Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder is which causes reduced pressure and pain causing tender points. This syndrome is most of the time accompanied with experience of fatigue, disturbed sleep, morning stiffness, headaches, facial pain, anxiety, depression, problem concentrating etc. this disorder results in the low quality of standards of living and functional impairment.

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome whose causes are not known however, recent studies have shown that this disorder is result of the abnormalities caused with Central Nervous System in the pain processing. The patients suffering from this disorder develops tenderness and sensitivity against pain and they get increased feelings for pain.

Studies are evident that fibromyalgia patients have increased levels of P substance in the fluid of their spines. P substance is a chemical, which plays a key role in the transmission of pain signals to and from brain.

The diagnosis of this disorder until now is much critical, as no laboratory tests are found valid to diagnose this disorder. Before studies were made about, the abnormal processing of pain signals it was thought that this disorder is generally of psychological nature. However, today perception has been changed manifold experts are of the view that psychological factors do not play a significant role in the development of this syndrome. However, they contribute a little in increasing sensation for the associated disability. Among psychological factors, which increase the associated disability, are anxiety and depression.

Estimates have shown that almost two percent out of entire American Population is suffering from fibromyalgia. This condition among women is more common for those who are of childbearing age.

The intensity of this syndrome can vary according to the situation and personality. Some times, the intensity of pain has been experienced to the limit that it can be interfering with routine works. However, sometimes it causes pain but not much intense. However, most of the people have reported it disabling pain.

This syndrome can only be treated with managing the symptom and adapting a different lifestyle. A whole team is required to work on the patient and team should include physical therapist, cognitive therapist and physician.