What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia

When I worked in the employment counselling field, fibromyalgia was one of the largest compaints from people I heard about. They suffered pain, employers did not believe them often when they missed time and there became certain tasks that they were no ong able to do.; such as lifting, typing or sitting for long periods of time and other tasks that were able to do in the past. When I questioned them on what their physician thought and how they may get help, many felt they were not being taken seriously, which literally added insult to injury. Along with that their employers often felt the same way.

And of course when you are not able to work and try and gain financial support it has to be backed up with Dr’s and had to find someone to believe them and get support.Thank goodness there have been huge leaps and changes and now Fibromyalgia is recognised y the arthritis societyand most of the medical profession.

Some facts (though may be approximate) are as follows:

Fibromyalgia afflicts over 2% of the population in the United States and Canada, most often women over 30 and believed to be even higher in the U.K.  Up to 25% of people with a systemic inflammatory disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, will also have symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is very difficult to diagnose, but causes much fatigue and pain in the muscles, ligaments and tendons.  The US Arthritis Foundation regards fibromyalgia as a rheumatic condition, but not as a true form of arthritis because it doesn’t cause joint deformity or inflammation and show the typical swollen joints redness in the affected areas. . The Canadian Arthritis Society does not make this distinction.Fibromyalgia is similar to RA in that pain can affect the whole body or move from one part of the body to another.  A person with Fibromyalgia will feel as if they are aching all over and will be very sensitive to touch.  Certain points on the body will feel particularly painful when pressure is applied.

Fatigue is another aspect of fibromyalgia, often caused by difficulty sleeping; and even mild exertion can be depleting.  About 50% of persons with fibromyalgia also have chronic fatigue syndrome.

Other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia include:

• Headaches
• Restless leg syndrome
• Dry eyes
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Bladder difficulties
• Chemical sensitivities and allergic symptoms
• Sensitivity to loud noises
• TMJ (temporomandibular joint syndrome)
• Night sweats.

What is the Prognosis for Fibromyalgia Patients?

There is no cure for this condition but it can be managed with medications, stress reduction, and exercise.  Some people have to leave the workforce, while others are able to continue with their regular activities.  Early intervention after symptoms first commence improves outcomes

What Causes Fibromyalgia?

The causes are not known but a leading theory is that it occurs when there is a combination of genetic predisposition and a specific trigger.  Factors that have been associated with fibromyalgia are long-term psychological trauma, major injury, an illness with fever, surgery, and high levels of stress.  It is believed that the condition involves a malfunctioning of the central nervous system.