Signs and Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a form of generalized pain and fatigue of muscles and fibrous tissues like ligaments and tendons. It affects those places of the body where a slight pressure can cause a lot of pain. Previously, it was known as fibrositis, Psychogenic Rheumatism, Tension Myalgias, and Chronic Muscle pain Syndrome. This disease however is not progressive, crippling or life threatening. There is no physical damage to any part of the body, but the pain remains for a very long duration of time.

Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Fibromyalgia is a rheumatic syndrome that indicates pain in fibrous tissues, muscles, ligaments and tendons, and other connective tissues. This causes pain in muscles without weakening them.

Early Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
There are some early indications which show increased probability of Fibromyalgia. These include Nocturnal sinus stuffiness, Post nasal drip, drooling in sleep, Swollen Glands, Swallowing difficulties. Dry cough, Running nose, Sore throat, Stiff neck, Shortness of breath, Reddening of eye, Tooth aches, Groin pain, Problems in climbing stairs are other common indications found before occurrence of Fibromyalgia.

Symptoms and Signs of Fibromyalgia
Signs and symptoms can vary in accordance with the climatic conditions, stress levels, physical activities, and even the environment in which the person is living.

Even though numerous therapeutic modalities had been evaluated by a variety of institutions, Fibromyalgia has remained a complex set of symptoms without a cure.

Majority of people experience moderate or severe fatigue with lack of energy and feel totally exhausted resulting in lack of sleep. Headaches, like tension headaches, migraine headaches are very often noticed. Abdominal pain, constipation, and bladder spasms cause irritability and urinary urgency. Some times skin and blood circulation become too sensitive to temperature changes, and results in changes of skin color. People with Fibromyalgia wake up tired and unrefreshed even though they seem to get plenty of sleep.

The primary symptom of Fibromyalgia is pain experienced in certain locations called tender points, and the pain spreads over to other parts of the body. Some of these tender points are back of the head, upper back, neck, chest, elbows, hips, knees, rib cage and buttocks.

It is very common for people with Fibromyalgia being sensitive to odour, noises, bright light and touch.

Other Fibromyalgia symptoms
There are numerous other symptoms associated with Fibromyalgia like Depression, Dizziness, Difficulty in concentrating, Frequent changes of mood, Tension and Migraine, headaches, Tingling and numbness of hands and feet, Chest pain, Gastrointestinal problems, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, bladder irritation, Dryness in skin, eyes, and mouth. Sometimes, too frequent urinary urgencies, Stiffness in mornings, Sleep disturbances, Intolerance to cold, Anxiety, Forgetfulness are also found in few cases.

Causes of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia seems to be caused by many factors,

1. Biological factors
a. Sex
i) Female to male Ratio is 9:1
ii) The pain modulatory systems in females are influenced by phasic alterations in reproductive hormone levels.
iii) Aversive stimuli and stressful tasks affect females more than males.
b. Sleep: Almost all patients complain of a poor night sleep followed by a more painful day. This affects both limbs of stress and contribute to a bad mood, and difficulty in concentrating on the work
c. Age, Inheritance, Trauma and Tissue Injury, Physical Conditioning, Stress/ neuroendocrine and automatic dysregulation, Neurotransmitter abnormalities, Functional Brain activity abnormalities, Virus or other infections are other biological factors responsible.

2. Cognitive – Behavioral Variable
a. Pain beliefs and Attribution
i) Negative belief,
ii) Self blaming for the pain
iii) Self assessed inability to work,
iv) Helplessness
v) No control over pain
b. Hyper Vigilance
i) High sensitivity
ii) Increased attention,
iii) Anxiety
c. Self Efficacy and Coping
Loss of control over pan and failure to adopt coping strategies.
d. Mood, and Depression, Personality traits and disorders, Pain behaviors are the other cognitive factors responsible.

3. Environmental and Social Factors
a. Development Factors
i) Experiences during childhood,
ii) School stress levels,
iii) Unhappy families,
iv) Abuse
These affect behavioral aspects when he becomes an adult.
b. Interpersonal Skills
c. Cultural Factors
d. Work Environment and Job satisfaction

Signs and Tests for Diagnosis
Generally symptoms are checked and physical examinations are carried out by applying pressure to various trigger points in the body. Before diagnosing Fibromyalgia, X-rays and blood tests need to be taken to rule out other conditions like Arthritis, under or over active Thyroid as these conditions have similar symptoms.

Prevention
1. Reduce stress levels by developing plans and avoiding overexertion and emotional stresses. Take time to relax.
2. Try to get enough sleep and reduce fatigue.
3. Regular exercises decrease the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Walking, swimming, are the best.
4. Being active and practicing breathing exercises, maintaining a healthy lifestyle are very important.
5. It is recommended to use eye drops to relive dry eyes.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic problem and the symptoms may continue for years. The key is seeking professional advice for medication and treatment of the disease.