Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by extensive pain in the body. Some people experience pain even though the stimulus does not necessarily cause pain. They attack the muscles, ligaments and tendons. Females are more likely to be affected by this kind of condition than males, and incidence of acquiring it increases as the persons gets older.
Though the cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, this condition is usually triggered by infections and chronic illnesses, physical and psychological trauma, and even heredity. Family members who experience this illness are at risk of developing the same kind of disorder. It has also been studied that a disturbance in normal dopamine-neurotransmission processes has been linked to fibromyalgia.
What are the signs and symptoms of this kind of disorder? Since it is characterized by widespread pain, tender points in the body are mostly affected, like the chest, back of the head, elbows, knees, shoulder, and hips. Symptoms like fatigue, difficulty in swallowing, sleep deprivation, numbness, and bowel abnormalities are also evident. Patients with fibromyalgia often suffer psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety.
Management for fibromyalgia focused on certain aspects that target on the alleviating pain and aggravating factors.
Medications
First is the use of medication, specifically pain relievers and muscle relaxants. Cyclobenzaprin and Tizanidine are among the muscle relaxant drugs used to relieve spasms, cramps, and other musculoskeletal-associated pain. Analgesics, like Tylenol, Tramadol, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are widely used pain relievers. Other drugs include antidepressants and anti-seizure medications. Tricyclic antidepressants are more effective in alleviating fatigue, sleep disturbances, and even pain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are less common. Amitriptyline is usually prescribed to help promote sleep, while Duloxetine (Cymbalta) may act on pain and fatigue. Anti-seizure drugs, like pregabalin (Lyrica) are tested to have beneficial effects on fibromyalgia in combating pain.
Physical and psychological therapies
Physical therapy centers on exercises that rehabilitate muscle balance and minimize pain. Stretching exercises and application of hot and cold compress are examples of this therapy. Psychological therapies include behavioral therapy. They help individuals on ways to cope with stressful events. They provide counseling, and lessons regarding the present condition. These are more useful for those who suffer psychological symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.
Lifestyle Modification
Stressful events have been one of the trigger points of this condition, thus, healthy lifestyle must be obtained. Proper sleeping habits, regular exercise, balance diet, avoiding stressful situations, thinking positive and balancing priorities are the things to be achieved to promote a healthy and stress-free lifestyle.
Keywords: fibromyalgia,pain
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