by: Dave Cowan
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is defined as a chronic musculoskeletal pain disorder of unknown etiology, characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, multiple tender points, disordered sleep, cognitive dysfunction, irritable bowel syndrome, psychological distress, and other functioning impairments.
What are some of the other symptoms associated with Fibromyalgia?
In addition to the tender points, Fibromyalgia is also associated with other body disturbances, including:
- Concentration problems
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Joint discomfort
- Morning stiffness
- Muscle spasms
- Muscle weakness
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Numbness in hands and feet
- Sleep disturbances
- Temperature sensitivities
- Tingling sensation that may travel throughout the body
- Widespread pain in joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues
Some Fibromyalgia victims also suffer from anxiety and depression, as a consequence of the illness rather than as a cause of the syndrome.
What type of pain is associated with Fibromyalgia?
The soft-tissue pain of Fibromyalgia is described as burning, deep aching, gnawing, radiating, or shooting, and ranges from mild to severe. Fibromyalgia victims also often wake up with body aches and stiffness. For some, that pain and stiffness improves during the day and increases again during the evening, and some have the opposite time table for pain and pain tolerance. On the other hand, many with Fibromyalgia have daylong, unrelenting pain. Pain can also increase from anxiety, cold or damp weather, increased physical activity, and stress.
What causes Fibromyalgia?
The cause of this disorder is unknown. Fibromyalgia can develop on its own, or as a secondary affliction to other musculoskeletal conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, or autoimmune illnesses like systemic lupus. Some believe physical or emotional trauma may play a role in development of Fibromyalgia. Also, some evidence points to the possibility that Fibromyalgia victims have abnormal pain transmission responses.
The possibility also exists that the sleep disturbances common in Fibromyalgia clients may actually cause the disorder. Another theory suggests that Fibromyalgia may be associated with changes in skeletal muscle metabolism (such as improper metabolism of the lactic acid excreted into the skeletal muscles during exertion and exercise), possibly caused by decreased blood flow, which could cause the burning sensation, chronic fatigue, and weakness.
While an exact cause for Fibromyalgia at present eludes medical professionals, research shows that Fibromyalgia clients appear to have enhanced pain sensitivity and response originating from the central nervous system. Traumatic illness or injury may trigger the condition. Also, research continues to determine if other factors may lead to the development of Fibromyalgia, such as autoimmune dysfunction, connective tissue disease, environmental factors, genetics, or nutritional deficiencies.
A Good Night's Sleep
A good night's sleep is important for a healthy mental outlook and a healthy body. Lack of sleep severely depresses the immune system and leaves one impaired in daily functioning. Set a time that you would like to go to sleep. Two hours before this set time do not listen to or read any news or engage in any conversations, phone calls or any other activity that might upset you. Listen to soft music, practice deep breathing, and prepare for sleep by taking a warm bath or sponging off. Some form of meditation, reading or having someone read aloud soothing poetry or other non-stimulating material can help to calm one in preparation for sleep. Engage in NOTHING that is stimulating or controversial. Sweet Dreams!
While a diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may not necessarily include one for Fibromyalgia, too, in many cases these two chronic illnesses do have overlapping symptoms that lead to a double diagnosis.
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