Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition causing widespread pain and profound fatigue. The pain tends to be felt as diffuse aching or burning, often described as head to toe. It may be worse at some times than at others. It may also change location, usually becoming more severe in parts of the body that are used most. It can affect quality of life by impairing a patient’s ability to work and participate in everyday activities, and therefore can disturb relationships with family, friends, and employers. It is often regarded as a medically unexplained syndrome due to its lack of objective findings on physical examination, laboratory and imaging modalities.
Symptoms
- Widespread pain – often worse in particular areas or at different times
- Extreme sensitivity
- Muscle spasms
- Stiffness
- Fatigue
- Poor sleep quality
- Anxiety and depression
- Cognitive problems (attention and concentration)
- Migraine or tension headaches
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Irregular body temperature – feeling too hot or cold
- Restless legs syndrome – feeling like you need to move your legs to get some relief
- Tingling, numbness, prickling, or burning sensations in your hands and feet
- Painful menstrual periods
Diagnosis
Fibromyalgia is not new, but for most of the last century it was difficult to diagnose. The condition could not be identified in the standard laboratory tests or x-rays and many of its signs and symptoms are found in other conditions as well – especially in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
Once other medical conditions have been ruled out through tests and the patient’s history, diagnosis depends on two main symptoms:
- Widespread pain for more than three months together with
- Pain in at least 11 out of 18 tender point sites when they are pressed.
Treatment
Non-Pharmacological Treatments
- Avoiding exacerbating factors by limiting anxiety, stress and feelings of depression through lifestyle modifications.
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help through relaxation training and group feedback.
- Physical exercise is another good way of responding to stress, allowing the expulsion of negative energy anticipated by the body.
- Alternative therapies such as Chinese herbal medications, herbal teas and Tai-chi require further research in relation to their effects on Fibromyalgia patients, but it is suggested that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture successfully triggers the release of endorphins into the blood stream and are body’s natural pain relievers (Chong et al, 2009).
- Diet modification to avoid inflammation can play a part in reducing symptoms of chronic pain caused by Fibromayalgia. (See article by Dr Ese Stacey).
Pharmacological Treatments
- A range of pharmacological therapeutics, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, opioids, muscle relaxants, anti-depressants, sedatives and anti-epileptics have been used to treat Fibromyalgia by attempting to combat fatigue, rigidity, insomnia and poor sleep. Updated understanding of Fibromyalgia neurophysiology has intensified the development of FM drugs to effect changes in central nervous system (CNS) pain pathways.
Manual Therapy
- Manual therapists such as Physiotherapists, Osteopaths and Chiropractors assist patients with Fibromyalgia in the relief of deep muscle pain and joint stiffness.
- Treatment sessions assist with the strength and conditioning of the musculoskeletal system, improving tone and range of range of movement.
- Therapists educate people with Fibromyalgia on how to make sensible decisions about daily activities that will prevent painful flare-ups.
At our Blackberry Clinics we offer many of these treatments for patients with Fibromyalgia, book now to discuss your options with one of our multi disciplinary team.
