The usefulness of Light Therapy in the treatment of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic illness, which causes immense physical pain and unbearable fatigue. The word 'fibromyalgia' actually means "pain in the fibrous tissues in the body" and as such does not involve the joints, as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It is not classified as a disease as it is a condition that causes many different symptoms, which affect all systems in the body. 90% of those affected are female (especially during child bearing ages) with most patients experiencing symptoms between the ages of twenty and forty. Children and the elderly can also be affected by FM.

FM has no known cause as there is little evidence supporting any of the theories suggested by researchers. It is however thought to be triggered by, 1. Sleep disorders 2. Injury and Muscle Trauma 3. Genetic predisposition 4. Immune System Abnormalities, and 5. Infectious agents, including viruses and bacteria

FM has two main components, pain and fatigue. Pain is felt throughout the body (ligaments, tendons and muscles) and can range from mildly uncomfortable to excruciating. It can also continue for months and even years. Fatigue can be experienced as anything from feeling a little tired to feeling absolutely exhausted, and can make the pain of the illness harder to bear.

Symptoms include: 1. Morning stiffness 2. Wide spread pain 3. Sleep disorders 4. Chronic headaches 5. Dizziness 6. Nausea 7. Depression 8. Facial and jaw pain 9. Irritable bowel, frequent bouts of diarrhoea or constipation and irritable bladder 10. Cognitive dysfunction including lack of concentration and mixing up words (To mention a few) Patients often feel they are aching all over, with muscles feeling sore, stiff and overworked. Muscle twitching is also not rare in FM and can sometimes feel like they are burning.

Treatment for FM tends to be very comprehensive and can involve a number of health care providers including physicians, physiotherapists, psychiatrists, chiropractors and occupational therapists. Common treatments include pharmaceutical treatments such as the use of Lentizol, Sinequan or Seroxat. Other treatments include relaxation techniques, therapeutic massage, gentle exercise program, acupuncture, change in diet and cognitive behaviour therapy, to mention a few.

Light therapy is an alternative therapy, which can be used for treating symptoms of fibromyalgia. It can help reduce muscle pain, depression, fatigue and sleep disorders. Three different types of light therapy can be used for treating symptoms of fibromyalgia: Bright Light Therapy, Colour Therapy and Low Laser Light Therapy (LLLT).

Based on the idea that our body is specifically attuned to light, bright light therapy uses high powered fluorescent lights to help trigger the release of specific hormones, which help to restore the body's natural rhythm and overall health. Bright light therapy for fibromyalgia is typically carried out using a light box, which is typically placed in front of you at eye level. Depending on the intensity of the light box, treatment time could be between 15 minutes to 3 hours. You remain seated in front of the box without staring at the light box, but absorbing the light while carrying out other activities such as reading, eating, etc.

Colour therapy is a form of phototherapy, which delivers coloured beams of light to various parts of the body and its usage is becoming more popular among chronic pain sufferers. As the eyes see the coloured beams of light, the light energy is converted into electric impulses, which travel through the brain, triggering the release of hormones such as serotonin and endorphins, which help to improve your mood and ease pain. The four colours typically used are red, blue, violet, and white. Colour therapy is very relaxing and typically lasts between 15 minutes and 1 hour.

Also known as Cold Light Therapy or Soft Laser Light Therapy, Low Laser Light Therapy (LLLT) helps to reduce pain and promote healing by increasing the energy levels of certain cells in the body. Low-frequency laser light beams are applied to various painful areas of the body, once the photons emitted by these beams are absorbed by the body; they are converted into cellular energy by the energy power houses within the cells (the mitochondria). Consequently, this helps to increase the rate at which your body heals thereby eliminating pain.

Various studies have suggested that light therapy is highly effective at reducing symptoms of chronic pain, fatigue and depression, and as such is worth a try for fibromyalgia patients who yearn to be relieved of their symptoms. Read more about light therapy in our brand new Light Therapy Learning Centre. As effective as light therapy is for various disorders, certain individuals are advised against using it especially those suffering from epilepsy, skin sensitivities, glaucoma, bipolar disorders, cataracts and other eye diseases.

