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My sister just came back from the doctor's with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome. That clears up a lot about why she's had so much pain and can't sleep. What are some things we should know about this condition in order to help support her?
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Fibromyalgia isn't really a disease. It's a group of symptoms that tend to occur together either at the same time or in close proximity to one another. You may experience tension headaches that seem to come and go even when you aren't stressed. Sometimes there's joint pain that travels from one joint to the next. Or you feel like a truck ran over you every morning when you wake up.
Scientists haven't been able to unlock all of the secrets behind fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Right now, the main theory is that FMS occurs when something goes hay wire in the nervous system. That something may be what's called central sensitization syndrome. It means your nervous system is ramped up to react too soon, too often, and for too long. Pain signals are sent when ordinary sensations of light (or other pleasurable) touch occurs.
According to a recent article in The Journal of Musculoskeletal Medicine there are five key areas of importance in understanding and treating fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). These are:
Is your sister's fibromyalgia syndrome a primary or a secondary problem? (See explanation after this list).
What are the psychosocial stressors in her life? For example, divorce, raising children, unemployment, death in the family, depression, anxiety, or other problems.
What type of pain does she have? For example, does it hurt when someone touches her even lightly? Does it hurt all over or just in one or two areas?
Exercise is important. Finding the right kind of exercise for each person affected by fibromyalgia is the challenge.
Medications can help, especially at first during the acute phase. There are many different types of medication available. Her physician will be able to recommend one or more in combination that would be the most helpful.
It's important to identify whether or not the FMS is primary (the main problem) or secondary (caused by other problems). What causes this condition to develop? Sometimes FMS occurs as a result of some other medical condition. For example, patients with rheumatoid arthritis (an inflammatory disease), metabolic dysfunction (e.g., thyroid problems), or cancer often develop a type of FMS referred to as reactive fibromyalgia.
Folks who have fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) often have certain triggers that seem to bring on (or increase) symptoms. The triggers vary from person to person but may include degenerative (spinal) disc disease, headaches (all kinds), irritable bowel syndrome, reflux (heart burn), trigger points of the muscles, and poor posture.
It is expected that treatment will continue to improve as scientists make new discoveries about fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), its causes, triggers, and responses to different therapies. The more you understand about these key features, the better able you will be to love, support, and counsel your sister. Good luck!
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*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic. |
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