| Fibromyalgia is a syndrome rather than disease | | | | 6. inability to concentrate ("fibro fog") |
| that affects people physically, mentally and | | | | 7. anxiety and depression |
| socially. It is a chronic widespread pain that occurs | | | | Although the cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, |
| in the tender places of the body and can change | | | | the patient and your doctor can come up with a |
| location and intensity from time to time. | | | | treatment plan to help manage the symptoms. |
| Fibromyalgia pains are unpredictable and can be | | | | This plan may include medication, education, |
| more complicated if not properly treated. | | | | physical activities and support from loved ones. |
| Currently there are no diagnostic tests such as | | | | The treatment may sometimes require a team |
| X-rays or blood tests to detect fibromyalgia pains | | | | approach with some specialists and health care |
| and as a result efforts should be made by the | | | | professionals, such as physicians, physical therapy, |
| patients to discuss their feelings and the nature of | | | | rheumatologist and some other counselors. |
| any strange symptoms affecting them, freely | | | | Common medical treatments |
| with their doctors. They can both work together | | | | The most important thing is to find the best |
| to create a plan that can reduce and help them | | | | treatment plan for you. The following have been |
| manage the symptoms. | | | | medically tested and proven over the years to |
| Researchers have said women are much more | | | | help in managing and reducing pains. |
| likely to develop the disorder than men and the | | | | 1. Analgesics - Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can ease |
| risk of fibromyalgia increases with age. The | | | | the pains and stiffness. Tramadol (Ultram) is |
| symptoms often begin after a physical or | | | | another pain reliever that is taken with or without |
| emotional trauma, but in most cases there | | | | acetaminophen. Also anti-inflammatory drugs such |
| appears to be triggering event. | | | | as aspirin, ibuprofen, in conjunction with other |
| Occasionally the symptoms may overlap with the | | | | medications improve functions. |
| symptoms of other health conditions, and this is | | | | 2. Anti-depressants - Amitriplyline and fluoxetine |
| why it is sometimes difficult for some so called | | | | have proven to be very effective in easing pains |
| health care professionals to diagnose. Some | | | | and fatigue. |
| patients of have pains and ache in their joints, | | | | 3. Anti - seizure drugs - Gabapentin (Neurontin) |
| neck, shoulder, hips and backs which makes it | | | | and Pregabalin (Lyrice) are used in reducing pains. |
| difficult for them to sleep or do any physical | | | | Cymbalta have also demonstrated to increase the |
| exercise and others may have theirs at tendons, | | | | activity of serotonin and norepinephrine, in the |
| ligaments, muscles, as well as fatigue and multiple | | | | brain and spinal cord. |
| tender pains. People with fibromyalgia may also | | | | Fibromyalgia does not lead to other conditions or |
| suffer from: | | | | diseases but it can deny the patient of performing |
| 1. sleeplessness | | | | other functions at home or on the job and |
| 2. stiffness | | | | anytime you feel hurt all over and you frequently |
| 3. chronic headache | | | | feel exhausted, even after numerous tests and |
| 4. painful menstrual cramps | | | | your doctor cannot find anything specifically |
| 5. numbness in feet and hands | | | | wrong with you. |