References Start shopping from our range of Light Therapy products.

Light Therapy...Did you know?

Useful links UK Fibromyalgia

http://www.ukfibromyalgia.com/support_pages/support-frames.html

Fibromyalgia Symptoms http://www.fibromyalgia-symptoms.org/index.html

Fibromyalgia Association UK http://www.fibromyalgia-associationuk.org/

Fibrofocus http://www.fibrofocus.org.uk/links.html

Disclaimer

This article is only for informative purposes. It is not intended to be a medical advice and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for all your medical concerns. Kindly follow any information given in this article only after consulting your doctor or qualified medical professional. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from any information obtained from this article.

Information On Fibromyalgia: What Might Cause This Disease

If you are concerned you may have fibromyalgia then you will be keen to find as much information on fibromyalgia as possible. This article aims to cover the theories concerning the possible causes of this debilitating condition.

Although initial studies have found women, between the ages of twenty and fifty-five, are most likely to develop fibromyalgia, there are still so many unknown factors about fibromyalgia that are yet to be understood.

There is a compelling reason why studies on fibromyalgia need to continue and that is the number of people afflicted by fibromyalgia is rapidly rising. In the United States, it is estimated that around 3 - 5% of the population have fibromyalgia.

That would translate to around five to seven million people. And the number is reportedly still rising. On a global scale, the volume of such patients is much greater.

Several more interesting facts about fibromyalgia are to be found in its immediate demographics. Women are far more likely to develop the disease compared to men, on a representative ratio of 20:1. Although the development of fibromyalgia does occur in older people and children it is less common. The average age for developing fibromyalgia is 45.

Symptoms are varied and tend to start slowly and build up over time, with the connection between the symptoms often overlooked. Because of the similarity to other conditions fibromyalgia is commonly misdiagnosed.

The main symptom is pain, and there are 18 common tender points on the body that are very sensitive to pressure or touch. These tender points tend to occur symmetrically on each side of the body.

Aside from pain other symptoms include fatigue, headaches, dizziness, stiff joints on waking, sleep disorder and mental fuzziness, sometimes termed 'brain fog'.

Though there are many studies that have already been conducted, the cause of fibromyalgia is unclear with a number of competing theories being put forward.

Sleep disorders are common in people with fibromyalgia and recent research may have changed the status from a symptom to a cause. Most fibromyalgia sufferers do not achieve the same levels of deep sleep as normal people do. It is during deep sleep that cells heal and rejuvenate and the brain sorts and stows all the day's experiences. Without deep sleep the body is unable to function at its normal capacity.

Immune system abnormalities may also be to blame. When the immune system is malfunctioning it can start to attack healthy cells, which causes inflammation and pain.

Genetics haven't been ruled out as a cause either because women with a close female relative with fibromyalgia have a high risk of developing the condition themselves.

Another theory is fibromyalgia is bought on by an accident or injury. A vast majority of sufferers experienced a physical trauma before the onset of the condition. Damage to the central nervous system can impact on the way the brain functions, lowering pain thresholds, disturbing sleeping patterns and impairing cognitive thought processes.

Keep reading to find out how to sign up for the Fibromyalgia newsletter and discover natural ways to overcome fibromyalgia.

If you are concerned that you have fibromyalgia then make an appointment with your doctor and discuss with them information on fibromyalgia and whether further testing is required.

Treating Fibromyalgia Naturally

Fibromyalgia is an increasingly common condition that is characterized by long-term, body-wide pain and tender points in joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. The National Fibromyalgia Association reports that as many as 10 million people have fibromyalgia, and over 80 percent of those diagnosed are women.

Fibromyalgia can mimic rheumatoid arthritis without the swelling and deformity of joints seen in rheumatoid arthritis. Ironically, this is unfortunate since people with this disease look perfectly healthy while feeling so ill.

