Fibromyalgia: You’re Not Alone

It is estimated that two percent of the population suffers with the myriad of symptoms that is fibromyalgia. In fact, more recent studies suggest it could be closer to four or five percent. Those with this disease will describe the frustration they feel often with having a disease that is difficult to diagnose, that often is not recognized by family and some medical professionals, that causes widespread pain difficult to treat.

The symptoms of fibromyalgia are better known than the causes. Fatigue is the hallmark, deep, muscle-aching fatigue. Some have compared it to a bad case of the flu…that just does not end. Sleeplessness, another symptom, might also be one of the potential causes of the disease. Headaches, hyper-sensitivity to light, temperature and touch. Numbing and tingling sensations, anxiety, and sometimes digestive problems may also be indicative of the fibromyalgia.

There is no single test to determine whether you have this disease or not. Instead there are a series of tests designed to eliminate other diseases like lupus, multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis. The American College of Rheumatology recently established a set of general guidelines that even many physicians do not agree with. Because the range and variety of symptoms with fibromyalgia are so broad, progress with diagnostic techniques will continue to develop over time.

As for causes, the theories are as diverse as the symptoms. Current theory suggests that there is a lower pain threshold in those with the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Researchers believe that there is greater nerve sensitivity in the pain centers of the brain, caused perhaps by abnormalities in the sympathetic nervous system (the part of the nervous system that controls processes we don’t consciously control (e.g., sweating, heart rate) a trauma of some kind, viral infection, hormonal changes, and perhaps even sleep disturbance itself. While considered a symptom, some researchers suggest that it is the disruption of sleep that causes over-stimulation of the brain’s nerve endings.

Fibromyalgia occurs more frequently in women in early or middle age. Occurrence of the disease is more prevalent when someone else in the family has been diagnosed. People with a rheumatic condition such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus are more likely to suffer from fibromyalgia. The disease is not progressive, however, nor is it life-threatening.

It does impact the quality of life for many, however. Therefore, self-care is critical. Follow our series on fibromyalgia next time when we will talk more specifically about treatments and self-care.

Do you know someone with fibromyalgia? Please post your thoughts and ideas about this confounding disease that wreaks havoc for so many.