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You probably know someone with Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) although you may not know they have it. They don’t look different than anyone else. Yet most of them struggle to overcome pain and fatigue every day as they go about routine activities. Fibromyalgia Syndrome, or Fibromyalgia (FM) as we sometimes refer to it, is a chronic, widespread muscularskeletal pain and fatigue disorder of unknown causes. The term “fibro-myalgia” means pain in the muscles, ligaments and tendons - the fibrous tissue of the body.
While its cause remains unknown, the American College of Rheumatology has officially recognized the syndrome and established guidelines to diagnose it. Nevertheless, treatment remains a challenge to patients and physicians. Some things that seem to have a positive effect are: mild aerobic exercise, appropriate medication, stress reduction, life-style modification and seeking support from others with Fibromyalgia.
Symptoms
In addition to pain and fatigue, people with FMS may sometimes have some of these symptoms:
- chronic headaches
- morning stiffness
- lack of stamina
- irritable bladder
- anxiety
- easy bruising
- irritable bowel
- memory loss and difficulty concentrating
- feeling of swollen extremities
- muscle spasm and twitching
- numbness and tingling sensation
- dry eyes and mouth
- jaw pain
- skin sensitivities
- visual disturbances
- Raynaud’s Phenomenon
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Aggravating Factors
Changes in weather, cold or drafty environments, hormonal changes such as premenstrual and menopausal states, anxiety, stress and depression as well as physical overexertion can contribute to symptom flare-ups.
Helpful Hints*
- Your pain is real. By trying to deal with it in a positive way, you begin to take control. When you are in control, you are not a victim.
- Don’t sleep directly under a fan or air conditioning vent. Drafts may cause muscles to tense, resulting in pain.
- Avoid caffeine. It increases pain perception.
- Eat a light, carbohydrate snack before bedtime, i.e. crackers and milk -- it will make you sleepy.
- Minimize or reduce stress in your life. Stress may contribute to pain in Fibromyalgia.
- Pace yourself to avoid fatigue. You will be able to do more on some days than others.
- Accept this and feel good about yourself and what you can accomplish.
- Exercise moderately at least three times a week. Start slowly (3-5 minutes) and increase the time weekly. (Water exercises are good.)
- Ask your physician to recommend a multivitamin.
- Add fresh fruit, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates to your diet.
- Drink six to eight glasses of water daily.
- If you smoke – stop. Smoking constricts blood vessels. Muscles need as much oxygen as the blood can carry.
- Notify your physician if medications cause stomach discomfort. He or she can help you.
- Take a warm bath or treat yourself to a massage—it may help you to feel better.
If you need help, don’t feel guilty asking for it.
- Focus on positive thoughts and enjoy life. Take up a hobby. It’s hard to dwell on pain when you’re having fun.
* As always, consult with your physician before making life-style changes.
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Facts About Fibromyalgia Syndrome
- Potentially disabling, Fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) may affect as many as ten million Americans.
- More than 90% of Fibromyalgia patients are women, however, men and children are also affected.
- Symptoms of FM tend to arise between ages 10-50. Although it has been detected in children, Fibromyalgia is seen most often among people in their mid-40’s.
- The cause of FM has not been established. Patients can go undiagnosed for long periods.
- No specific laboratory tests or x-rays can reveal the presence of FM. Its symptoms mimic at least 46 other medical conditions.
- There is no cure for FM, but with proper treatment, most people can decrease their pain and fatigue, and learn to cope with the disease.
- The federal government has recognized Fibromyalgia by allocating research funding through the National Institute of Health.
<<TOP>> Articles from Fibrmyalgia Frontiers (http://www.fmpartnership.org/online.htm)
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