| |
|
|
FIBROMYALGIAWhat is Fibromyalgia?Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition of widespread pain and profound fatigue. The pain tends to be felt as diffuse aching or burning, often described as head to toe. It may be worse at some times than at others. It may also change location, usually becoming more severe in parts of the body that are used most.The fatigue ranges from feeling tired, to the exhaustion of a flu-like illness. It may come and go and people can suddenly feel drained of all energy – as if someone just “pulled the plug”. Fibromyalgia Syndrome (fibromyalgia for short) is a common illness. In fact, it is as common as rheumatoid arthritis and can even be more painful. People with mild to moderate cases of fibromyalgia are usually able to live a normal life, given the appropriate treatment. If symptoms are severe, however, people may not be able to hold down a paying job or enjoy much of a social life. The name fibromyalgia is made up from “fibro” for fibrous tissues such as tendons and ligaments; “my” indicating muscles; and “algia” meaning pain. A Collection of SymptomsFibromyalgia is known as a syndrome because it is a collection of symptoms rather than a specific disease process that is well understood. Besides pain and fatigue fibromyalgia symptoms often include:
|
|
Diagnosis
Fibromyalgia is not new, but for most of the last century it was difficult to diagnose. Part of the problem has been that the condition could not be identified in the standard laboratory tests or x-rays. Moreover, many of its signs and symptoms are found in other conditions as well – especially in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). 1: Widespread pain for more than three months together with 2: Pain in at least 11 out of 18 tender point sites when they are pressed. “Widespread pain” means pain above and below the waist and on both sides of the body. The “tender points”, or spots of extreme tenderness, are rarely noticed by the patient until they are pressed. What Causes Fibromyalgia?Fibromyalgia often develops after some sort of trauma that seems to act as a trigger, such as a fall or car accident, a viral infection, childbirth, an operation or an emotional event. Sometimes the condition begins without any obvious trigger.The actual cause of fibromyalgia has not yet been found. Over the past several years, however, research has produced some insights into this puzzling condition. For instance, it has been known that most people with fibromyalgia are deprived of deep restorative sleep. Current studies may find out how to improve the quality of sleep. Research has identified a deficiency in Serotonin in the central nervous system and a resulting imbalance of Substance P a spinal fluid that transmits pain signals. The effect is disordered sensory processing. The brain registers pain when others might experience a slight ache or stiffness. It is hoped that more research will discover the cause and result in more effective treatment. * * This information has been taken from the FMAUK website To find out all you need to know about Fibromyalgia, join the forum, or offer your support please visit:  The Fibromyalgia Association UK Please make a donation to Fibromyalgia Association UK through my Just Giving page: 
|
A Statue's Eye View - 
