Fibromyalgia: What Do We Know About It?

Some experts say Fibromyalgia is a condition not a disease. The exact cause is unknown. What do we really know about the disorder and is there any hope for those afflicted with Fibromyalgia. Some experts say that about 10 million Americans, mostly women are affected by the disorder. However, it can strike men and children as well. Most people that have this condition say it causes them to ache all over. For those who have the disorder, it can have a serious affect on their families, friends and employers. Fibromyalgia can be hard to treat, so it is extremely important to find a doctor who is familiar with the disorder.

Definition: Fibromyalgia is a widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue disorder. A syndrome characterized by chronic pain in any of various muscles and surrounding soft tissues (such as tendons and ligaments), point tenderness at specific sites in the body, and fatigue.

Previously, fibromyalgia was known by other names such as fibrositis, chronic muscle pain syndrome, psychogenic rheumatism and tension myalgias.

Symptoms include:

Persistent pain in muscles and ligaments - Do you have a lot of pain in specific body parts without there being any evidence of bruising or swelling?

Headaches or migraines

Morning stiffness

Flu-like pain that can be severe and constant

Fatigue - Waking up feeling more tired than when you went to bed?
Have trouble sleeping three or more nights a week?

Muscle spasms

Restless leg syndrome

Dry Eyes and Mouth

Ringing in the Ears

Depression - Do you get depressed because you can't figure out what is wrong?

Anxiety

Skin Rashes

Impaired Co-Ordination

Vision Problems

Tingling or Numbness in Hands and Feet

Memory Problems

Irritable bowel syndrome

Symptoms can vary, depending on stress level, physical activity, time of day, and the weather. Pain is the primary symptom, specifically pain and tenderness in certain areas of the body when pressure is applied to them. The intensity of your symptoms can vary but they will probably never disappear completely. However, there are treatments and self-care steps that can improve fibromyalgia symptoms and your general health.

Here are some things you can do to make your life better. You will need a good treatment plan, some lifestyle changes and a few basic strategies, and it will still be possible to lead a productive and fulfilling life. One of the best things you can do is make a change in your diet. If you would like to learn more about diet and better things to eat that will make a difference with this disorder, then get a copy of "The Makers' Diet" by Jordan Rubin. I highly recommend this book it has lots of great information about various conditions and diseases.

There are probably a number of factors that contribute to the development of fibromyalgia. Below are some theories as to the cause of fibromyalgia that include:

Sleep Disturbances - Some researchers theorize that disturbed sleep patterns may be a cause rather than just a symptom.

Injury - It could be that an injury or trauma, particularly in the upper spinal region, may trigger the development of fibromyalgia in some people. An injury may affect your central nervous system, which may trigger the condition.

Infection - There are other researchers that believe that a viral or bacterial infection may trigger fibromyalgia.

Abnormalities of the autonomic (sympathetic) nervous system - Part of your autonomic nervous system (the sympathetic, or involuntary, system) controls bodily functions that you don't consciously control, such as hear rate, blood vessel contraction, sweating, salivary flow and intestinal movements. It is thought that sympathetic nervous system dysfunction occurs in people with this condition, particularly at night, which leads to fatigue, stiffness, dizziness and other signs and symptoms associated with Fibromyalgia.
Changes in muscle metabolism - One example is that deconditioning and decreased blood flow to muscles may contribute to decreased strength and fatigue. Differences in metabolism and abnormalities in the hormonal substance that influences the activity of nerves may play a role.
Psychological stress and hormonal changes also may be possible causes of fibromyalgia.

There are some risk factors worth mentioning such as:

Fibromyalgia tends to develop during early and middle adulthood and usually in women.

You may be more likely to develop fibromyalgia if a relative also has the condition.

It's unclear whether sleeping difficulties are a cause or a result of fibromyalgia however people with sleep disorders, such as night-time muscle spasms in the legs, restless legs syndrome or sleep apnea, can also develop fibromyalgia.

It is also possible that if you have a rheumatic disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus you may be more likely to have fibromyalgia.

Take back control. Learn to control your condition; don't let your condition control you. Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome present us with many physical and mental challenges. If you need more help then check out the National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA) it is a non-profit organization whose mission is to develop and execute programs dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with fibromyalgia.