What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is characterized by pain, tenderness, and stiffness of muscles, joints, and tendons. It is a chronic condition.
The patient also experiences restless and un-refreshing sleep, anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue and disturbance in bowel function
When localized areas of the body get tender to light touch those points are called tender points. Tender points in fibromyalgia are found around the elbows, shoulders, knees, hips, back of the head, and the sides of the breastbone.
Who is more prone to get affected with Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia mostly predominantly affects women between the ages of 35 and 55.
What are the causes of Fibromyalgia?
The exact cause is unknown:
• Genetic predisposition and prolonged stress
• Viral or bacterial infection.
• Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Ankylosing spondylitis or hypothyroidism.
• Exposure to cold or dampness.
• Alterations in blood flow, the activity of nerves that regulate muscle action or metabolism inside muscle cells.
• Injury in the upper portion of the spine.
• Abnormalities in the regulation of neurotransmitters (such as serotonin and substance P).Some people having fibromyalgia have a low level of serotonin.
• Parts of the nervous system that control involuntary functions of the body functions abnormally.
What are the signs and symptoms of Fibromyalgia?
The symptoms of fibromyalgia are as follows:-
•Pain may vary from mild to severe.
• Painful areas are found in the soft tissue like the back of the neck, shoulders, chest, lower back, hips, shins, elbows, and knees.
The pain then gradually spreads.
• Pain can be of various types like a deep ache, or a shooting, burning pain.
• The joints are not affected but the patient has a sensation as if it is coming from the joints.
•Improper sleep, bodyache and stiffness.
• Pain gets worse with activity, cold or damp weather, anxiety, and stress.
• Fatigue, depression.
Other symptoms of fibromyalgia may include:
• Memory and concentration problems
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Reduced ability to exercise
• Numbness and tingling in hands and feet
• Tension or migraine headaches
What is the differential diagnosis for fibromyalgia?
The following conditions can mimic the symptoms of this condition-
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Systemic lupus
- Polymyositis.
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Hypothyroidism
- Mood disorder
- Sleep disorder
What investigations are advised for the case of fibromyalgia?
The patient can opt for the following investigations for the diagnosis of this condition-
- Physical examination.
- Blood and urine tests to rule out unrelated or underlying conditions of illness.
- If the patient is having pain continuously for at least 3 months and there are at least 11 – 18 tender points, then it is the diagnostic point for fibromyalgia.
What is the management for Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia can be managed using the following methods-
- Severe cases of fibromyalgia can be managed in the pain management clinic.
- Low-impact aerobic exercises, such as swimming, cycling, and walking.
- Stress reduction includes relaxation tapes, psychological counselling, and/or support among family members, friends, and doctors.
- Cognitive-behavioural therapy helps in learning how to:
-Deal with negative thoughts.
- Recognize what makes symptoms worse.
- Keep a diary of pain and symptoms.
- Seek out enjoyable activities.
What Diet is advised in cases of Fibromyalgia?
A healthy, well-balanced diet can help reduce fibromyalgia symptoms. Some dietary modifications to be done are-
- Avoid caffeine
- Eat a well-balanced diet
- Supplementation with the essential mineral magnesium
- Supplements of vitamin C help protect the muscle cells against cellular damage
- Supplements of the oil of the evening primrose herb used at 2 to 4 grams daily before meals
What is the prognosis of Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder, sometimes there is an improvement in symptoms and at other times the pain may get worse and continue for months or years.
What are the commonly indicated Homeopathic remedies for Fibromyalgia?
Some of the commonly used homeopathic medicines for management of fibromyalgia are-
- Arnica Montana: Sore, bruised, does not want to be touched.
- Bryonia Alba: Agg. slightest motion and amelioration by pressure.
- Kalmia latifolia: Severe muscle shooting pain accompanied by numbness and cold sensation.
- Rhododendron: Pain and stiffness agg. by changes in weather esp. thunderstorm and impending storm.
- Ruta grav: Relieving stiffness of tendon agg. cold damp weather.
