Fibromyalgia
Fybromyalgia
Fybromyalgia is a chronic illness described as both an inflammation of the fibrous connective tissues in the body and as a neurotransmitter dysfunction. Experts estimate that 3 million to 6 million Americans have fibromyalgia. Of these, 80% are women. One of the main risk factors is being a woman between the age of 20 and 50.
Causes
Research has show a number of anomalies associated with the condition including low growth hormone levels, abnormally high production of neurotransmitters and three-times the normal levels of Substance P, the substance that measures pain.
Although no one knows the exact cause of fibromyalgia, there is thought to be a genetic predisposition with physical or emotional trauma as a trigger. Other theories range from an infectious microbe triggering the symptoms to sleep disturbances or changes in skeletal muscle metabolism brought on by decreased blood flow.
There is no definitive test for fibromyalgia, rather diagnosis is made by a process of elimination usually following a three-month history of widespread pain and pain and tenderness in at least 11 of 18 tender-point sites. It is believed 3- to 6-percent of the population suffers from the condition, most prevalent among women of child-bearing age.
Symptoms
The symptoms are broad and generalized: multiple tender areas, both muscle and joint pain, on the back of the neck, shoulders, sternum, lower back, hips, shins, elbows and knees; fatigue, sleep disturbances, body aches, reduced exercise tolerance and chronic facial muscle pain or aches. Drops in barometric pressure can aggravate the condition and some patients complain of increased menstrual pain, memory impairment and vision problems. Symptoms sometimes improve on their own or may worsen and last for months or years.
Treatment
Treatment of fibromyalgia focuses on management and alleviation of the symptoms as well as increasing general health and fitness. Pregabalin (Lyrica) has been approved as a drug treatment for the condition. Other medications used in treatment include antidepressants as well as anti-inflammatories and Gabapentin that works on pain transmissions pathways.
Non-drug therapies include:
• Bio-identical Progesterone cream addresses symptoms of pain and chronic fatigue.
• A well-balanced diet with reduced caffeine and fish oil, magnesium/malic acid and vitamin supplements.
• Reducing stress and developing coping skills
• Fitness programs, specifically aerobic exercise
• Massage
• Acupressure
• Acupuncture
• Relaxation techniques
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