By far, the chief complaint of fibromyalgia is pain followed closely by fatigue:

*Muscle and joint pain on the neck, shoulders, sternum, lower back, hips, shins, elbows, knees.
*Fatigue
*Sleep disturbances
*Body aches
*Reduced exercise tolerance
*Chronic facial muscle pain or aching

It is not known what causes people to develop fibromyalgia. Preliminary studies have hinted that there may be a genetically inherited disposition to develop the disorder, but that is not conclusive.

The clinical management of fibromyalgia leaves much to be desired. Until recent research showed that the pain was real, many doctors referred people with this disorder for psychiatric care. Since fibromyalgia isn't a bacteria, virus, or germ, doctors have a hard time dealing with something they can't see. Some patients are helped by anti depressants, but many are not. Traditional treatment options are few.

Fortunately fibromyalgia is one condition where alternative medicine can definitely help. Naturopathic doctors feel the fundamentals of disease are malnutrition, toxins, and stress on the immune system. Things like mercury in tooth fillings, industrial chemicals in the products we use, and various other toxins in our environment magnify each other and affect the immune system so that eventually it does not function properly.

A holistic approach will seek to boost your immune system through detoxification, proper diet, and supplements in combination with treatments such as chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage. Many people have found relief in these methods. Fibromyalgia isn't a life sentence of pain and fatigue.

Statements made in this article may not be approved by the FDA, and should not be taken as professional medical advice.

Fibromyalgia Often Unspotted during Pregnancy

Fibromyalgia is a serious disorder of suspected neurological origin manifested by intense, recidivating muscular pain, joint stiffness, pronounced sate of generalized fatigue, sleep disturbances, anxiety, irritability, increased sensitivity to external stimuli and depression. At present, the exact causes and risk factors of the disease are unknown, fibromyalgia still being regarded as an enigma among the medical community.

There is no specific cure for fibromyalgia and the treatments available today are only partially efficient in slowing down the progression of the disease and alleviating its generated symptoms. In addition, due to the lack of conclusive medical data on fibromyalgia and the deceiving character of the symptoms it produces (the symptoms of fibromyalgia have an unspecific, general character, being also produced by a variety of other diseases that aren’t related to fibromyalgia), the disease can be very difficult to diagnose properly. In persons with special conditions (existing or past neuropsychological diseases, pregnant women, etc.), fibromyalgia is even more difficult to diagnose accurately and more important, timely.

Recent medical investigations have revealed the fact that fibromyalgia is often overlooked during pregnancy. According to the results of elaborate medical research conducted by a team of medical scientists from Temple University, the symptoms of fibromyalgia experienced by pregnant women are very often misdiagnosed as regular clinical manifestations of pregnancy. While symptoms such as intense pain, generalized fatigue and pronounced psychological stress generally point to fibromyalgia, their occurrence in pregnant women determine most doctors to think that they are a normal part of pregnancy, not indicators of disease.

In order to accurately distinguish between the early signs of fibromyalgia and the normal clinical manifestations of pregnancy in future mothers, doctors are currently focusing on establishing more reliable criteria of diagnosis, which would completely eliminate the existing confusion between normal indicators of pregnancy and the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Once they will discover efficient methods of identifying the symptoms of fibromyalgia in pregnant women, doctors will focus on reducing the impact of the disease in future mothers.

A very recent medical study has clearly revealed that the symptoms of fibromyalgia are very difficult to detect during pregnancy. However, the same study has concluded that there are ways to detect the presence of fibromyalgia in pregnant women by comparing their symptoms to those of pregnant women in good health. In addition, the researchers claimed that the presence of fibromyalgia in such categories of patients can also be spotted by verifying the patients’ medical history.

