Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia (FMS) is a widespread muscoseletal pain/fatigue disorder for which the true cause is unknown. FMS is a chronic disorder characterised by pain/fatigue and multiple tender points.

FMS is a part of a wider syndrome encompassing headaches, migraines, irritable bladder, sensitivity, cold, a typical pattern of numbness and tingling, restless legs, intolerance and complaints of weakness, anxiety etc. The pain of FMS has no boundaries.

The cause of FMS is unknown. Some exMRSs believe that an injury or trauma could cause this syndrome. Hypothyroidism, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis can be contributory factors. FMS may be associated with changes in nausea metabolism, such as a decreased blood flow, thus causing fatigue and decreased strength.

FMS is quite difficult to diagnose for many of the symptoms mimic those of other isorders, but the symptoms may wax and wane.

The impact that FMS can have on daily activities, including the ability to work full-time, differs among patients.

Pain is considered widespread when all of the following are present:

Pain in the left/right side of the body

Pain in the left/right side of the leg, above/below the waistline

Tender points may be found in the occiput (bilateral) in the subocciputal muscle insertion

Pain may also be present in the anterior aspect of the intertransverse spaces of C5-C7

In the scapula - bilateral at the midpoint of the origins above the scapular spine near the medial border

Lateral epicondyle - bilateral 2cm distal to the epicondyles

Gluteals: bilateral in the upper outer quadrant of the buttock in the anterior fold.

In the greater tronchanter (hip) bilateral but posterior to the trancheteric prominence

Knee - bilateral at the medial fat pad proximal to the joint line

Most doctors maintain that to qualify in the diagnosis of FMS widespread pain must have been present for at least 3 months.

There are several kinds of FMS:

Calcium/Phosphorus FMS – which involves cacification of soft tissue cells.

Osteomyelitis FMS – which involves a bacteria/fungi infection inside the bone. The bacteria often originate in the small intestine.

Arthritic FMS – is identical to Ostemyeletis FMS affecting the outer surface of the bone instead of joints, instead of infecting the inner bone.

Oxygen Deprivation FMS – caused when muscles are deprived of oxygen (O2) and they become sore.

Temporamandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome – causes tremendous face and head pain in some patients. FMS here is thought to be related to muscles and ligaments surrounding the joint and not necessarily the joint itself.

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome – can be due to odours, noise, brigh lights, medication and various foods in common in roughly 50% of all patients.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome – includes constipation, diarrhoea, abdominal gas, nausea and represents symptons frequently ofund in about 40 to 70% of FMS patients.

How to tell if you might have Fibromyalgia:

Be aware of symptoms such as unrefreshing sleep, fatigue and widespread pain.

Make an appointment with a Rheumatologist. Prepare for the appointment by writing down your symptons and how long they have been bothering you.

Ask the Rheumatologist to perform a "tender points" exam. (Pressure being applied to at least 11 of 18 places on the body).

Discuss with the specialist/doctor his/her conclusions.

Don't diagnose yourself or treat your symptons. Leave it to those who are qualified.

Remedial Massage will greatly improve the condition.