Fibromyalgia - Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Fibromyalgia, sometimes refereed to as FMS is a fatigue disorder affecting the muscles and skeletal system; the cause of which remains a mystery to the medical community. Symptoms typically include severe pains in the muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons, and other soft fibrous tissue throughout the body. Sufferers commonly report a feeling of aches and pains throughout their entire body while others experience a more general lack of energy or fatigue. At times it can resemble the sensation of a pulled or overstressed muscle. Fibromyalgia is more common among women than men and is found across a wide range of ages. There is speculation in the medical profession that Fibromyalgia and Gulf War syndrome may be closely related. Some doctors will even go as far as to say that Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome may in fact be one in the same. There has been much discussion and debate as to the possible causes of Fibromyalgia but none have led to a widely accepted theory. What is known is that the disorder can be life altering and present sufferers with serious barriers to leading a normal life.

Fibromyalgia Symptoms

The most common symptom of Fibromyalgia that has been reported is pain. It is often described as a general aching or soreness but has also been described as a shooting, throbbing, or burning sensation. Some patients report that the pain is most severe when they first wake up in the morning or immediately following prolonged physical activity.

Another symptom commonly associated with Fibromyalgia is fatigue. It has been known to produce a wide range of severity from a mild drowsiness to an incapacitating lack of energy. Some patients have described a feeling of fogginess in the brain. This may be accompanied by difficulty staying on task or concentrating for any significant period of time.

Often times Fibromyalgia is accompanied by a sleep disorder known as Alpha-EEG. This disorder is quite dissimilar to what most people associate with a sleep disorder. Patients typically have no trouble falling asleep and are often unaware of any abnormality unless they are observed in a sleep lab. Lab tests have shown that Fibromyalgia sufferers will often display a disturbance in their stage 4 or deep sleep in which brain activity jumps to levels that resemble that of an individual who is awake.

Approximately 40-70% of Fibromyalgia patients report symptoms consistent with IBS or Irritable Bowl Syndrome. This can include constipation, gas, abdominal pain, and nausea.

Pain and discomfort in the joints presents yet another level of potential suffering for FMS patients. These joint pains can be present throughout the body and are often first reported in the jaw area.

Fibromyalgia Treatment

The treatment of Fibromyalgia often involves the care of an Arthritis specialist although this is not by definition an arthritic condition. The list of drugs used to treat Fibromyalgia is quite extensive and yet none of the drugs used in the course of treatment was actually developed for the purpose of treating Fibromyalgia. Drugs that have proven to be effective include common antidepressants such as Prozac, Paxil, and Ultram. These often help to relieve some of the sleep related symptoms along with commonly reported sluggishness in the brain. For Fibromyalgia pain, many doctors refer patients to widely available over-the-counter pain relievers. Recently, a new product has been mentioned on internet message boards by Fibromyalgia sufferers. It is an all natural product derived from fruits and vegetables that was originally designed for joint problems. Users have reported seeing remarkable relief from Fibromyalgia symptoms through daily use of the product. More information can be found on the following website: NaturalJoint.com.

More on Fibromyalgia Treatment

According to the National Fibromyalgia Association, one of the most important factors in treating the symptoms of Fibromyalgia is for the patient to recognize the need for making lifestyle adaptations and changes in day-to-day routine. Making lifestyle management changes can have a significant impact on improving quality of life. One crucial component of treatment is finding a physician who is knowledgeable and empathetic about the treatment of Fibromyalgia and is willing to work with the patient on a Continuing basis. Patients often become frustrated when they are bounced back and forth between various doctors and specialists each time having to once again explain their individual symptoms and circumstances. Developing a close relationship with a single Physician who can oversee and manage your entire course of treatment is more likely to lead to effective long term condition management than any alternative scenario. Treatment should involve much more than simply visits to a doctor. Fibromyalgia treatment is most effective when medicine and technology are used in combination with nutrition, diet, and proper relaxation techniques. A complicated condition such as this almost never involves a single simple treatment and must be approached from various angles with the goal being to produce a combination that is appropriate on the individual level.

New Fibromyalgia Symptoms? - Knowing the Difference

One of the most difficult issues for Fibromyalgia sufferers is being able to determine whether the symptoms they are experiencing are actually related to FMS/CFS or if they are related to another simultaneous condition that could possibly be treated effectively.
One thing that you can do to help sort out symptoms is to make a list of some of the common ailments that you experience. This way, when a new symptom develops it can be easier to identify. Any rapid change from your normal pattern of symptoms should be reason for concern. Second, be sure to have routine physical examinations by your physician. These should be scheduled on an annual or semi-annual basis. Always report any sudden changes in symptoms to your doctor immediately. Know the common symptoms of Fibromyalgia well so that you are able to quickly recognize anything out of the ordinary. Suffering from Fibromyalgia is difficult enough, don't allow yourself to fall into the trap of thinking that all of your suffering is directly related to your condition. Be aware that you are susceptible to the same diseases and ailments as non-sufferers and that these conditions can often be quickly and successfully treated when properly identified.