will be recommended by the health care providers to detect the fibromyalgia. Family history and physical examination are also taking by the doctor to examine the disease.

Treatment for fibromyalgia:

Types of treatment depend on the signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia. Medications are very effective to treat fibromyalgia.

OTC acetaminophen may reduce the pain which is developing by the fibromyalgia. Tramadol is prescribed by the doctor to relieve the pain. Other medications- anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen sodium are effective and will be recommended by the doctor to treat fibromyalgia.

Cyclobenzaprine medication may help to treat spasms and muscle pain. You should take this medication before going to the bed.

Antidepressants medications are also prescribed by the health care provider to treat fibromyalgia. Antidepressants medications like doxepin, amitriptyline and nortriptyline are effective to help decrease the disturbances in sleep patterns.

Preventions:

• You should take more and more rest.
• You should avoid stress and depression.
• You should get sleep for long time.
• You should do exercise such as walking, biking, swimming and water aerobics regularly.
• You should maintain a healthy lifestyle.