The study involved the participation of pregnant women with and without fibromyalgia. The volunteers were between the ages of 29 and 31, pregnant in the third trimester and had no history of premature, complicated birth or abortion. All the subjects who participated in the study had no chronic illnesses other than fibromyalgia and most of them were actually in perfect health. By the end of the study, the conclusions were that the signs of fibromyalgia can be distinguished from the clinical manifestations of pregnancy with already existing methods of diagnosis.

For instance, compared with the group of pregnant women without fibromyalgia, the group with the disease experienced exacerbated pain (perceived through the entire body), states of exhaustion and even states of mental confusion. Although it is extremely difficult to timely and accurately detect the presence of fibromyalgia in pregnant women, the researchers have demonstrated that this task is not impossible. Medical scientists have recently initiated a new series of studies, aiming to discover more effective, reliable methods of diagnosing fibromyalgia during pregnancy.

General symptoms of fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a disease which manifests very much alike with flu. It gives muscular pains and tiredness, and can disturb the sleep. It can also be characterized by tender spots which are felt mostly in the neck, spine, shoulders and hips. The attachments of muscles to bones are also affected by this disease. Joints seem to be left unaffected by it. Besides muscles, pain in tendons and ligaments appear also.

Some of the patients can feel depressed and develop mood changes, other patients complain about anxiety and difficulty in concentration along with sensitivity to light and temperature.

Fibromyalgia can be easily mistaken with other diseases. The fatigue most people feel is quite alike with that encountered in the chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Those who suffer of CFS can also have symptoms of fibromyalgia like the tender spots.

Diagnosing fibromyalgia is made after eliminating other diseases that can manifest alike and after inquiring about the tender spots and their location. There are known 18 tender spots that can be painful in fibromyalgia and most are situated around the neck, shoulders, shoulder blades, lower back, elbows and knees.

When talking about fibromyalgia, tender spots are usually situated in both sides of the body and at least 11 spots must be painful otherwise some doctors will not be sure that fibromyalgia is present.

These symptoms can last a few days or months and even years and the symptoms can sometimes get worse or sometimes disappear for a while.

If you have these symptoms is best to call your doctor and let him decide whether you have fibromyalgia or not. Also, if you are already diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome periodically go for check-ups because a new drug might have been discovered since your last medical visit. If you feel you can not control the pain with the regular treatment, ask you doctor for a new one, with more powerful painkillers.

A cure for fibromyalgia has not been discovered yet but at least treatment is available.

At home in order to relieve muscle pain, patients are advised to swim, practice aerobic and different sorts or exercises. Massage is also recommended.

The doctor will prescribe you some helpful drugs: painkillers and muscle relaxants, in order to reduce the pain in your muscles, antidepressant drugs if you feel you have mood changes and depressions lately, tender point injections with steroids which can relief you for a while. Also, acupuncture is recommended along with massage therapy because it helps relax and soothe painful muscles.

How can I know if I have fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia syndrome gives a lot of neuromuscular symptoms. Muscle pain is present is all the cases but it differs in intensity and localization. Some might feel this pain as a burning or as a radiating, others gnawing, sore, stiff, and aching. Also the activity a person performs, the stress level, the weather condition and sleep patterns might modify the intensity of the pain.

Some patients complain about the fact that they are tired even after sleeping for the whole night. Others say that they wake up during the night more frequent than they did before the disease had installed. Doctors say that an interruption during the deep sleep can cause the tiredness patients complain of.

General symptoms of fibromyalgia are: muscle pain that lasts more than three months, tenderness in the 18 points, sleeping problems, fatigue, headaches, abdominal pain associated with diarrhea or constipation and bloating. Also, paresthesia or tingling in hands, arms, feet, legs or face can be present.

Fibromyalgia can often be mistaken with flu because muscle pains, tenderness fatigue are present in flu too. Fatigue can give problems in concentrating and patients complain that they can not perform simple mental tasks any more. Some of the patients can feel depressed and develop mood changes, other patients complain about anxiety along with sensitivity to light and temperature.

