The word fibromyalgia comes from the Greek myos meaning “muscle” and the Greek algos meaning “pain,” as well as from the New Latin fibro meaning “fibrous tissue.”
According to the MediLexicon medical dictionary, fibromyalgia is “A common syndrome of chronic widespread soft tissue pain accompanied by weakness, fatigue, and sleep disturbances; its cause is unknown.”
Fibromyalgia is a common, chronic disorder. When an ailment or physical condition is chronic, it means it's long-term.
Although we often refer to fibromyalgia as a condition related to arthritis, it does not cause any joint damage or inflammation as arthritis does.
It also causes no damage to muscles or other tissues. However, it is similar to arthritis in that it causes fatigue and severe pain and can interfere with the patient's ability to perform daily activities.
Fibromyalgia is considered a rheumatic condition. A rheumatic condition is one that causes pain in the joints as well as in soft tissues.
What are the signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia?
- Stiffness upon waking
- Headaches
- Irregular sleep patterns
- IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
- Painful menstrual periods (Dysmenorrhea)
- Tingling and numbness in hands and feet
- Restless legs syndrome
- Sensitivity to cold or heat
- Fibro fog (memory problems, cognitive problems)
14 symptoms you can recognize in Fibromyalgia:
- Generalized pain
- Vision problems
- Nausea
- Urinary and pelvic problems
- Weight gain
- Dizziness
- Cold or flu-like symptoms
- Jaw stiffness and pain
- Skin problems
- Chest symptoms
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Myofascial pain syndrome (pain/tiredness in the muscles and surrounding fibrous tissues)
- Respiratory problems
Fibromyalgia is a syndrome
A syndrome is a group of signs, symptoms, and medical problems. A disease is a medical condition with defined causes and defined signs and symptoms.
How common is fibromyalgia? Who gets it?
According to reported cases in the United States, approximately one in 73 American adults suffers from fibromyalgia. The American College of Rheumatology estimates that between 3 and 6 million Americans suffer from fibromyalgia.
The NIH (National Institutes of Health, USA) says that 90% of fibromyalgia patients are women . It can also affect men and children.
Although symptoms can appear at any time in a person's life, they are most frequently reported when the patient is middle-aged.
People with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus), or spinal arthritis are at increased risk of developing fibromyalgia, as are patients with other rheumatic diseases.
Studies indicate that fibromyalgia can also be hereditary. Women with a close relative who suffers from fibromyalgia have a significantly higher risk of developing it themselves. Experts aren't sure whether the link is genetic, circumstantial, or both.
What Causes Fibromyalgia?
Experts say there are likely numerous factors. However, no one knows the exact cause. Factors such as a traumatic, stressful, or emotional event may be related to the development of fibromyalgia. Possible causal factors currently include:
- A stressful, traumatic physical or emotional event (i.e., post-traumatic stress, a car accident)
- Repetitive injuries
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus
- CNS (central nervous system) problems
- The way our genes regulate how we process painful stimuli
How is Fibromyalgia Diagnosed?
A patient with fibromyalgia will usually have to visit the doctor several times before receiving a proper diagnosis. This is because the symptoms are similar to those of other conditions. Before diagnosing fibromyalgia, the doctor must rule out other conditions and illnesses.
A laboratory test doesn't indicate a physical reason for the pain associated with this syndrome; there is no specific laboratory test for diagnosis. This can be frustrating for both the patient and the physician. Unfortunately, the patient runs the risk of being told by an inexperienced physician that their pain isn't real and therefore there's no treatment.
The American College of Rheumatology has established two criteria for diagnosing fibromyalgia:
-The patient has a history of widespread pain lasting more than three months. Widespread pain means the pain affects all four parts (quadrants) of the body—right, left, top, and bottom.
-The presence of tender points in 18 locations on the body. These points are located on the back and front of the neck, between the neck and chest, just below the neck on the side of the back, the knees, the inner part of the elbows, just above the buttocks (where two dimples usually form), below the buttocks, above the back of the thighs, and at the furthest point from the groin. At least 11 of these points must be tender for a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. For a point to be tender, the patient must experience pain when a pressure of 4 kg is applied to it. It is quite possible for fibromyalgia patients to experience pain in other areas – however, to confirm the diagnosis, tenderness must be confirmed in those 18 points (or at least 11 of them).
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What is the treatment for fibromyalgia?
It is important for the treating physician to be trained in the treatment of fibromyalgia, as it is a difficult condition to treat. Fortunately, more and more doctors, including general practitioners, know what to do. To achieve the best results, the patient should be treated simultaneously by the physician, a physical therapist, and possibly other healthcare professionals. Patient cooperation is crucial for achieving good results. Patient cooperation implies that the patient is actively involved and does not forget to follow instructions.
Each patient is different and requires individualized treatment. Treatment will generally include some or all of the following options:
- An active exercise program
- Low-dose antidepressants
- Acupuncture
- Psychotherapy
- Behavior modification therapy
- Chiropractic treatment
- Massages
- Physiotherapy
Medications
Several studies indicated that pharmacological treatment (medications) for fibromyalgia helped between one-third and one-half of all patients. However, some experienced worsening of their symptoms.
A study showed that taking a tricyclic antidepressant, 25 grams of amitriptyline (Elavil), together with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, 20 milligrams of fluoxetine (Prozac), all in combination, was twice as effective as taking them separately.
Exercise
Aerobic exercise combined with resistance training (strength training) has been associated with significant improvement in pain, focal tenderness, and sleep disturbances. Unfortunately, a large percentage of patients do not continue with the exercises. Studies indicate that exercising with a partner or with a personal trainer helps maintain the program.
Acupuncture
Many patients have experienced improvements in their quality of life after starting acupuncture therapy. The frequency of sessions will depend on each patient.
Painkillers
If the pain is severe, and other therapies have been ineffective or cannot be used for some reason, opioid analgesic therapy—oral painkillers—may be another option. Aspirin and ibuprofen are generally not very effective.
Behavior modification therapy
This includes learning new tools and skills, relaxation exercises, and self-hypnosis. Patients have commented that pain perception, which is a complicated phenomenon to understand, can be positively modified with experience.
Growth hormone therapy
A study showed that growth hormone therapy is effective in reducing symptoms, without serious side effects. However, the treatment is extremely expensive.
Is there a cure for fibromyalgia?
There is no definitive cure for fibromyalgia. But treatment is much better now than it used to be. Clinical studies have shown that symptoms can improve significantly if treatment is followed strictly. If you work consistently with trained healthcare professionals and are a well-informed and motivated patient, you will experience considerable improvements in your symptoms and quality of life.
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