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FIBROMYALGIA
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DEFINITION: |
Fibromyalgia is a rheumatic disorder characterized by chronic achy muscular pain without cause. Mc Master University study shows 10-15 per cent of population is affected, usually onset at age 20-55. |
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(see separate page also) |
Symptoms include burning, throbbing , shooting, or stabbing pain in the lower back, the neck, the shoulders, the back of the head, the upper chest, and/or thighs. (though any area of the body may be involved). Others are chronic head aches, strange sensations in the skin, insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome, and temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ), premenstrual syndrome, painful bladder, skin sensitivities, dry eyes and mouth, frequent eyeglass changes, dizziness, and impaired coordination. |
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TENDER POINTS: |
These points are the most distinctive features of Fibromyalgia, and are tender to the touch. Around the lower vertebra of the neck, at the insertion of the second rib, around the upper part of the thigh bone, in the middle of the knee joint, in muscles connected to the base of the skull, in muscles of the neck and upper back, in muscles of the mid-back, on the side of the elbow, in the upper and outer muscles of the buttocks. |
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AGGRAVATING FACTORS: |
Symptoms may be made worse by overexertion, stress, lack of exercise, anxiety, depression, lack of sleep, trauma, extreme temperatures and/or humidity, infectious illness and hormone changes, |
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PAIN RELIEVING FACTORS: |
These include moderate paced activity, warm bath (shower), appropriate exercises, stretching, walking, swimming, strengthening exercises, tai chi, yoga, restful sleep, relaxation, meditation, massage therapy and warm, dry settled weather. |
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TRIGGERS FOR DISEASE: |
Acute flu-like illness, physical trauma, chronic medical problem, sudden hormone change, sever emotional trauma and a combination of factors in genetically predisposed individuals. |
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TREATMENT: |
Low dose antidepressants are often prescribed as well as muscle relaxants and/or local spray or injections for relief of pain. Sometimes an antianxiety drug is also prescribed. |