Fibromyalgia – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Fibromyalgia makes you feel tired and causes muscle pain and "tender points." Tender points are places on the neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms or legs that hurt when touched. People with fibromyalgia may have other symptoms, such as trouble sleeping, morning stiffness, headaches, and problems with thinking and memory, sometimes called "fibro fog."

Fibromyalgia Causes

Stress

Studies have shown that stress is a significant precipitating factor in the development of fibromyalgia, and that PTSD is linked with fibromyalgia. The Amital study found that 49% of PTSD patients fulfilled the criteria for FMS, compared with none of the controls. Stress can alter the function of the HPA axis and change cortisol levels in the body, leading to widespread pain .

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Most patients with fibromyalgia say that they ache all over. Their muscles may feel like they were pulled or overworked. Sometimes fibromyalgia symptoms include muscle twitches and burning sensations. More women than men are afflicted with fibromyalgia, and it shows up in people of all ages.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating associated with IBS are common in people with fibromyalgia.

Sleep problems

Many fibromyalgia patients have an associated sleep disorder that prevents them from getting deep, restful, restorative sleep. Medical researchers have documented specific and distinctive abnormalities in the Stage 4 deep sleep of Fibromyalgia patients. During sleep, individuals with Fibromyalgia are constantly interrupted by bursts of awake-like brain activity, limiting the amount of time they spend in deep sleep.

Fibromyalgia Treatment

The most important therapy for muscle pain is regular, low-impact exercise. Keeping muscles conditioned and healthy by exercising three times a week decreases the amount of discomfort.

Medication

Antidepressant agents known as tricyclics relieve sleep disorders, reduce muscle pain, and treat depression. The tricyclic drug most commonly prescribed for fibromyalgia is amitriptyline (Elavil®).

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. Symptoms may be relieved by gentle stretching and light massage, as well as acupressure, acupuncture, and relaxation techniques.

Xyrem (sodium oxybate): Clinical trials of Xyrem showed that it significantly improved sleep quality and reduced pain in fibromyalgia patients. Xyrem is a central nervous system depressant and is thought to help the patient attain the deeper stage 3 and stage 4 levels of sleep. Marketed by Orphan Medical, Inc., Xyrem is FDA approved for cataplexy (sudden loss of muscle tone) in patients with narcolepsy. Note: Because of its potential for abuse, Xyrem is a Schedule III federally

Muscle Stretching

A physician may also stretch affected muscles that are causing pain. Stretching involves a technique that helps to relax tense muscles prior to an injection. The muscle is then injected with a local anesthetic such as lidocaine to provide longer-lasting pain relief. The downside is that this procedure is initially painful and injections of local anesthetics are not always effective.