Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a soft tissue pain amplification syndrome. It effects up to 10 million Americans in some studies. The disease is common in white Caucasian women with age of 29 yrs. The expert ideology of the disease is unknown. It is characterized by chronic pain in discrete tender point areas; sleep disorder in perfectionist compulsive individuals

Fibromyalgia Symptoms

Patient complain of low level of energy, generalized fatigue, never rested, muscle soreness, multiple tender points. Pain is generalized all over the body with discrete painful spots. Chronic pain accompanied by insomnia, mood disorders, with restless sleep, feeling exhausted.

Fibromyalgia Diagnosis

Chronic fibromyalgia is unassociated with bone, muscle, or cartilage abnormality. Lab work is usually normal. It is a diagnosis of exclusion of all other abnormalities. A clinical history, with physical exam with pain physician, will diagnose your condition. Patient has discrete sore points in different parts of the body. Lab parameters are normal. Associated symptoms include disturbed sleep, generalized fatigue, low level of energy, irritable bowel syndrome, and neck and shoulder pain.

Fibromyalgia Treatment

It is multifunctional approach, patient education, reassurance, does help. Rest and relaxation for those patients who are overworked. Aquatic therapy in the pool does help muscle aches. Some painkillers along with muscle relaxant does work on selected groups of patients. Some medications have been approved recently by the FDA including Lyrica, and Savella for the treatment of fibromyalgia. A patient may benefit from sleep medication for chronic insomnia.