What is Fibromyalgia (FMS)?
Fibromyalgia is a common condition
characterized by widespread pain in joints, muscles, tendons,
and other soft tissues. Some other problems commonly linked with fibromyalgia
include fatigue,
morning stiffness, sleep problems, headaches, numbness in hands and feet,
depression, and
anxiety. Fibromyalgia can develop on its own, or secondary to other
musculoskeletal conditions,
such as rheumatoid arthritis, or systemic lupus.
Fibromyalgia pain can mimic the pain experienced by people with various types of
arthritis. With
fibromyalgia syndrome alone, the significant joint swelling, destruction, and
deformity seen in
patients with diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis does not occur.
The soft-tissue pain of fibromyalgia is
described as deep-aching, radiating, gnawing, shooting or
burning, and ranges from mild to severe. Fibromyalgia sufferers tend to waken
with body aches and
stiffness.
For some patients, pain improves during the day and increases again during the
evening, though
many patients with fibromyalgia have day-long, unrelenting pain. Pain can
increase with activity;
cold, damp weather; anxiety; and stress.
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What are the symptoms of FMS?
- Multiple tender areas (muscle and joint pain)
on the back of the neck, shoulders, sternum, lower
back, hip, shin, elbows, knees.
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
- Body aches
- Reduced exercise tolerance
- Chronic facial muscle pain or aching
There are many other symptoms associated with fibro that can be found here:
http://www.sover.net/~devstar/phsympt.htm
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What are the criteria for diagnosis of
FMS?
Diagnosis of fibromyalgia requires a history of a least three
months of widespread pain, and pain
and tenderness in at least 11 of 18 tender-point sites. These tender-point sites
include fibrous
tissue or muscles of the:
- Neck
- Shoulders
- Chest
- Rib cage
- Lower back
- Thighs
- Knees
- Arms (elbows)
- Buttocks
The overwhelming characteristic of fibromyalgia is long-standing, body-wide pain
with defined
tender points. Tender points are distinct from trigger points seen in other pain
syndromes.
(Unlike tender points, trigger points can occur in isolation and represent a
source of radiating
pain, even in the absence of direct pressure.) For a document that describes the
differences between tender points and trigger points please visit: "Trigger
Points and Tender Points: Why the Difference Is Important to You" a PDF
document by Devin Starlanyl.
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What are the treatments for FMS?
In mild cases, symptoms may go away when stress is decreased or
lifestyle changes are
implemented. A combination of treatments including medications, patient
education, physical
therapy, and counseling are usually recommended. Many fibromyalgia sufferers
have found support
groups helpful.
Certain classes of antidepressant medications are sometimes prescribed for the
disorder. Studies
show that antidepressants in low doses can decrease depression, relax
craniofacial and skeletal
muscles, improve sleep quality, and release pain-killing endorphins. Other
medications that are
used include anti-inflammatory pain medications and medications that work on
pain transmission
pathways, such as Neurontin (gabapentin). Lyrica (pregabalin) is the first
FDA approved medication for fibromyalgia. It is similar to Neurontin.
Eating a well-balanced diet, and avoiding caffeine may help with problems
sleeping, and may help
reduce the severity of the symptoms. Lifestyle measures to improve the quality
of sleep can be
effective for fibromyalgia.
Some reports indicate that fish oil, magnesium/malic acid combinations, or
vitamins may be
effective. Reducing stress and improving coping skills may also help reduce
painful symptoms.
Improved fitness through exercise is recommended. Studies have shown that
fibromyalgia symptoms
can be relieved by aerobic exercise. The best way to begin a fitness program is
to start with low
impact exercises, like walking and swimming.
Starting slowly helps stretch and mobilize tight, sore muscles. High-impact
aerobics and weight
lifting could cause increased discomfort. Gentle stretching and light massage
may help relieve
symptoms, as well as acupressure, acupuncture, and relaxation techniques.
Severe cases of fibromyalgia may require a referral to a pain clinic.
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The above information on fibromyalgia taken from
http://health.yahoo.com/health/centers/arthritis_pain/0427 unless otherwise
noted.
FIQ & Scoring
Purpose: The FIQ is an assessment and evaluation instrument
developed to measure fibromyalgia (FM) patient status, progress and outcomes.
It has been designed to measure the component of health status that are believed
to be most affected by FM. The average FM patient scores about 50, severely
afflicted patients are usually 70 plus.
Content: The FIQ is composed of 20 items. The first 11
items make up a physical functioning scale. Each item is rated on a 4 point
scale. Items 12 and 13 ask patients to mark the number of days they felt well
and number of says they were unable to work because of FM symptoms. Items 14
through 20 are visual analog scales marked in 10 increments on which the patient
rates work difficulty, pain, fatigue, morning tiredness, stiffness, anxiety and
depression. More
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The ADA: What Persons With Fibromyalgia Need
to Know (Adobe PDF)
"If you are a person with fibromyalgia (FMS), you know how its
effects can influence your ability to maintain steady employment.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law passed in 1990
designed to level the playing field for people with disabilities and to ensure
equal participation in our society. This article will highlight your basic
rights under the employment provisions of the ADA and provide resources to
assist you in understanding them."
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FMS: After the Diagnosis
by Karen Lee Richards
You've just heard the words, "You have fibromyalgia."
How do you feel? Some of you are elated. After years of pain and uncertainty and
visits to multiple doctors, often wondering if "they" were right and maybe
you really do have serious psychological problems, you finally have
confirmation that you have an actual illness. There is a real name for your suffering.
Others of you are stunned and frightened. You've just been told you have a
disease for which there is no cure. You feel like some of your worst fears are
coming true. With dozens of unanswered questions churning through your mind, you
wonder what--if anything--the future holds for you. Both reactions are
perfectly normal. Regardless of your initial reaction, the question
remains...what next? What comes after the diagnosis?
Read More
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Emergency Services: Where To Go
When You Need Help (Adobe PDF)
"Fibromyalgia (FM) is a challenge even under the best
circumstances. When it interferes with patients' abilities to support
themselves and their families or pursue their chosen careers, it can be
devastating. Thanks to the skills of member/researcher Valerie Hawthorne
and the generous assistance lent by scores of FM patients, our Association is
now gaining access to valuable resource information on government
(federal/state/local) and non-profit programs and services available to persons
with fibromyalgia." More
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Fibromyalgia: A
Highschooler's Class Report
I belong to a fibromyalgia support group named
AFFTER. (See below for more info on
AFFTER) In it, one of the parents told us
that her son wanted to do a class report on fibromyalgia. Once I read it,
I asked if I could post this on my own site so others could see a bit about
fibromyalgia from the viewpoint of a teen and his interview subject. In
this case, the subject was his mother.
More
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