Linda Marie Bennett Rickman
Also Known As
Amethyst Angel
FIBROMYALGIA
Fibromyalgia Syndrome (also called "FMS" or "FM" ) is a complex, chronic condition which causes widespread pain and profound fatigue, as well as a variety of other symptoms. Its effects are felt primarily in muscles, tendons, and ligaments throughout the body. Unlike arthritis, however, no inflammation accompanies fibromyalgia, and the joints of the body are not directly affected.
The pain of fibromyalgia syndrome is usually described as aching or burning and is unpredictable in nature. Its severity varies from day today, and different parts of the body tend to be affected at different times. In some people, FMS pain can be very severe and disabling, while in others it may cause only mild discomfort. Likewise, the fatigue which often accompanies fibromyalgia syndrome ranges from a mild, tired feeling to all-consuming exhaustion.
According to official, diagnostic criteria established by the American College of Rheumatology, a patient must suffer from widespread pain in all four body quadrants for at least three months. Finally, 11 of 18 possible tender points should be present when specific locations in the neck, shoulders, chest, hip, knee, and elbow regions of the body are examined by a physician (see diagram), although patients may not be aware that these tender points exist. Some physicians take the position that less than 11 tender points can be present at any given time for a fibromyalgia diagnosis to be made. Rheumatologyists and Physiatrists (specialists in physical medicine and rehabilitation) are often the most knowledgeable when it comes to diagnosing FMS.
In addition to pain and fatigue, individuals with FMS usually experience some of the following symptoms:
Stiffness is a significant problem experienced by most patients. It can occur upon awakening or remaining in one position for prolonged periods. It can also accompany weather changes.
This is a common complaint for many with FMS. They may be caused by referred pain from tender neck and shoulder areas, or they may be associated with pain in the muscles and other soft tissues around the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, which is located where the jaw meets the ear. In the latter case, jaw or facial pain is usually present, too.
FMS-related symptoms include digestive disturbances, abdominal pain and bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. As a whole, such symptoms are known as irritable bowel syndrome.
Fibromyalgia patients may notice an increase in urinary frequency or experience a greater urgency to urinate. Often, no accompanying bladder infection is present.
Symptoms usually involve a prickling or burning sensation, particularly in the extremities.
Persons with FMS sometimes experience muscular pain at the spot where the ribs meet the chest bone. Since this mimics cardiac symptoms, it is always a good idea to check with a physician if chest pain occurs.
Frequent complaints, which vary from day to day, include difficulty concentrating, "spaciness", memory lapses, word mix-ups when speaking or writing, and clumsiness or dropping things.
FMS patients may also experience dizziness and balance problems. Typically, there is no classical, spinning vertigo. Rather difficulties in orientation occur when standing, driving, or reading.
Allergic-like reactions to a variety of substances are common, as are sensitivities to light, noise, odors, and weather patterns. Dryness of the skin, eyes, and mouth is also common.
Currently, no diagnostic, laboratory test exists for FMS. For fibromyalgia to be diagnosed, other conditions that mimic its symptoms must first be excluded (i.e., thyroid disease, lupus, lyme disease, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.).
To date, there is no cure for FMS. Treatment consists of managing symptoms to the greatest extent possible. Because patients vary widely in their responses to available modalities, several approaches may need to be tried before a satisfactory regimen can be established.
For this reason, a multi-disciplinary, medical team approach is beneficial. The following treatments, used alone or in combination, generally help patients feel better and improve their quality of life.For pain relief and improved sleep, medicines which increase the body's level of serotonin, a chemical in the brain that regulates pain and sleep, are often prescribed in low doses. In addition, non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or aspirin can also be helpful. Specific medicines which treat other symptoms like abdominal or allergic complaints may also be required.
Among the many types of available approaches are: massage, myofascial release, cranio-sacral therapy, mild electrical stimulation, the application of heat (i.e., moist heat packs, hot baths or showers), the application of cold/ice packs, ultrasound, posture and movement training, and chiropractic.
Gentle exercise can often be helpful in easing sore muscles by increasing blood circulation and range of motion. Stretching and low-impact exercise such as water exercise in an 85 degree heated pool, walking, treadmills or cross-country ski machines.
Increasingly, fibromyalgia patients are finding some relief from such treatment modalities as biofeedback, yoga, tai chi, stress management, nutritional counseling, and acupuncture. Emotional support is also crucial to help individuals manage their perplexing array of symptoms and undertake necessary lifestyle changes. Support can be obtained informally from fibromyalgia self-help and support groups, clergy, family members, or friends. Professional assistance is also encouraged for those having a difficult time adjusting to life with fibromyalgia syndrome.
While researchers continue to seek the cause of fibromyalgia syndrome, there is evidence that FMS is triggered in pre-disposed individuals by such precipitants as illness, physical trauma to the body, or acute emotional stress. FMS also seems to run in some families, although no genetic component has yet been identified. Encouraging research is now occurring in the fields of neuroendocrinology, immunology, cardiology, and exercise physiology, among others.
