Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia in itself is not life threatening nor is it progressive. However there may well be periods where the symptoms flare up and there is always day to day variability in the degree of the symptoms. Recent studies indicate that genetics may play a role in the likelihood of an individual suffering from fibromyalgia.

The main symptoms of fibromyalgia are widespread chronic pain in the muscle, bones and joints with the muscles tender to even light touch. Chronic sleep disturbances are also typical in those suffering from Fibromyalgia, which may lead to impaired concentration ('brain fog'). Other symptoms that have been reported include:

• myofascial pain
• irritable bowel syndrome
• chronic fatigue
• genitourinary symptoms
• headaches, etc

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Diagnosis
The American College of Rheumatology categorises fibromyalgia by a number of criteria that include

• Pain in at least 11 of 18 specific body checkpoints
• Joint inflammation is typically not observed and blood tests for inflammatory conditions are rarely positive
• Poor quality of sleep
• General Fatigue and lethargy
• Poor mental abilities
• Mood swings(although it may be that depression and anxiety are more often the result than the cause of Fibromyalgia).

Diagnosis should be confirmed by a suitably qualified health care practitioner.

Fibromyalgia has been believed to be either an inflammatory condition and or a psychiatric one but neither of these appears to be likely. The most recent scientific research indicates a physiological aspect to fibromyalgia as traditional.

Treatments
There is no universal cure for fibromyalgia and most treatments are aimed to manage the condition through lifestyle, medication, diet, gentle exercise, massage, etc.

A typical approach has been to offer low doses of sedating antidepressents to improve the quality of sleep which may expand the nature of the fibromyalgia. These antidepressants may have the added benefit for those suffering from depression.

Other new drugs have shown significant efficacy in the treatment of Fibromyalgia pain and other symptoms. These include milnacipran which is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRIs).

Studies have typically determined that gentle exercise improves fitness and sleep quality and may reduce pain and fatigue in some Fibromyalgia sufferers. Stretching is recommended to counteract muscle stiffness. However, strenuous activity should normally be avoided as it may increase the muscle/joint pain already present.

Fibromyalgia and Massage
Massage therapy is considered to be one of the best treatments for fibromyalgia. In fact, in a survey completed by fibromyalgia sufferers, massage therapy was rated the best fibromyalgia treatment option. The benefits of massage therapy specifically for fibromyalgia include:

• reduced pain
• improved sleep patterns
• increased flexibility and range of motion
• lowered stress levels and improved mood/reduced depression
• reduced stiffness

In a 1996 study, fibromyalgia sufferers reported a 38% decrease in pain symptoms after receiving just ten, 30 minute massage sessions along with significant improvements in the quality of their sleep. There is little doubt that massage therapy can reduce the pain and stiffness associated with by fibromyalgia. One school of thought is that sufferers of fibromyalgia cannot repair their muscles and connective tissues properly due to lack of quality sleep. Fibromyalgia muscle may be viewed as achy and tight and may well be microscopically damaged. The improved blood flow to the muscles that comes about as a result of massage along with the probable release of endorphins, serotonin, etc may account for why appropriate massage can offer pain relief for fibromyalgia sufferers.

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