FIBROMYALGIA SYNDROME: MYSTERY PAIN EXPLAINED

Painful and puzzling, fibromyalgia syndrome primarily strikes women. Why? Researchers don't know. With details scarce abut its cause and treatment, dealing with the condition can be maddening. Here are answers to common questions about fibromyalgia in women.

1. What causes fibromyalgia syndrome? Genetics may play a role in developing fibromyalgia. No one really knows what causes the syndrome and there are no known risk factors. The most prevalent theory is that fibromyalgia results from a disturbance in the central nervous system called central sensitization, which may intensify pain signals.

2. Are fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and lupus similar? Although the three are separate conditions, symptoms of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome overlap. Fibromyalgia and lupus both involve the muscle and bone network in our bodies, which can cause confusion between the two illnesses. Fibromyalgia is characterized by many symptoms including muscle pain, fatigue, sleep distrubances, irritable bowel syndrome and, in some people, depression. Despite its consistent general characteristics, it can be tough to diagnose because symptoms vary from patient to patient.

3. Why do more women than men get fibromyalgia syndrome? The majority of people with fibromyalgia (80-90%) are women, as is the case with lupus and chronic fatigue syndrome. No one knows why women are affected more often than men.

4. Is it age-related? Fibromyalgia occurs most commonly in people between 20 and 55 years old, although it may arrive at any age, including childhood.

5. Is it an autoimmune disease or a form of arthritis? Neither. In fact, unlike inflammatory arthritis and autoimmune disease, which cause joint destruction and inflammation, fibromyalgia causes neither, despite symptoms of joint and muscle pain.

6. What are warning signs or symptoms of fibromyalgia? The symptoms of fibromyalgia arrive without warning. They can, as mentioned earlier, include muscle and joint soreness, fatigue, sleep problems, irritable bowel symptoms, morning stiffness, depression and brain fog.

7. How is it diagnosed? Unfortunately, it's not uncommon to be misdiagnosed or have to see several doctors before a diagnosis is made. Your best bet is to see a rheumatologist. He or she will look for symptoms and physical findings that meet a specific definition of fibromyalgia established by the American College of Rheumatology. The doctor will also work to rule out other diseases that have similar symptoms, such as lupus and polymyalgia rheumatica.

8. What lifestyle changes can I make to help alleviate the symptoms? Get plenty of gentle aerobic exercise, working up to at least 30 minutes most days of the week. Weight gain commonly accompanies fibromyalgia. Regular exercise will give you more energy, boost your mood, lower your weight and help you sleep better. Eating a healthy diet with lots of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meats and dairy also will energize you, lower your weight and improve your overall health as you battle fibromyalgia.

9. What are the latest fibromyalgia treatments? Pregabalin, a fairly new medication, is the first to be approved by the FDA for fibromyalgia. Studies suggest that it prevents pain and improves sleep by slowing the release of chemicals associated with pain. Older standbys can help too. Anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen and muscle relaxers can relieve pain. Antidepressants boost mood as well as lessen pain and improve sleep.
10. What is the long-term outlook for a woman with fibromyalgia? The good news is that fibromyalgia does not cause damage to muscles and joints that can lead to debilitation, immobility or joint replacement. The bad news is that the symptoms typically don't resolve. Many women simply must learn to live with fibromyalgia. The key is finding individual or combination therapies that help. Not all treatments help all patients with fibromyalgia; discovering which help you is a matter of trial and error. Scientists continue to work on finding the cause of fibromyalgia and, ultimately, a cure or effective treatment.

source: http://www.lifescript.com/