Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia

This is associated by musculoskeletal pain accompanied by memory and mood issues, fatigue, and sleep.

Symptoms:

·         Fatigue 

·         Widespread pain

·         Cognitive difficulties 

 Causes:

·         Genetics

·         Infections

·         Psychological stress may also trigger the condition.

·         Physical or emotional trauma such as a car accident.

Risk factors:

·         Sex

·         Family history

·         Other disorders such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or lupus

Complications: The frustration of dealing with an often-misunderstood condition also can result in depression and health-related anxiety. Fibromyalgia can interfere with the patient ability to function on the job or at home due to the lack of sleep and pain.

Diagnosis:

·         Complete blood count

·         Erythrocyte sedimentation rate

·         Cyclic citrullinated peptide test

·         Rheumatoid factor

·         Thyroid function tests

Treatment:

·         Pain relievers.  Pain relievers such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen sodium may be helpful. The doctor might suggest a prescription pain reliever such as tramadol.

·         Antidepressants. Your doctor may prescribe amitriptyline or the muscle relaxant cyclobenzaprine to help promote sleep. Milnacipran and duloxetine may help to ease the fatigue and pain associated with fibromyalgia.

·         Anti-seizure drugs.  Pregabalin was the first drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat fibromyalgia. While in reducing fibromyalgia symptoms Gabapentin is sometimes helpful. Medications designed to treat epilepsy are often useful in reducing certain types of pain.

Therapy: Certain types of therapies may be helpful to reduce the effect of fibromyalgia.

• Physical therapy. A physical therapist can teach you exercises that will improve your strength, flexibility and stamina. Water-based exercises might be particularly helpful.

·         Occupational therapy.  Occupational therapist will make adjustments to work area or the way you perform certain tasks that will cause less stress on your body.

·         Counseling. Talking with a counselor can help strengthen your belief in your abilities and teach you strategies for dealing with stressful situations.

Fibromyalgia, musculoskeletal pain, memory and mood issues, fatigue, sleep.