These symptoms can last a few days or months and even years and the symptoms can sometimes get worse or sometimes disappear for a while. Doctors do not know exactly what causes fibromyalgia but they suspect special events like the flu or a trauma to be the trigger of this disease. Also, a diminished blood flow to certain parts of the brain can lead to fibromyalgia too. Other affections like: immune or endocrine system dysfunctions, upper spinal cord injuries, and autonomic nervous system dysfunction are possible causes of the disease.

This disease gives symptoms which resemble to those in chronic fatigue syndrome, myofascial pain syndrome, and temporomandibular joint syndrome.

Treating fibromyalgia syndrome can be made at home too by performing exercises. The pain, sleep problems and depression can be controlled very well with medication.

It seems that some people are more exposed than others to this affection. Those who are young, are female, have a family history of the disease and complain of having sleeping problems can develop this affection at any moment.

Having fibromyalgia syndrome does not mean you can not perform your usual activities, you just have to adjust them fit you and your needs. Many people suffer of this affection but they still go to work and live a normal live.

How does fibromyalgia manifest?

Fibromyalgia is known as a disease which mostly manifests with widespread muscle pains and tender spots. People describe the muscle pain in different ways: some can feel burnings, radiating, others gnawing, sore, stiff, and aching. Patients say that the pain is always present but with different intensities depending on the activity they perform or on the weather, the stress level and the sleep patterns. Fibromyalgia pains can even be resembled with the muscle pains from flu. Also the tiredness and fatigue present in flu are met in fibromyalgia too.

Some patients complain about the fact that they are tired even after sleeping for the whole night. Others say that they wake up during the night more frequent than they did before the disease had installed. Doctors say that an interruption during the deep sleep can cause the tiredness patients complain of.

The fatigue most people feel quite alike with that encountered in the chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Those who suffer of CFS can also have symptoms of fibromyalgia like the tender spots.

Diagnosing fibromyalgia is made after eliminating other diseases that can manifest alike and after inquiring about the tender spots and their location. There are known 18 tender spots that can be painful in fibromyalgia and most are situated around the neck, shoulders, shoulder blades, lower back, elbows and knees.

Some of the patients can feel depressed and develop mood changes, other patients complain about anxiety and difficulty in concentration along with sensitivity to light and temperature.

It seems that these people have been suffering before of depression or anxiety and some of them have been also been abused or neglected during their life. It is important to discuss about these things with the doctor because an improvement in the symptoms might be registered after and the patient will cope with the illness much easier after having such a discussion.

Another problem that appears once fibromyalgia installed is that patients complain that they can not perform simple mental tasks any more. Some say that they can not concentrate as well as before. The doctors say that all these matters are as a result of sleeping disturbances given by fibromyalgia.

General symptoms of fibromyalgia are: muscle pain that lasts more than three months, tenderness in the 18 points, sleeping problems, fatigue, headaches, abdominal pain associated with diarrhea or constipation and bloating. Also, paresthesia or tingling in hands, arms, feet, legs or face can be present. Because these symptoms are found in other neuromuscular diseases, like carpal tunnel syndrome, neuritis, or even multiple sclerosis, tests for fibromyalgia can be ordered.

Some things about the fibromyalgia syndrome

There are a few events that can determine the apparition of the fibromyalgia syndrome. For example, an automobile accident, a viral or bacterial infection, or a disorder like lupus, hypothyroidism, or rheumatoid arthritis. It is not sure if these factors really lead to fibromyalgia syndrome, but there is a great chance that they will awaken an underlying physiological abnormality that already exists.

In order to find out what exactly this abnormality is, there are being made investigations that concern the hormonal irregularities, immune system function, the pain-related chemical transmitters, especially some alterations are searched.

There are modern brain imaging techniques that explore various aspects of brain function. Also, it is being evaluated the body’s response to stress and exercise, and alterations in the operation of the autonomic nervous system.

