Common symptoms of fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia initially known as fibrosis is a common disorder that causes intense pain in bones and muscles originating in the tissues of the body. It is associated to the tenderness in the body which are called trigger points. In these areas the lightest pressure can cause unbearable pain. The pain caused by these trigger points are termed as a constant dull ache. It is one such ailment that cause physical, mental and social discomfort.
Two to four percent of Americans suffer from this problem. Age doesn’t become a hindrance for this sickness to trap a person. As per the records of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), round about 5 million adults aged 18 years and above in the United States have fibromyalgia, wherein 80-90% of fibromyalgia patients are women. Females having close relatives suffering from fibromyalgia syndrome are more vulnerable to experiencing it themselves.
This disorder is centuries old but was confused with rheumatism. But as medical science progressed and learnt that the fibromyalgia syndrome symptoms were different as compared to the other arthritic diseases where, the former affects the body tissues and not the joints unlike the latter was recognized in the fall of 1990’s to be a distinct medical condition.
The symptoms and signs of fibromyalgia are subjective in nature hence in many cases this sickness is misdiagnosed. The struggle to endeavor the pain leads the person into depression.
Healthcare providers, through various relevant symptoms of fibromyalgia, or based on the overall well being of the individual can diagnose this sickness. Often lab tests are also conducted to confirm the diagnosis. But unfortunately, there is no accurate laboratory tests for the condition. Fibromyalgia may also come to a person hereditarily.
Having not seen a cure, a combination of medical and other courses can provide relief from this condition. These multi-disciplinary resorts to treat the condition could be medical course, cognitive behavioral therapies, acupuncture and gentle exercise.
Antidepressants and over the counter pain relievers are used to treat some symptoms of fibromyalgia however patients should specify to the doctor if they are doing any other medical course. This avoids the possibility of adverse effects of these drugs.
Generally, it has been seen that when exercise is done under a personal trainer or along with a partner it proves to be more effective. Aerobics and resistance training have helped people overcome the fibromyalgia syndrome symptoms.
Some patients have shown improvements in their condition after resorting to acupuncture therapy for treating the signs of fibromyalgia like muscle pain, tenderness, fatigue, unsatisfactory sleep, etc.
Patients having a medical history of rheumatic disease or arthritic problems are at a high risk of showing signs of fibromyalgia.
American College of Rheumatology has set the fibromyalgia symptom checklist for enabling effective and early diagnosis.
The signs and symptoms may vary from person to person; however, the fibromyalgia symptom checklist commonly includes the following items: