Fibromyalgia is a painful condition that usually runs in families. Its specific cause is not known. It has, however, been linked to genetics and factors such as physical injury, infection and depression among others. The pain experienced in this condition is related to sensitization in the central nervous system. There are a number of of facts on coping with fibromyalgia Winnipeg residents may find useful.
The condition typically presents in form chronic muscle aches, headaches, sleep disturbances and even depression. Contrary to common belief, symptoms are not necessarily limited to muscles. Instead, severe forms of the disease evolve to also involve multiple systems in the body. In the eyes, for instance, this condition can bring about problems with vision. In the cardiovascular system, the affected individual may complain of palpitations. Such patients also commonly present with irritable bowel syndrome and urinary symptoms such as pain on urination.
The diagnostic criteria for this condition is based on the predominant sites of illness. In other words, fibromyalgia only qualifies as a diagnosis if pain is widespread. Typical patients experience pain on both sides of the body, above and below the waist line. Moreover, the pain should have lasted longer than ninety days to fit the criteria.
Strictly speaking, this condition is largely diagnosed clinically; very little is done in terms of lab tests and radiographic imaging. Doctors tend to focus more on establishing a clear history and performing a thorough physical examination. Doctors will be interested in whether there is anybody else in the blood line known have endured similar pain or any other symptom suggestive of the illness. They will then examine all the systems of the body with the goal of picking any anomalies. Clearly, the patient and the doctor need to strike rapport to ensure that all the relevant details are provided in full.
Unfortunately, fibromyalgia has no definitive treatment; at least not yet. The good news is that there are a number of ways which have been shown to manage the associated symptoms. Pharmacologically, several drugs are available to choose from. These include muscle relaxants, antidepressants, and opioids among others. One should, however, be cautious when taking opioids because they are known to cause dependence and respiratory depression especially in high doses. These drugs should only be considered if all others are not effective.
Non pharmacological techniques that have been shown to be effective include exercise, art, music and occupational therapy. The latter three are especially good in the long term management of this condition. The patient is given guidance as to how best they can exercise. Only tolerable exercises should be undertaken and the intensity increased gradually over time.
Despite the condition not being fatal, the prognosis is generally not a good one. This is mainly due to the long term nature of the condition. Other factors such as depression also contribute to poor outcomes if management is not intensified.
A positive attitude is paramount for successful management of this condition. It is a rare disorder that affects only about two to eight percent of the global population, a major reason as to why it is misunderstood by many people. Generally, women are more susceptible than men.
The condition typically presents in form chronic muscle aches, headaches, sleep disturbances and even depression. Contrary to common belief, symptoms are not necessarily limited to muscles. Instead, severe forms of the disease evolve to also involve multiple systems in the body. In the eyes, for instance, this condition can bring about problems with vision. In the cardiovascular system, the affected individual may complain of palpitations. Such patients also commonly present with irritable bowel syndrome and urinary symptoms such as pain on urination.
The diagnostic criteria for this condition is based on the predominant sites of illness. In other words, fibromyalgia only qualifies as a diagnosis if pain is widespread. Typical patients experience pain on both sides of the body, above and below the waist line. Moreover, the pain should have lasted longer than ninety days to fit the criteria.
Strictly speaking, this condition is largely diagnosed clinically; very little is done in terms of lab tests and radiographic imaging. Doctors tend to focus more on establishing a clear history and performing a thorough physical examination. Doctors will be interested in whether there is anybody else in the blood line known have endured similar pain or any other symptom suggestive of the illness. They will then examine all the systems of the body with the goal of picking any anomalies. Clearly, the patient and the doctor need to strike rapport to ensure that all the relevant details are provided in full.
Unfortunately, fibromyalgia has no definitive treatment; at least not yet. The good news is that there are a number of ways which have been shown to manage the associated symptoms. Pharmacologically, several drugs are available to choose from. These include muscle relaxants, antidepressants, and opioids among others. One should, however, be cautious when taking opioids because they are known to cause dependence and respiratory depression especially in high doses. These drugs should only be considered if all others are not effective.
Non pharmacological techniques that have been shown to be effective include exercise, art, music and occupational therapy. The latter three are especially good in the long term management of this condition. The patient is given guidance as to how best they can exercise. Only tolerable exercises should be undertaken and the intensity increased gradually over time.
Despite the condition not being fatal, the prognosis is generally not a good one. This is mainly due to the long term nature of the condition. Other factors such as depression also contribute to poor outcomes if management is not intensified.
A positive attitude is paramount for successful management of this condition. It is a rare disorder that affects only about two to eight percent of the global population, a major reason as to why it is misunderstood by many people. Generally, women are more susceptible than men.
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