Fibromyalgia

What is Fibromyalgia? Physical condition, not a psychiatric illness Physical condition, not a psychiatric illness Characterized by: Characterized by: Pain Pain Chronic, widespread muscle, ligament and tendon pain Chronic, widespread muscle, ligament and tendon pain Aching and throbbing Aching and throbbing Fatigue Fatigue Mild to incapacitating Mild to incapacitating Drained of energy Drained of energy Difficulty concentrating Difficulty concentrating Restless sleep Restless sleep Sleep constantly disrupted Sleep constantly disrupted Don’t wake up refreshed Don’t wake up refreshed Source:

The Facts about Fibromyalgia Occurs in about 3.4% of women and 0.5% of men. Occurs in about 3.4% of women and 0.5% of men. Majority of sufferers are women between ages 40 and 60. Majority of sufferers are women between ages 40 and % of fibromyalgia sufferers are women % of fibromyalgia sufferers are women. Occurs in all climates, nearly all countries and most ethnic groups. Occurs in all climates, nearly all countries and most ethnic groups. Source:

Causes of Fibromyalgia No known cause. No known cause. May be linked with: May be linked with: Sleep disorders Sleep disorders Stress Stress Chemical imbalances Chemical imbalances Abnormalities in the immune or endocrine systems Abnormalities in the immune or endocrine systems Can be triggered by development of another disorder, accident, infection. Can be triggered by development of another disorder, accident, infection. May have a genetic link. May have a genetic link. Source:

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia Widespread pain Widespread pain Stiffness Stiffness Poor sleep Poor sleep Fatigue Fatigue Swelling in soft tissue (especially hands) Swelling in soft tissue (especially hands) Numbness in the extremities Numbness in the extremities Headaches Headaches Restless leg syndrome Restless leg syndrome Abdominal pain Tender joints Limited range of motion Jaw pain Memory impairment Menstrual cramping Dizziness Skin and chemical sensitivities Diarrhea Source:

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia 18 tender points identified with fibromyalgia. 18 tender points identified with fibromyalgia. Pain on 11 of 18 tender points is typically diagnosed as fibromyalgia. Pain on 11 of 18 tender points is typically diagnosed as fibromyalgia. Source:

Risk Factors These may aggravate fibromyalgia symptoms: These may aggravate fibromyalgia symptoms: Trauma Trauma Physical exertion Physical exertion Overuse of muscles Overuse of muscles Humid or cold weather Humid or cold weather Stress Stress Poor sleep habits Poor sleep habits Depression Depression Hormonal fluctuations Hormonal fluctuations Source:

Diagnosis Complete medical history Complete medical history Physical examination Physical examination “Tender Point” test “Tender Point” test No laboratory tests for fibromyalgia No laboratory tests for fibromyalgia Source:

Self Care Methods of Treatment Lifestyle modifications to conserve energy and minimize pain. Lifestyle modifications to conserve energy and minimize pain. Modify and improve sleep quality. Modify and improve sleep quality. Get aerobic exercise three times a week. Get aerobic exercise three times a week. Gentle stretching exercises. Gentle stretching exercises. Avoid caffeine. Avoid caffeine. Keep regular sleep schedule. Keep regular sleep schedule. Taking hot baths or apply heat to tender and painful areas. Taking hot baths or apply heat to tender and painful areas. Source:

Other Therapies Psychological counseling or cognitive- behavioral treatment. Psychological counseling or cognitive- behavioral treatment. May relieve intensity of pain, reduce number of tender points and lower emotional stress. May relieve intensity of pain, reduce number of tender points and lower emotional stress. Occupational and physical therapy. Occupational and physical therapy. Activity pacing. Activity pacing. Source:

Alternative Treatments Relaxation techniques Relaxation techniques Mediation Mediation Breathing exercises Breathing exercises Guided imagery Guided imagery Gentle massage Gentle massage Relieve muscular pain Relieve muscular pain Source:

Prognosis Fibromyalgia can not be cured; but can be controlled. Fibromyalgia can not be cured; but can be controlled. Most sufferers can expect to lead a relatively normal life with appropriate management. Most sufferers can expect to lead a relatively normal life with appropriate management. Source:

Coping with Fibromyalgia Fibromyalgia is real, not psychiatric Fibromyalgia is real, not psychiatric Focus on Focus on Physical symptoms Physical symptoms Emotional feelings Emotional feelings Psychological health Psychological health Important discuss fears and problems with: Important discuss fears and problems with: Doctors Doctors Friends and family Friends and family Support groups Support groups Psychologists Psychologists Source:

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