Fibromyalgia is a painful condition that usually runs in families. Its specific cause is not known. It has, however, been linked to genetics and factors such as physical injury, infection and depression among others. The pain experienced in this condition is related to sensitization in the central nervous system. There are a number of of facts on coping with fibromyalgia Winnipeg residents may find useful.
The signs and symptoms of this disease depend on which system is affected. However, the general concern in most cases is pain. Commonly, patients complain of pain in various muscles in the body. Muscle pain is medically termed as myalgia. In addition, patients may present with disorientation in their sleep cycle, poor eyesight, heart palpitations, pain in the urinary tract and an irritable bowel among other systemic signs and symptoms.
For one to be certain that they indeed suffer from this condition, certain factors have to be put into consideration. The duration of symptoms needs to be at least three months. Additionally, symptoms should involve the upper and lower parts of the body bilaterally. These two are the typical ways in which a diagnosis is made.
There are no specific tests available to diagnose the condition. Therefore, the doctor will take time to know all the symptoms that the patient presents with. They will also need to know if there are any members of their family with the same illnesses or symptoms suggestive of the same. The doctor will also need to perform a comprehensive physical examination of all organ systems in the body. These, together with certain screening tests help to rule out other diseases that usually present in similar fashion. Examples of such conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, polymyalgia and entrapment syndromes among other disease forms.
Research is still ongoing to find cure for the condition. In the meantime, certain pharmaceutical products are of proving to be of help. These include analgesic agents such as opioids, drugs meant to treat depression and muscle relaxants. One needs to be extremely cautious when taking opioids because of their potentially fatal side effects. As a matter of fact, weak opioids should be tried first before resorting to the stronger ones. The decision to use the stronger options is only indicated when other pain relievers have proved ineffective.
Non pharmacological techniques that have been shown to be effective include exercise, art, music and occupational therapy. The latter three are especially good in the long term management of this condition. The patient is given guidance as to how best they can exercise. Only tolerable exercises should be undertaken and the intensity increased gradually over time.
Despite the condition not being fatal, the prognosis is generally not a good one. This is mainly due to the long term nature of the condition. Other factors such as depression also contribute to poor outcomes if management is not intensified.
To summarize, it is important to state that fibromyalgia can be contained as long as there is commitment portrayed by the healthcare providers, the patients themselves and their social support system. Interestingly, it only affects five percent of the population with women being common victims.This makes it fairly misunderstood by many people.
The signs and symptoms of this disease depend on which system is affected. However, the general concern in most cases is pain. Commonly, patients complain of pain in various muscles in the body. Muscle pain is medically termed as myalgia. In addition, patients may present with disorientation in their sleep cycle, poor eyesight, heart palpitations, pain in the urinary tract and an irritable bowel among other systemic signs and symptoms.
For one to be certain that they indeed suffer from this condition, certain factors have to be put into consideration. The duration of symptoms needs to be at least three months. Additionally, symptoms should involve the upper and lower parts of the body bilaterally. These two are the typical ways in which a diagnosis is made.
There are no specific tests available to diagnose the condition. Therefore, the doctor will take time to know all the symptoms that the patient presents with. They will also need to know if there are any members of their family with the same illnesses or symptoms suggestive of the same. The doctor will also need to perform a comprehensive physical examination of all organ systems in the body. These, together with certain screening tests help to rule out other diseases that usually present in similar fashion. Examples of such conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, polymyalgia and entrapment syndromes among other disease forms.
Research is still ongoing to find cure for the condition. In the meantime, certain pharmaceutical products are of proving to be of help. These include analgesic agents such as opioids, drugs meant to treat depression and muscle relaxants. One needs to be extremely cautious when taking opioids because of their potentially fatal side effects. As a matter of fact, weak opioids should be tried first before resorting to the stronger ones. The decision to use the stronger options is only indicated when other pain relievers have proved ineffective.
Non pharmacological techniques that have been shown to be effective include exercise, art, music and occupational therapy. The latter three are especially good in the long term management of this condition. The patient is given guidance as to how best they can exercise. Only tolerable exercises should be undertaken and the intensity increased gradually over time.
Despite the condition not being fatal, the prognosis is generally not a good one. This is mainly due to the long term nature of the condition. Other factors such as depression also contribute to poor outcomes if management is not intensified.
To summarize, it is important to state that fibromyalgia can be contained as long as there is commitment portrayed by the healthcare providers, the patients themselves and their social support system. Interestingly, it only affects five percent of the population with women being common victims.This makes it fairly misunderstood by many people.
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