Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a common condition characterized by long-standing, body-wide pain with defined tender points. The tender points of fibromyalgia are different from trigger points. Tender trigger points will radiate pain into other areas when they are manipulated, not so for the tender points in fibromyalgia. Other common symptoms of fibromyalgiainclude fatigue, numbness in the hands and feet, morning stiffness, headaches, sleep disturbance, depression, and anxiety. Fibromyalgia is also called fibrositis, myofascialpain syndrome, and fibromyositis. Older terms for the syndrome include chronic muscle pain syndrome, tension myalgias, and psychogenic rheumatism. Between 80% and 90% of fibromyalgia sufferers are women.
Fibromyalgia can include any or all of the following symptoms:
Widespread pain or painful points: The AmericanCollege of Rheumatologydefines a patient as having fibromyalgia if at least 11 of 18 specific areas of the body are painful under pressure. Also, you must have had widespread pain lasting at least 3 months. The 18 points are shown below Figure 1
Fatigue:
Sleep disturbance: Some think that sleep problems are a possible cause of the disease. The individual may sleep a lot, without feeling rested. Some studies have demonstrated that the alpha brain waves of sleeping fibromyalgiapatients are often interrupted by patterns that resemble being awake. They often never get to the deepest levels of sleep. Muscle movement, or restless legs syndrome may be present.
Headaches or facial pain: Many fibromyalgia patients have recurring headaches. Many of these patients have TMD, or temporomandibularjoint dysfunction (a very long word to describe problems with the jaw joint). Some believe that the jaw problems may actually cause the fibromyalgia.
Hypersensitivity: Many fibromyalgiapatients are very sensitive to noises, smells, bright lights, touch and changes in weather.
Irritable Bowel: Many patients have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and may experience symptoms like gas, bloating, abdominal pain, constipation, or diarrhea.
Depression or Anxiety: As many as 1/3 of these patients are depressed.
Other symptoms: Fibromyalgiapatients may also have numbness and tingling, dry eyes, dizziness, PMS, or swollen hands and feet.
There isn’t a single definitive test that can diagnose fibromyalgia. Rather, there are some guidelines. The two main symptoms are fatigue, widespread pain and tenderness in 11 of those 18 points mentioned earlier.
There is good news, the disease is not progressive. While traditional medicine does not offer much for fibromyalgia patients, natural health care is often effective. Improving the diet, supplementation, and exercise often can be of benefit.
Nadine Hokayem, N.D. Naturopathic Doctor 167 East Ave. Norwalk, CT. 06851 ph.(203)831-2896 fax.(203)831-2898
e-mail me MyHealth@MedicineByNature.com
Fairfield county CT., Norwalk, Westport, Darien, Southport, Stamford
Homeopathy, Botanical (Herbal)Medicine, Nutrition, Acupuncture, Heavy metal Chelation, Bio-identical hormone replacement
