Fibromyalgia is a disorder of the central nervous system. The nerves that transmit pain become damaged and start misfiring, signaling pain and damage where there is none. The flow of nutrients to and regeneration of the muscles is compromised, causing widespread muscle pain and fatigue, and muscle spasm during extreme tiredness. The word has Latin and Greek origins, and roughly translates as:
fibro = fibrous tissue
myo = muscle
algos = pain
Therefore, fibromyalgia is a term for muscle pain. Originally fibromyalgia was classes as a rheumatological condition, similar to Arthritis, but recent breakthroughs suggest a neurologist or central nervous system specialist as the best equipped to help out. While the causes of fibromyalgia are largely unknown, there are a number of ways of contracting the condition, including genetics, resulting from a severe viral infection, or physical injury or trauma.
Management of fibromyalgia involves regular exercise, eating as healthily as possible, management of sleep patterns and routines and avoiding overexertion or stress. There are medications available to support healthy sleeping patterns and reduce muscle pain and fatigue, but for many of them exactly why they work for fibromyalgics is still under inquiry. Painkillers, anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants are also helpful, but are prescribed sparingly as they tend to come with addictive side effects.
Fibromyalgia is generally described as a constant, dull ache throughout the body, usually arising from the muscles. The pain must stretch throughout your whole body and on both sides to be considered widespread. Sleep disturbance, compromised circulation, a reduced ability to concentrate and memory issues are also common signs.
Fibromyalgics also have extremely sensitive ‘trigger points.’ These are present on everyone, normally occuring where two muscles cross above a bone, but are uncommonly sensitive on fibromyalgics. These used to be one of the only definitive ‘tests’ that confirmed fibromyalgia as a diagnosis – 11 out of 16 of the trigger points tested had to be of ‘more than usual sensitivity or tenderness’ for a diagnosis to be confirmed
They also may suffer from:
• Tiredness, despite sleeping for long periods of time
• Disrupted sleep from pain
• Sleep disorders, such as restless legs syndrome and sleep apnea, which worsens symptoms
• Irritable bowel syndrome
It is thought that fibromyalgia affects approximately 5% of the population, with 80-90% of that being female. Diagnoses usually occur between 20-55, although younger and older people may be diagnosed.
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