It was discovered that in the spinal fluid of people having fibromyalgia syndrome, substance P is increased threefold, and nerve growth factor is increased fourfold, and the scientists are working to find out why this situation exists.

It is known that deep level sleep is important for many body functions, for example for antibody production, tissue repair, the regulation of various neurotransmitters, hormones and immune system chemicals.

Sleep disorders are a fact that often appears in fibromyalgia syndrome patients. It is very important that the sleep disorders to be treated first, because they can contribute to the symptoms of the fibromyalgia syndrome. There can be prescribed medications that increase the level of serotonin and norepinephrine. Usually, these medications are prescribed in low doses, and we can mention here cyclobenzaprine, amitriptyline and Cymbalta.

Medications that are used to aid sleep are: clonazepam, trazodone, Ambien, and Lunesta.
Other medications, such as Ultram are being used to treat the pain, and in moderate and severe cases, stronger opioids may be needed.There can be also prescribed muscle relaxants, anti-epileptics like Lyrica and Neurotin, and other drugs categories too.

Also, many patients will have to follow other treatment methods too, like acupuncture, acupressure, trigger point injections with lidocaine, chiropractic care, therapeutic massage, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or a gentle exercise program.

There were made long-term studies, that followed the fibromyalgia syndrome evolution. It was revealed that this disease is chronic, but its symptoms may vary, they may sometimes rise, and sometimes decrease. The fibromyalgia syndrome has different impact among patients, it affects them differently. This syndrome can affect the daily living activities, and here we must also mention that it can affect ability to work a full-time job.

In conclusion, we may say that fibromyalgia syndrome can produce harm just as rheumatoid arthritis, can affect patients differently, and first, it is necessary a treatment to improve the quality of sleep and to release the pain.

Fibromyalgia - The Mysterious Condition

Fibromyalgia is also know as "chronic fatigue syndrome". CFS is also called "Epstein-Barr Syndrome". Although fibromyalgia and Epstein-Barr have since been diagnosed and recognized as two different illnesses, the CFS name is still attached to both. We will cover fibromyalgia in this article and leave Epstein-Barr for another.

Signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia can include wide-spread body aches, sensitivity and pain when touched (even gently), fatigue, sleep disruptions, irritable bowel syndrome, headaches, facial pain, tenderness in the back and shoulders, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, painful menstruation, irritable bladder and dry eyes, skin, and mouth.

There has not, at the time of this article, been a specific cause cited for fibromyalgia. However, many doctors believe that the following are contributing factors:

- Chemical changes in the brain
- Sleep disturbances
- Injury or trauma, especially to the upper spine
- Changes in muscular metabolism
- Abnormalities of the autonomic (sympathetic) nervous system.

Risk of developing fibromyalgia seems to be higher in women and the age groups most affected tend to be those in their early and middle adulthood. It has, however, been diagnosed in children, men, and teens.

No conclusive evidence has been found as to whether sleep disorders are a cause, or a result, of fibromyalgia. But those who suffer from restless leg syndrome, night time muscle spasms in one's legs, or sleep apnea frequently develop fibromyalgia. Family history may also be a contributing factor. If one has a relative with this condition, one may be a higher risk for having it.

Further, if one has a rheumatic disease such as ankylosing spondilitis, rheumatic arthritis, or lupus, the likelihood of fibromyalgia increases.

Currently, there are no specific tests for diagnosing the disease. One may be tested for numerous other illnesses and diseases, and have those ruled out, before a physician decides to check further using the guidelines set forth by the American College of Rheumatology. For further information on those guidelines. go to:

http://www.rheumatology.org/public/factsheets/fibromya_new.asp

Once diagnosed, there are many ways that the disease can be treated, BUT, there is no cure for fibromyalgia yet. One's physician may prescribe medications to treat the symptoms and could recommend that one seek out alternative, non-medical treatments for relief from the chronic pain associated with it. In the meantime, medical scientists continue to search for answers about this mysterious disease. With symptomatic treatment, along with some possible and achievable lifestyle adjustments, one can cope.

