What is Fibromyalgia?
Formerly known as fibrositis, fibromyalgia is a newer problem. Not exactly a disease, but more of a syndrome associated with a host of various problems.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition which causes pain, stiffness, tender joints and muscles. The condition is also noted to cause poor sleeping habits, feelings of fatigue, anxiety, depression, as well as difficulty with bowel movements. Those with fibromyalgia experience pain in response to stimuli that are normally not perceived as painful.
Although fibromyalgia is one of the most common diseases affecting muscles in human beings, its root cause is unknown. Despite potentially disabling body pain, patients with fibromyalgia do not develop body deformity and does not cause damage to internal organs.
Doctors have found that elevated levels of a nerve chemical, named substance P, and low levels of the brain chemical serotonin are in patients with fibromyalgia. Studies of pain in fibromyalgia have indicated that the central nervous system may be susceptible.
Fibromyalgia affects mostly women (75%) in their thirty’s and into their mid-fifties and rarely affects men. It can sometimes be associated with another disease, such as arthritis. In North America, approximately 1.7% of the population has fibromyalgia.
The main and often only symptom of fibromyalgia is widespread pain. The diagnosis of fibromyalgia is made exclusively on clinical grounds. There is no blood test or any other lab test that can help doctors determine whether an individual has fibromyalgia. These tests are only standard to eliminate other potential diseases.
Fibromyalgia Information:
- Pain, stiffness, and tenderness of muscles, with no inflammation is main symptom
- Deformation is not caused by fibromyalgia.
- 91% of people with fibromyalgia have severe fatigue.
- IBS – Irritable bowel syndrome can occur
- Insomnia is often a problem for people with fibromyalgia.
- There is no definitive exam or test for fibromyalgia.
- Fibromyalgia can be associated with other rheumatic conditions.
- Treatment options for fibromyalgia include education, reducing stress, meds and exercise
Exercise reduces and sometimes eliminates much of the pain caused by fibromyalgia. The type of exercises that are best included cycling, swimming and walking, but most important is that you stick to the regime.
Would a hottub help with the fibromyalgia?
I am a person who has suffered with fibro for approx. 18 years. I can say that for myself that yes a hottub would help. I am not a physician I am speaking from my own personal
view. I believe that warmth really stimulates the pain. Also I take whirlpool and spa. I am not doing very much exercise because of the pain but when I continue to try I believe it really helps. I do not know of any exercise program but if there are any out there would someone please let me know
I have had Fibro for 10 yrs. About 5 years ago I decided to go to the tanning bed and get a little sun tan. I was told by the owner to get in the bronzing bed because I was so fair skinned, that way I wouldn’t burn. I was amazed that after about the 3rd trip, my muscle pain was better. I talked to a friend of mine who also has fibro and she owns a tanning bed and said her Dr. told her that the heat helped the pain. He was right. My husband bought me a bronzing bed about 3yrs ago, I get in it about 2 or 3 times a week and do not abuse or go over the limit of minutes. It does help. Hope this story helps someone.
I THINK I have had fibro for about 7 years. I have been to several specialists for pain but noone can decided exactly what I have. apparently it is not arthritis, but I sure do suffer pain often. I have tried all kinds of meds, they certainly help for a while. My latest pain is my upper arms. This is new and it is painful, making my life difficult. I can hardly pick up anything, My upper legs (back) are also burning. My main pain area is shoulders and neck. I do visit a chiropractor but I am not too sure if this is helping. Anyone got any answers?
Thank you
I’m new to this fibromyalgia. My mother was diagnosed about four months ago. I’ve just began to research this disease. What I have read states that more women get it, but the % of men is very low. Is this disease hereditary and be passed on. I enjoyed reading your comments and I appeciate everyone’s comments and suggestions. I experience chronic pain in my joints, especially in my feet, hands and wrists. Any ideas on this. I have not talked to my pcp about this as I may think he thinks I’m constant complianer about my pain.
@Teresa
hello i have fibro also i have tried the tanning bed also but backfired on me and gave me skin cancer so please be carefull leeann