|
|
|
What is FMS? Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS for short) is a chronic condition of widespread pain and debilitating fatigue. The pain tends to be felt as diffuse aching and/or burning, often described as head to toe. The fatigue ranges from feeling tired to the exhaustion of a flu-like illness. It may come and go and people can suddenly feel totally drained of all energy - as if someone just “pulled the plug”. FMS is a common illness. In fact, it is as common as rheumatoid arthritis and can be even more painful. People with mild to moderate cases of FMS are usually able to live a fairly normal life, given appropriate treatment and management. If symptoms are severe, however, people may not be able to hold a paying job and their social and family life may become affected. The name Fibromyalgia is made up from ‘fibro’ for fibrous tissues such as tendons and ligaments; ‘my’ indicating muscles; and ‘algia’ meaning pain. A Collection of Symptoms Fibromyalgia is known as a syndrome because it is a collection of symptoms rather than a specific disease process that can be well understood. Besides pain and fatigue FMS symptoms often include:
Diagnosis Diagnosis of FMS can be difficult, as standard laboratory tests or x-rays cannot readily identify the condition. Moreover, many of its signs and symptoms can be found in other conditions as well, such as, 'chronic fatigue syndrome' (CFS). Once other conditions have been ruled out through tests and the patient’s history, diagnosis depends on two main criteria:
‘Widespread pain’, means pain above and below the waist, and on both sides of the body. The patient rarely notices the ‘tender points’ or spots of extreme tenderness until they are pressed. What Causes FMS? Fibromyalgia syndrome often develops after some sort of trauma that seems to act as a trigger, such as a fall or car accident, a viral infection, childbirth or an operation. Sometimes the condition begins without any obvious trigger. The actual cause of FMS has not yet been found. Over the past several years however, research has produced some insights into this puzzling condition. For instance, it has been known that most people with FMS are deprived of deep, restorative sleep. One area of research has identified a deficiency in Serotonin in the central nervous system and a resulting imbalance of what is known as Substance P. Serotonin helps promote sleep and control pain. Treatment At the present time treatment for Fibromyalgia aims at reducing pain and improving sleep. In other words, the symptoms are being treated, rather than the condition itself. Medications most often prescribed for FMS are tricyclic drugs used to treat depression, although doses for FMS are usually much lower than for depression. In some cases, these drugs may help both sleep and pain, however, as people with Fibromyalgia frequently appear to have greater sensitivity, unwanted side effects may also be experienced. Over-the-counter medications may help to relieve the pain but severe pain often requires the support of a pain clinic. It is best to discuss any form of pain relief with your specialist or GP. It is most important to note that medications work for some people but not for others and it is often a case of ‘trial and error’ until something can be found to suit an individual. |