Fibromyalgia is not a progressive illness and there are no indications that it will lead to other diseases or conditions. One must be prepared, however, to experience the chronic pain, sleeplessness, depression, and anxiety which accompany it. This in turn can cause problems with one's ability to work, and maintain healthy familial and friendly relationships. And frustration from coping with this frequently misunderstood illness can add more complications to the conditions.

Stress can be a major factor in the intensity of one's pain, due the further tensing of already-stressed muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It is important to help in educating those around you so that they have a better concept about what you are experiencing. Their understanding and coping when one has a particularly bad day can help to reduce your stress and, perhaps, help to alleviate your pain. Taking time out to relax, calm, and soothe one's body and mind can also be beneficial to keeping the pain to a minimum.

In conclusion, if you suffer any of the symptoms, discuss it with your health care provider or doctor. After ruling out any other possible reasons for your suffering, he or she can help you with controlling your symptoms with pain relievers (over-the-counter or prescription), stress reduction (by medication and/or alternative treatments), and lifestyle adjustments.

One can also join a support group. Check with your doctor to find one in your local area. Or go online at:

http://www.fmnews.com or http://www.fmaware.org

These sites can provide you with excellent information, updated reports on the latest research, where to find support groups in your area, and free information with many topics on the subject of fibromyalgia.

If you are diagnosed with FM, know that you are not alone. There's an incredible network of support out there which is helping to educate others about the illness.

See your physician or health care provider then join in with others who are suffering, or know someone who suffers, from this sometimes overwhelming illness. Together, let's teach more people to understand and cope.

Various Possible Causes Of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a common type of chronic neurological disorder that primarily generates recidivating muscular and joint pain. Apart from pain, most people affected by fibromyalgia also experience a pronounced, generalized state of fatigue. In the incipient stages of the disorder, the muscular pain and fatigue generally occur in the upper parts of the body (neck, cervical region, upper back and shoulders), later spreading into other body regions (mid-back, arms, spine, lower back and thighs). Although people who suffer from the disorder claim that they permanently feel some degree of pain in the muscles and joints, the symptoms generated by fibromyalgia are usually episodic, occurring in “flares”.

Apart from pain and fatigue, people affected by fibromyalgia may also experience physical weakness, increased nervous excitability, migraines, short-term memory loss, poor concentration, anxiety, depression and confusion. The problem with the symptoms of fibromyalgia is that they can’t usually be revealed by medical examinations. In the absence of any physical traces, most physicians are tempted to label people with fibromyalgia as “hypochondriacs”, disregarding the neurological nature of the disorder. However, various experiments conducted in the past have found similarities in all people with fibromyalgia, and elaborate medical examinations can reveal neurological dysfunctions in people affected by the disorder.

Fibromyalgia is a complex phenomenon and medical scientists believe that there are multiple factors responsible for causing it. Studies in the field have suggested that people with the disorder perceive external stimuli at abnormally high intensities, as a consequence of neurological dysfunctions. Recently conducted experiments have revealed that some of the people with fibromyalgia show clear signs of allodynia (hyperactive brain response to otherwise normal stimuli), while others show clear signs of hyperalgesia (abnormally high sensitivity to pain stimuli). These findings are very important in revealing the actual causes of fibromyalgia and they have also proved that the disorder has a clear medical basis.

Sleep disorders are also suspected to be causes of fibromyalgia. Statistics indicate that more than 95 percent of people with fibromyalgia suffer from sleep apnea or insomnia. Until recently, scientists believed that sleep disorders were the consequence of fibromyalgia but it now turns out to be the other way around. The majority of people affected by fibromyalgia recall having trouble sleeping long before they have first experienced muscular pain and weakness. Hence, medical scientists believe that fibromyalgia occurs on the premises of inappropriate sleeping patterns, and they state that anyone with sleeping problems is very exposed to developing neurological disorders.

