Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia - Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Methods

Fibromyalgia syndrome is characterized by chronic muscle pain, tiredness, and sleep problems. Unlike other conditions, fibromyalgia is not associated to one specific part of the body or a set of muscles but is the disorder of the neuromuscular system. It is characterised by increasing chronic pain that can be sensed in different parts of the body, but originates in the brain. The condition is associated with tender points on the body that cause pain when pressure is applied, such as:

• Neck
• Arms
• Shoulders
• Back
• Hips and legs

Though many medical professionals refer to it as having the characteristics of arthritis, fibromyalgia is doesn’t affect the muscles directly, or doesn’t weaken joints and bones. It instead is a problem that is caused when the nerves have imbalanced impulses in reference to pain.

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

A gradual increasing pain in some parts of the body is generally the first signs of fibrmyalgia. The pain is not associated to a wound or injury, but abruptly occurs in one or more parts or limbs of the body. Some of the most common symtoms associated with fibromyalgia are:

• Headache
• Morning stiffness
• Sleep trouble
• Numbness or tingling effect in feet and hands
• Memory and thinking issues
• Painful menstrual periods
• Restless leg
• Sensitivity to temperature, bright light and noise
• Irritable bowel movements etc.

Causes of Fibromyalgia

The exact cause of fibromyalgia is currently unknown. But researchers and medical professionals have come to the conclusion that it is caused when the nervous system of the body cannot process the feeling of pain in a proper way. This causes the the nerves to indicate pain in regions that actually aren’t wounded or injured as such. It usually affects adults and is rarely seen in children. According to a number of medical professionals, there are a few factors that could lead to fibromyalgia:

• Illness
• Diseases
• Repetitive injuries
• Severe stress
• Traumatic events, like car accidents
• Abusive relationships or breakdown of relationship
• Genetics
• Chemical imbalance like low level of serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine, etc.

Home Remedies to Treat Fibromyalgia

Since there is no exact cause to the condition, doctors often prescribe using home remedies and rehabilitation products to relieve the pain and help controlling fibromyalgia. There are a number of home remedies or activities one can undertake to help them during the condition:

• Exercise daily
• Take enough sleep
• Have a proper diet
• Take the prescribed medicines
• Schedule massage sessions
• Acupressure mats
• Regular sessions of Yoga
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine in the late evening
• Make changes at work
• Use essential oil for therapy and massage

Rehabilitation Methods for Firbomyalgia

1. Rehabilitation Methods - Rehabilitation methods are the best option to relieve pain and keep the condition in control. For pain management in fibromyalgia one can start by using topical analgesics, pain relief creams, and essential oils. They provide heat to the muscles and hence send a signal of pain relief to the brain.

2. Pain Relief - For pain in the joints and bones, using supports and splints is the best option. Since there is no evident physical injury, they act as placebos, making the brain believe that treatment for the pain is being administered. They also prevent the person from injuring themselves further.

3. TENS and EMS Units - TENS and EMS kits are very helpful in such a condition. They help the nerves in sending positive electrical signals to the brain thus reducing the intensity of the pain. They should be used where the pain is being felt as technically they are not working on the region of the pain but the brain which is causing the pain.

4. Massage Aids - Massage aids are also great in helping a person gradually work on the region of pain and help in easing the pain in that region.

5. Hot and Cold Therapy - Last but not the least, hot and cold therapy is the masterstroke against pain. They employ a number of mediums to help treat pain. Using hot and cold wraps, packs, and systems can help alleviate pain swiftly and comfortably.

Though fibromyalgia is a long term condition but by easing symptoms the daily routine does not get affected. Reduce stress and muscle pain by regular exercise and medication. Behavioral therapy can be useful for depression, anxiety, and stress that accompany fibromyalgia.

 

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