Are Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Ruining Your Life?

The onset of fibromyalgia symptoms and the resulting syndrome strikes adults and children of every age, race, nationality and socioeconomic group. It usually manifests in the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s. However, children as young as five have been diagnosed.

The National Institutes of Health estimates 6-10 million Americans have fibromyalgia. Of the adults diagnosed, 85-90% are women. This illness is just as common in males but goes undiagnosed by patient and doctor. Usually, patients live with their symptoms for many years before being diagnosed.

Fibromyalgia is slowly becoming recognized as a true physical illness. It has long been thought of as a psychosomatic or psychiatric disorder. That is why it is difficult to get a diagnosis. This causes even more frustration on the part of the patient.

There are a multitude of fibromyalgia symptoms. The most prevalent being widespread pain lasting more than three months and tenderness on particular areas of the body. These areas are called “tender points” and are used as a diagnostic tool for this illness. The tender points are located at the base of the skull, above and between the shoulder blades, below the elbows, in the lower back, on the hips and behind the knees on both sides of the body.

At the onset of the illness, fibromyalgia symptoms come and go. As it progresses, the symptoms linger. Stress can also cause flare-ups of symptoms. Besides widespread and tender point pain, other symptoms include:
· Muscle spasms
· Joint pain
· Skin and connective tissue tenderness
· Numbness
· Tingling in the hands and feet
· Difficulty sleeping
· Debilitating fatigue
· Anxiety
· Headaches
· Difficulty verbally identifying objects
· Digestive problems
· Sensitivity to weather and temperature changes
· Circulatory problems
· Upper respiratory problems
· Premenstrual syndrome
· Frequent or chronic infections
· Food allergies
· Depression
· Trouble concentrating – “brain fog”

Because of the pain, fatigue and depression involved in fibromyalgia, the lives of the people who suffer from this illness are altered drastically. Once active, vibrant people can become a fraction of their full potential. Jobs are lost, relationships sour, finances dwindle along with self-esteem.

To make matters worse, many people are not understanding of an illness if there aren’t real physical manifestations of it. Friends and family may not understand the constant fatigue and pain that is experienced and the limitations that go along with that. That is why it is so important to find a support group or seek out counseling.

You may be wondering what causes fibromyalgia symptoms or who gets the illness. The nature of this illness is still being researched; so many theories have come to be. They include:
· Genetics – the condition tends to run in families
· Sensitivity amplification – nerve endings become hypersensitive to stimulation
· Faulty muscle communication – instead of muscles working with neurotransmitters, they tend to work by themselves
· Triggering events – some people develop symptoms after stressful events
· Dysfunctional neurotransmitters – deficient serotonin, growth hormone, cortisol, DHEA and thyrotropin levels and high levels of Substance P (Substance P is responsible for transmitting painful impulses to the brain and spinal cord.)
· Immune dysfunction – some elements of the immune system do not function properly

As mentioned before, fibromyalgia symptoms usually go undiagnosed in a patient for many years. Most mainstream doctors 1) ignore the symptoms, 2) think it is “all in your head, or 3) mistake it for other illnesses. People with this illness are increasingly turning to alternative medicine for diagnosis and treatment.

Conventional medicine provides relief of fibromyalgia symptoms by prescribing pain medication, anti-depressants and sleep medication. Alternative treatments that help ease symptoms include chiropractics, stress relief, massage therapy, exercise, acupuncture, reiki, meditation techniques and others.

A fibromyalgia diet is encouraged which includes fresh, whole foods and eliminates red meat, high-fat foods, sugar, sodium and processed food. As with most chronic conditions, it usually takes several approaches to get the greatest relief.

There is no cure for fibromyalgia but it can be managed. Research is ongoing for new medications and treatments. As with all illnesses, education is essential.

A great book that delves into all aspects of this illness is Alternative Treatments for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (2nd Edition) by Mari Skelly and Helen Walker.

When one suffers from fibromyalgia symptoms, their life changes forever. Something positive to focus on is the increasing recognition of the illness. This has already brought about new research and hopefully a longer list of treatments to relief symptoms.

With more information and recognition, fibromyalgia sufferers can receive more compassion from their family, friends, workplace and society at large.

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