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Fibromyalgia Syndrome - Fibromyalgia Syndrome symptom, treatment, causes

The present name of the Fibromyalgia Syndrome that used to be called fibrositis. Fibrositis was a sort of grab-bag diagnosis given to joint and muscle aches and pains for which no other cause could be found by means including microscopic examination of tissues. Because chronic muscle and joint pain that has no obvious physical cause is so common, and follows a consistent pattern, the term 'fibrositis' has been dropped (the suffix 'it is' suggested inflammation, which has never been demonstrated!.

Fibromyalgia syndrome is a common rheumatoid disorder of the muscles and bones that does not involve the joints. Fibromyalgia syndrome affects mostly women. This syndrome can also affect children. Fibromyalgia can develop on its own or along with other musculoskeletal conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. The cause of this disorder is unknown. Physical or emotional trauma may play a role in development of the syndrome. Some evidence suggests that fibromyalgia patients have abnormal pain transmission responses. Fibromyalgia syndrome causes pain and fatigue, and people with fibromyalgia syndrome feel as if their muscles have been pulled or overworked. Sometimes the muscles twitch or burn. Because the pain is spread throughout the body and because a variety of other symptoms can accompany the disease, fibromyalgia syndrome is often difficult to diagnose. It has been suggested that sleep disturbances, which are common in fibromyalgia patients, may actually cause the condition. Another theory suggests that the disorder may be associated with changes in skeletal muscle metabolism, possibly caused by decreased blood flow, which could cause chronic fatigue and weakness. Fibromyalgia is associated with a variety of other conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome or others that produce pain. Viral infections from Lymes disease, human immunodeficiency virus, parvo-virus B19, and others are linked to this condition.

Stress and difficulty sleeping may contribute to fibromyalgia syndrome because lack of restful sleep can decrease the body's production of the chemicals needed to regulate pain. Fibromyalgia pain can mimic the pain that occurs with various types of arthritis. However, the significant swelling, destruction, and deformity of joints seen in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis does not occur with fibromyalgia syndrome alone. Sometimes fibromyalgia symptoms may include muscle twitches and burning sensations. Fibromyalgia can develop on its own or along with other musculoskeletal conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. One characteristic of fibromyalgia syndrome is the presence of multiple tender points. This refers to specific points in the neck, spine, shoulders and hips that feel tender. Fibromyalgia syndrome is usually difficult to diagnose because many of the symptoms parallel those of other disorders. Fibromyalgia syndrome should be treated as any other disease or syndrome caused by an out-of-balance condition originating from intestinal problems, mal-absorption, malnutrition, or bacterial and viral infections. Complete detoxification is a necessity. Ozone therapy increases energy, reduces pain, kills any virus, supplies oxygen to the cells, and helps blood circulation.

It is believed that the Fibromyalgia Syndrome is caused by excessive sensitivity of the nerves that supply some soft tissues and their connections in the spinal cord and brain, with resultant increased muscle tension that is aggravated if certain stages of sleep are disturbed. as they usually are in fibromyalgia.

SYMPTOMS of Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Fibromyalgia Syndrome usually develops slowly over months or years. often starting in one part of the body and gradually becoming more generalised. Occasionally the onset may follow an injury. often trivial but perhaps in frightening circumstances such as a road accident, but often there is no apparent trigger. Some sign and symptoms related to Fibromyalgia syndrome are as follows:

• Fatigue
• Sleep disturbances
• Chronic facial muscle pain or aching.
• Short-term memory loss, mood changes, depression, anxiety, and difficulty in concentrating often accompany the pain.
• Migraine and tension headaches.
• Alternating diarrhea and constipation.
• Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet.
• Feelings of weakness.

If fibromyalgia is diagnosed, X-rays and blood tests are done to see whether there are other causes of the pain; if found. these are dealt with separately.

Causes of Fibromyalgia syndrome

The common causes and risk factor's of Fibromyalgia syndrome include the following:

• The exect cause of this disorder is unknown.
• Physical or emotional trauma.
• An infectious microbe, such as a virus, triggers the illness.
• Other factors (such as illness, infection or anxiety) may also cause changes in body chemistry that lead to these symptoms.

TREATMENT of Fibromyalgia Syndrome

There is no specific cure because the cause is still uncertain. The most successful approach to treatment is self-management with the helpof a team comprising arheumatologist, family doctor, physiotherapist, and psychologist or counsenor. Measures include relaxation training; exercise (which helps because muscles relax after exercise); education about the syndrome (patients need to know that it will not progress to crippling or any other disability!; a review of attitudes to occupation and lifestyle; and an improvement in general health. There is little need for medication apart from the use. in some cases. of low-dose antidepressants to correct the sleep disturbances that worsen muscle tension. Heat, massage and other physiotherapy may help. Here is list of the methods for treating Fibromyalgia syndrome:

• Drugs (such as low doses of anti-depressant drugs) taken before bed to improve sleep. Other kinds of sleeping pills have not proven effective for people with fibromyalgia syndrome.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as aspirin and ibuprofen) may help decrease pain.
• Eating a well-balanced diet, and avoiding caffeine may help with problems sleeping, and may help reduce the severity of the symptoms.
• Lifestyle measures to improve the quality of sleep can be effective for fibromyalgia.
• Additional therapies may involve heat or cold applications, massage, weight control, psychological counseling, and participation in support groups.
• Aerobic exercise for half an hour three times a week helps increase heart and lung function while stretching tight, sore muscles.

Fibromyalgia often disappears after some months. Current research into the connection be-tween muscle tension and sleep disturbances may find a specific cause and lead to possible cures.