Some Things About the Fibromyalgia Syndrome
There are a few events that can determine the apparition of the fibromyalgia syndrome. For example, an automobile accident, a viral or bacterial infection, or a disorder like lupus, hypothyroidism, or rheumatoid arthritis. It is not sure if these factors really lead to fibromyalgia syndrome, but there is a great chance that they will awaken an underlying physiological abnormality that already exists.
In order to find out what exactly this abnormality is, there are being made investigations that concern the hormonal irregularities, immune system function, the pain-related chemical transmitters, especially some alterations are searched.
There are modern brain imaging techniques that explore various aspects of brain function. Also, it is being evaluated the body’s response to stress and exercise, and alterations in the operation of the autonomic nervous system.
It was discovered that in the spinal fluid of people having fibromyalgia syndrome, substance P is increased threefold, and nerve growth factor is increased fourfold, and the scientists are working to find out why this situation exists.
It is known that deep level sleep is important for many body functions, for example for antibody production, tissue repair, the regulation of various neurotransmitters, hormones and immune system chemicals.
Sleep disorders are a fact that often appears in fibromyalgia syndrome patients. It is very important that the sleep disorders to be treated first, because they can contribute to the symptoms of the fibromyalgia syndrome. There can be prescribed medications that increase the level of serotonin and norepinephrine. Usually, these medications are prescribed in low doses, and we can mention here cyclobenzaprine, amitriptyline and Cymbalta.
Medications that are used to aid sleep are: clonazepam, trazodone, Ambien, and Lunesta.
Other medications, such as Ultram are being used to treat the pain, and in moderate and severe cases, stronger opioids may be needed.
There can be also prescribed muscle relaxants, anti-epileptics like Lyrica and Neurotin, and other drugs categories too.
Also, many patients will have to follow other treatment methods too, like acupuncture, acupressure, trigger point injections with lidocaine, chiropractic care, therapeutic massage, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or a gentle exercise program.
There were made long-term studies, that followed the fibromyalgia syndrome evolution. It was revealed that this disease is chronic, but its symptoms may vary, they may sometimes rise, and sometimes decrease. The fibromyalgia syndrome has different impact among patients, it affects them differently. This syndrome can affect the daily living activities, and here we must also mention that it can affect ability to work a full-time job.
In conclusion, we may say that fibromyalgia syndrome can produce harm just as rheumatoid arthritis, can affect patients differently, and first, it is necessary a treatment to improve the quality of sleep and to release the pain
For more resources on fibromyalgia and espcially about fibromyalgia treatment please visit this link http://www.fibromyalgia-info-center.com/fibromyalgia-treatment.htm
Are fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome the same thing? ?
No.
Although CFS has often muscular pains.
References :
No.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is also called ME in the UK. I have no idea why Fibromyalgia and ME are lumped together.
References :
Some researchers believe fibromyalgia and ME/CFS may be the same illness at opposite ends of the spectrum; fibromyalgia has pain as the main complaint, with fatigue being second, and ME/CFS has fatigue as the main complaint with pain being second. Both illnesses involve a malfunction of the HPA axis (Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal) as well as the central nervous system, and both have numerous overlapping conditions. It is not unusual for a person to be diagnosed with ME/CFS and later receive a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia, or vice versa.
While there are many similarities, there are also a number of differences between the two illnesses, such as:
Fibromyalgia has generally not been connected with viral and bacterial infections (with a few exceptions, such as mycoplasma and parvovirus B19)
CFS/ME has occurred in epidemics, but none have been reported for fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is not thought to ever be progressive or life-threatening (as CFS/ME can be in rare cases)
Fibromyalgia does not usually cause severe immune dysfunction, neurological symptoms and exercise intolerance
CFS/ME usually does not cause allodynia (exaggerated response to pain: non-painful stimuli experienced as painful)
Diagnosis of fibromyalgia requires tender points (painful areas in the muscle that occur in certain places)
References :
http://www.fibromyalgia-support.org
chronic-fatigue-syndrome.suite101.com
http://www.chronicfatiguerelapse.com
maybe-
but right now
CFIDS is considered to be autoimmune and FMS neurological
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