Scientists explain that certain neurotransmitters such as serotonin (a substance that regulates the intensity of pain signals sent to the brain), are produced during sleep and people with fibromyalgia have a deficit of these hormones due to sleep abnormalities. Thus, the treatment for fibromyalgia should be firstly aimed at overcoming patients’ sleeping problems.

Another cause of fibromyalgia appears to be poor muscle oxygenation. Medical scientists claim that inappropriate oxygenation of the muscles is a plausible explanation for symptoms such as muscular weakness and stiffness, similar to the manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis. Although medical scientists haven’t yet unveiled the factors that prevent the oxygenation of the muscles, future research might provide medicine with an answer to the puzzle.

Fibromyalgia Q&A: Understanding Fibromyalgia

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia, also sometimes called Fibromyalgia Syndrome, Fibromyositis, Fibrositis, or Myofascial pain syndrome, is a continual disorder characterized by extensive musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, tenderness in contained areas of the neck, spine, shoulders, and hips sometimes referred to as multiple tender points or pressure points. It may cause sleep disorders, morning firmness, irritable bowel syndrome and nervousness.

* What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?

Though the symptoms of fibromyalgia can be unbearable, they are not serious. Symptoms may differ, depending on stress level, physical action, time of day, and the weather.

Pain is the main symptom, found in almost 100 percent of cases, particularly, pain and tenderness in some areas of the body when pressure is applied.

Fibromyalgia is a constant condition and symptoms may be continuous or irregular for years. Some of the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia consist of:

• Sleep problems
• Gastrointestinal such as abdominal pain, bloating and constipation
• Lack of feeling or irritations
• Unrelieved headaches
• Sharp sensitivity to odors, noises, bright lights, different foods, medication and
• Dysmenorrhea and painful sexual contact
• Repeated urination, strong urge to urinate, and painful urination
• Fast or irregular heart rate, and breathlessness
• Bulging sensation in the hands and feet, although swelling is not visible

* Are there different forms of fibromyalgia?

Yes, there are actually different forms of fibromyaligia. These forms are categorized according to the symptoms a person experiences. They are:

•Post traumatic – there is a record of a single incident such as a car accident the pre-dates the pain syndrome. The accident commonly is an effect of an intense tremor and wounding of spinal muscles. Patients first complain of headaches and afterwards complain of arm or leg stiffness or itchiness or pain.

•Repetitive Traumatic - The idea of this is that a repeated injury can add up to the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

•Mood related fibromyalgia - usually, most fibromyalgics suffer this syndrome especially if they are suffering from extreme anxiety and pain. As a result, to this, fibromyalgics develop mood disorders such as depression.

•Hormonal abnormalities such as hyperthyroidism – this commonly cause enlarged muscle tension, anxiety and sleep disorder (a perfect ingredient indicative of fibromyalgia).

* What causes fibromyalgia?

The causes for fibromyalgia are not identified. The condition creates unclear signs and symptoms connected with reduced blood flow to some parts of the brain and improved amounts of substance P believed to be a sensory neurotransmitter included in the message of pain, touch and temperature from the body to brain.

However, researches have found some other potential causes, includes the:

• Autonomic malfunctioning of the nervous system
• Constant sleep problems
• Psychological strain or distress
• Malfunctioning of the immune or endocrine system
• Upper spinal cord damage
• Viral or bacterial infection underwent

* Is fibromyalgia a real disease or just in my head?

Patients with fibromyalgias know that the pain is real and not just a fake. Fibromyalgia specialits also know their patients are experiencing real symptoms.

In addition, there is now evidence that fibromyalgia patients’ intense feeling of pain is not just an illusion or imagination.

It is now probable to look at the brain and see accurately where it is active. This thorough brain scan is referred to as functional magnetic resonance imaging. There is no escaping the fact that there is malfunctioning sensory activity going on in the brain when Fibromyalgics undergo this series of brain scans.