Fibromyalgia is characterized by pain, sleep disturbances, and fatigue. The pain is described as aching, throbbing, stabbing, or intense burning. Pain and stiffness is usually worst in the morning. Muscle groups used in repetitive motions may be affected more. Regional pain in the head, neck, shoulders, and lower back are strong indicators of fibromyalgia. Knots in the muscles in these areas feel tight and rope-like. Pressing on these knots hurts and causes pain to shoot to other muscles and are known as "trigger points." Fatigue can be incapacitating. Difficulty concentrating and retaining new information is referred to as "fibro fog." Sleep disturbances are characterized by repeat arousals that prevent patients from reaching deep, restorative sleep. Exercise can increase muscle pain but lack of activity can worsen the pain from even simple daily activities such as climbing stairs or even standing for five minutes. Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) occur in 40-70% of fibromyalgia patients. Tension and migraine headaches are also common, occurring in 50-70% of fibromyalgia cases. Jaw pain related to the muscles and connective tissue of the jaw is also a common complaint. Changes in weather, cold drafts, premenstrual and menopausal hormone fluctuations, stress, depression, anxiety, and over-exertion can all worsen symptoms.

Fibromyalgia is diagnosed by physical examination and symptoms. Widespread pain in all four quadrants of the body for a minimum of 3 months and at least 11 of the 18 specified tender points are used to help in diagnosis. Diagnosis may be made with less than 11 of the 18 tender points if other symptoms such as fatigue, IBS, cognitive impairment, etc., are present.

There are three medications approved for the treatment of fibromyalgia—Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Savella. Improving quality of sleep is a primary goal of treatment, as restful sleep is critical to tissue repair, neurotransmitter levels, hormone levels, and immune system function. Physical therapy, acupuncture or acupressure, relaxation techniques, massage therapy and gentle physical exercise are also used to treat fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is a poorly understood condition characterized by muscle pain, sleep disturbances, and fatigue. Medications have been recently approved to treat the condition. Identifying and avoiding contributing factors, a regular sleep schedule and relaxation techniques such as yoga can improve symptoms. A diet high in magnesium-rich foods (legumes, nuts, seeds, tofu, and green leafy vegetables) and free of food additives and refined carbohydrates (white sugar and flour) may help reduce symptoms. Melatonin may help to improve sleep. Ascorbigen, a dietary supplement derived from cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage, malic acid found in apples, and CoQ10 may be helpful supplements.

Reference: http://www.fmnetnews.com/basics-symptoms.php.

[Return to Archive Index]

[PageTop]