Childhood growing pains, complex sinus syndrome/"travelling" nocturnal stuffiness, allergies, post nasal drip, drooling in sleep, swollen glands, difficulty swallowing, TMJ, dizziness when turning head fast, runny nose, sore throat, stiff neck, mold/yeast sensitivity, reflux esophagitis, headaches/migraines , alpha-delta sleep anomaly, sweats, morning stiffness, fatigue, shortness of breath, painful weak grip that sometimes lets go, hypoglycemic symptoms, menstrual problems and/or pelvic pain, PMS, low back pain, nail ridges and/or nails that curve under, difficulty getting out known words, directional disorientation, visual perception problems, short-term memory impairment, weight gain/loss, sensitivity to odors, mitral valve prolapse,double/blurry/changing vision, ear aches/ringing/itch, unexplained toothaches, rapid/fluttery/ irregular heart beat/heart-attack-like pain, bloating/nausea/cramps, appendicitis-like pains, carbohydrate/chocolate cravings, sensitivity to cold/heat/humidity/pressure changes/light, panic attacks, mottled skin, depression, confusional states, thumb pain and tingling numbness, a tendency to cry easily, night driving difficulty, weak ankles, upper/lower leg cramps, tight Achilles tendons, groin pain, irritable bladder/bowel, sciatica, impotence, painful intercourse, muscle twitching, numbness & tingling, diffuse swelling, hyper-sensitive nipples/breast pain, fibrocystic breasts, buckling knee, problems climbing stairs, free-floating anxiety, mood swings, unaccountable irritability, trouble concentrating, shin splint-type pain, FMS&MPS Complex foot (wide in front, narrow in back, high arch), Morton's foot, heel pain, sensory overload, handwriting difficulties, sore spot on top of head, problems holding arms up, "fugue" type states staring into space before brain can function again, tight hamstrings, numbness/tingling on the outer thigh, carpal-tunnel-like pain, balance problems/staggering gait, restless leg syndrome/muscle movements and jerks at night, feeling continued movement in car after stopping, feeling tilted when cornering in car, first steps in the morning feel like walking on nails, pressure of eyeglasses, headbands painful, electromagnetic sensitivity, thick secretions, scar easily, some stripes & checks cause dizziness, hurts to put hands in cold water, inability to recognize familiar surroundings, delayed reactions to "overdoing it", family clustering.
Some Trigger Point Perpetuators (TrPs), paradoxical respiration, sleep deprivation, pain, FMS and other chronic illnesses, metabolic problems such as diabetes, vitamin and mineral insufficiency, adhesions, previous surgeries, previous traumas, allergies, yeast, reactive hypoglycemia, "good sport" syndrome, posture, body mechanics, poor nutrition, coping behaviors, life style, smoking, alcohol consumption, chronic infection, job stress, Morton's foot, FMS&MPS Complex foot, short upper arms, short lower legs, unequal leg length, hypothyroid, psychological stress, poor nutrition, ill-fitting shoes, ill-fitting furniture and car seats, repetitious exercise and work, overwork, immobility.
When FMS and chronic MPS occur together, FMS often initiates a symptom and TrPs perpetuate it. The TrP is difficult to break up because FMS perpetuates it. The FMS&MPS Complex is more than just the sum of the two syndromes. The spiral must be interrupted.
For FMS: Deal with perpetuating factors. Find something that will allow for restorative sleep yet is well-tolerated.
For MPS: Deal with perpetuating factors. Gentle stretch, tennis-ball compression, acupressure massage, gentle non-repetitive exercise, ice if there is nerve entrapment pain/muscle tightness, heat to ease muscle pain, attention to nutrition (avoid processed foods, excess carbohydrates and yeast-generating foods, drink a lot of water to flush out toxins), will aid recovery. Try warm saltwater as nose drops before bed if needed to ease throat/sinuses. Climb steps at 45 degree angle if needed. Use a triple folded handtowel collar as splint before riding over bumpy roads. Use pillows under knees during the night to ease strain on hips in cases of sciatica. Eye exercises are beneficial when the muscles around the eye are sore. Use a wrist rest with computer use, and Hand-eze supports with handwriting difficulties and keyboarding strain.. Limit sugar intake. The use of flexible shoes with good support will aid balancing problems. Avoid restrictive clothing.
swollen glands, difficulty swallowing, TMJ, dizziness when turning head fast, runny nose, sore throat, stiff neck, mold/yeast sensitivity, reflux esophagitis, headaches/migraines , alpha-delta sleep anomaly, sweats, morning stiffness, fatigue, shortness of breath, painful weak grip that sometimes lets go, hypoglycemic symptoms, menstrual problems and/or pelvic pain, PMS, low back pain, nail ridges and/or nails that curve under, difficulty getting out known words, directional disorientation, visual perception problems, short-term memory impairment, weight gain/loss, sensitivity to odors, mitral valve prolapse,double/blurry/changing vision, ear aches/ringing/itch, unexplained toothaches, rapid/fluttery/ irregular heart beat/heart-attack-like pain, bloating/nausea/cramps, appendicitis-like pains, carbohydrate/chocolate cravings, sensitivity to cold/heat/humidity/pressure changes/light, panic attacks, mottled skin, depression, confusional states, thumb pain and tingling numbness, a tendenery severe and disabling, while in others it may cause only mild discomfort. Likewise, the fatigue which often accompanies fibromyalgia syndrome ranges from a mild, tired feeling to all-consuming exhaustion.
