What is Fibromyalgia?

What is fibromyalgia?

That’s a great question and one that if you are learning to live with this painful condition, that I am sure you would like to have answered. Unfortunately, right now, the precise cause of fibromyalgia is still unknown. Even though both men and women are known to contend with fibromyalgia, current statistics seem to indicate that women suffer with the condition significantly more than men.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, fibromyalgia, one of the most common diseases affecting the muscles, is considered to be an “arthritis related condition” that does not attack the joints of the body, but rather the soft tissues of the body. Soft tissue rheumatismis a broad group of conditions that include the disorders which cause pain and stiffness around the joints and in the bones and muscles and the diagnosis of fibromyalgia is included in this group.

Even though it impacts the body’s muscles and tissues, it does not cause internal inflammation and so there is no damage to the body’s joints and internal organs. This is one of the key differences between fibromyalgia and many of the well known rheumatic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, polymyositis, and even systemic lupus.

In those rheumatology conditions, it is the inflammation of the tissue that is the major cause of pain, stiffness and tenderness of the joints, tendons and muscles. It is this inflammation that can lead to joint deformity and damage to the internal organs or muscles. Fortunately, fibromyalgia does not leave similar destruction in its wake.

This condition causes widespread muscle pain, incredible fatigue and can often leave you with difficulty performing the basic activities of daily living. Many suggest that they feel as if their body is aging
at a much faster pace than their chronological age defines.

Fibromyalgia is also understood to be a chronic condition causing pain, stiffness, and tenderness of the muscles, tendons, and joints. Fibromyalgia, formerly known as fibrositis, is also characterized by restless sleep, awakening feeling tired, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and disturbances in bowel function.

What is fibromyalgia? Well, medical literature from the early 1900s were also trying to answer the question and even though it didn’t have a name, they described the condition of fibromyalgia. However, it was only in the early 1980s that the medical community actually began to recognize the condition and work towards developing treatments to aid patients suffering from the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) developed a specific set of criteria for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia which include the hallmark symptoms of a history of widespread pain on both sides of the body, both above and below the waist, which has been present for at least three months as well as pain in at least 11 of 18 “tender point” sites. These “tender points” are sites throughout the body that are painful when they are pressed. Fibromyalgia is thought to be the culprit when these conditions are met.

For patients dealing with Fibromyalgia, tender points can include many places, such as the base of the skull, above and between the shoulder blades, below the elbows, in the lower back, on the hips, and behind the knees. Fibromyalgia tender points typically occur on both sides of the body and are similar to other common muscle and muscle-attachment disorders, like tennis elbow. These areas can be quite tender to touch and can leave the patient with a generalized soreness that is often described as feeling like the worse case of the flu ever… ok, now that’s a flu I don’t want to get!

Some researchers believe that they have determined what is fibromyalgia by discovering a genetic component. It seems that some who are diagnosed with this condition genetically react much more to
things that others would not find bothersome or painful at all.

What is fibromyalgia? It is a complex condition that has many in its grip. Learning to live with it can certainly be a challenge, but once you understand the definition of fibromyalgia, you have a better chance and successfully learning the skills needed to actively regain control of your health.

Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Fibromyalgia syndrome is a chronic disorder that is characterized by extreme pain and tenderness in multiple joints and muscles.

This condition is referred to as a syndrome because it is a set of signs and symptoms that occur together.  The pain from fibromyalgia occurs in areas where the muscles attach to the bone or ligaments.

Fibromyalgia is an arthritis related condition however, the joints are not affected so they are not deformed or deteriorated as they would be with arthritis.

There are many symptoms of fibromyalgia. However, no two people with this condition will experience the same symptom the exact same way.

This is just one of the reasons diagnosing fibromyalgia is a challenge for healthcare providers.  The difficulty of making an accurate diagnosis and beginning to develop a treatment plan for the patient are just some of the reasons that patients suffering with fibromyalgia often become depressed and perhaps even withdrawn.  It can be an endless circle, the chronic pain of fibromyalgia and the frustration at a lack of a diagnosis and absence of a clear treatment plan can be an incredibly frustrating matter for the sufferer.

The most prominent symptom of fibromyalgia is pain.  The pain of fibromyalgia is not localized but rather felt all over especially in the lower back and arms.  About 90% of people who have fibromyalgia will experience fatigue and sleep disturbance.  Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include morning stiffness, frequent urination, a tingling sensation in the hands, arms, feet and face, migraine headaches, abdominal pain and restless leg syndrome.

There is no specific test used to diagnose fibromyalgia making it difficult to diagnose people with this syndrome.  People with fibromyalgia often look healthy and have no outward signs of pain or fatigue. Again, this can certainly work against the patient when seeking a diagnosis.  Although it seems to be better than it was several years ago, a patient can still feel as if they are fighting for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.  Some may even feel like “it is all in my head”.

Fibromyalgia is diagnosed by the presence of specific fibromyalgia symptoms, such as the presence of widespread pain along with tenderness at specific locations and chronic fatigue.  Diagnosing fibromyalgia can take years and countless visits to a variety of physicians.  Finding a doctor who is willing to listen to you and is very familiar with this condition is important.

There is no known direct cause of fibromyalgia.  Treatment options include medications to diminish pain and improve sleep.  Exercise programs that improve cardiovascular fitness and stretch muscles and relaxation techniques to help ease muscle tension and anxiety can be beneficial in the treatment of fibromyalgia.  Some people have mild symptoms and will need very little treatment while others will require comprehensive care program including medication for pain and sleep as well as an inclusive exercise program.

If you think you might have fibromyalgia make an appointment to see your doctor.  Your doctor can make an accurate diagnosis of fibromyalgia and can customize a treatment plan to meet your individual needs.