Learning about Fibromyalgia

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Fibromyalgia is a common syndrome in which a person has long-term body wide pain and tenderness in the joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues.  Fibromyalgia has also been linked to fatigue, sleep problems, headaches, depression, and anxiety.  This disease is most common among women aged 20-50.

Quick facts about fibromyalgia:

    • Effects 2-4% of the general population
    • 1:9 male to female ratio
    • It is the second most common disorder that rheumatologists encounter
    • Economic burden was 10,199 per patient in 2005 or double those without the condition
    • It has been estimated that overall, fibromyalgia costs the US economy over $9 billion annually

Signs and symptoms:

    • Marked by widespread chronic pain lasting more than 3 months
    • Associated with fatigue, poor sleep, stiffness, cognitive difficulties, anxiety and or depression
    • Pain
      • Typically felt diffusely radiating from the axial skeleton over large areas of the body
      • Patients can usually remember the onset of the pain as if it was sudden
      • Tends to have a waxing and waning time line—flares are typically triggered by a stressor
      • The only reproducible finding is point tenderness in specific anatomic locations—diagnosis criteria include 11 of 18 tender points and wide spread pain effect all four quadrants of the body

Unfortunately, it is a chronic relapsing condition.  Additionally, due to the chronic pain and fatigue patients are at an increased risk for metabolic syndrome. Patients with fibromyalgia generally respond best to a multidisciplinary, individualized treatment program.  However, currently no cure exists.  Patients who more fully understand their disease are more likely to comply with treatment and take an active role in managing the disease.

Medications:

  • Antidepression-are very helpful in relieving many symptoms of fibromyalgis
  • Anticonvulsants- exert their analgesic effects by blocking the release of various neurotransmitters.

Nonmedical treatment

  • Cardiovascular exercise
    • Aerobic exercise has been foundto have a positive effect on pain, global well-being and physical function
  • Cognitive behavior therapy
    • An approach that addresses dysfunctional emotions, behaviors, and cognitions through a goal oriented process.
  • Alternative and complementary therapies
    • Tai chi
    • Yoga
    • Acupuncture