Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that causes pain throughout the tissues - such as muscles, tendons and ligaments - that support and move the bones and joints. Although fibromyalgia is sometimes considered an arthritis-related condition (Read about "Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases"), the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) says it is not truly a form of arthritis (a disease of the joints) because it does not cause inflammation or damage to the joints, muscles or other tissues. Like arthritis, however, fibromyalgia can cause significant pain and fatigue, and it can interfere with a person's ability to carry on daily activities. Also like arthritis, fibromyalgia is considered a rheumatic condition.

Like rheumatoid arthritis (Read about "Rheumatoid Arthritis"), fibromyalgia also tends to affect women more often than men. All told, according to the American College of Rheumatology, fibromyalgia affects 3 to 6 million Americans. It primarily occurs in women of childbearing age; however, children, the elderly and men can also be affected.

This is a soft tissue rheumatism, in which there is a great deal of pain in the muscles and bone attachments. The Arthritis Foundation says this condition is referred to as a "syndrome" - because it's a set of signs and symptoms that occur together. The most prominent symptom is pain and tenderness, particularly in the neck, shoulders and hips.

In addition to pain and tenderness, fibromyalgia can also cause

• fatigue
• sleep disturbances and/or restless legs syndrome (Read about "Sleep")
• numbness and tingling (Read about "Paresthesia")
• mood changes
• morning stiffness
• headaches (Read about "Headaches")
• irritable bowel syndrome (Read about "Irritable Bowel Syndrome")
• alternating diarrhea and constipation (Read about "Diarrhea" "Constipation")
• painful menstrual periods (Read about "Menstrual Disorders")
• temperature sensitivity
• cognitive and memory problems

Because the symptoms of fibromyalgia vary from person to person, and because they resemble other conditions, this can be a very difficult syndrome to diagnose. There are, however, some criteria for a diagnosis:

• a history of widespread pain (affecting both your upper and lower body, as well as the left and right side) that lasts more than 3 months
• the presence of tender points, that is specific areas of the body that feel pain when a certain amount of pressure is applied

Fibromyalgia treatment often requires a team approach, with your doctor, a physical therapist, possibly other health professionals, and most importantly, yourself, all playing an active role. (Read about "Rehabilitation")

Treatment options

Among treatment options, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is very important for anyone with fibromyalgia. You should try to reduce stress as much as possible. (Read about "Stress") It is also important to get enough sleep. (Read about "Sleep")

The Arthritis Foundation also recommends proper exercise. Exercises can develop range of motion, using gentle stretching, for example. Strengthening exercises can be beneficial. In addition, there are a number of specific classes, such as water exercise or chair exercises. Always consult your doctor or physical therapist for information on the right type of exercise for your specific problem. (Read about "Stretching and Health")

In addition, NIAMS says there are other therapies that may work for flare-ups of swelling and pain. Moist heat, such as a warm bath or shower, or dry heat, such as a heating pad, placed on the painful areas for about 15 minutes may relieve the pain. Make sure you take all necessary precautions to avoid burning or otherwise hurting your skin, especially if you have diabetes (Read about "Skin" "Diabetes"), and if you have poor circulation, do not use cold packs. Some people also find alternative therapies such as biofeedback or yoga to be helpful. (Read about "Complementary & Alternative Medicine")

Medications for fibromyalgia fall into several different categories. Among the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium and ketoprofen. Many of these drugs are available over-the-counter; however long-term use of these products should never be undertaken without a doctor's advice. NIAMS says common side effects of NSAIDs, including those available over-the-counter, can include stomach upset, heartburn, diarrhea, and fluid retention. (Read about "Heartburn" "Diarrhea" "Gastritis") Some patients also develop liver and kidney inflammation (Read about "The Liver" "Kidney Disease") while taking NSAIDs, making it especially important to stay in close contact with the doctor while taking these medications. (Read about "Medication and Digestion") A class of drugs - COX-2 inhibitors - has less risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding. (Read about "Gastrointestinal Bleeding") However, serious concerns about heart disease risk have made them a less common option. (Read about "Coronary Heart Disease")

There are also drugs that have been approved specifically for treating fibromyalgia. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says these drugs have been shown to reduce pain and improve daily functions for some patients with fibromyalgia. Some of these drugs were initially approved to treat other conditions. For example, pregabalin is also used for treating partial seizures, pain following the rash of shingles and pain associated with diabetic nerve damage. (Read about "Seizures" "Shingles" "Diabetes" "Peripheral Neuropathy") A second drug approved for fibromyalgia, duloxetine hydrochloride, was initially approved for depression and anxiety. (Read about "Depressive Illnesses" "Anxiety") Another drug - originally approved for depression and in the class of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) - has also been approved specifically for fibromyalgia. As with any medication, you need to discuss all potential side effects with your doctor. (Read about "Medicine Safety")

When taking medication, it's important that you never mix different types of drugs on your own. Even medications such as cold remedies may contain ingredients that can cause problems if taken in combination with other medications, so always read labels and talk with your doctor or pharmacist first. (Read about "Drug Interaction Precautions")

In addition, topical creams can be helpful. Many contain salicylates to reduce inflammation and pain. Other topical treatments may produce feelings of warmth or coolness on the skin to help provide relief. In addition, capsaicin (the substance found in hot peppers) is being used in some topical creams to provide pain relief. As with any medicine, always talk with your doctor before using, make sure you read and follow all package directions carefully, and keep all such medications out of children's reach.

Related Information:

    Orthopedics

    Skeletal System