Fibromyalgia is a painful condition that usually runs in families. Its specific cause is not known. It has, however, been linked to genetics and factors such as physical injury, infection and depression among others. The pain experienced in this condition is related to sensitization in the central nervous system. There are a number of of facts on coping with fibromyalgia Winnipeg residents may find useful.
The condition typically presents in form chronic muscle aches, headaches, sleep disturbances and even depression. Contrary to common belief, symptoms are not necessarily limited to muscles. Instead, severe forms of the disease evolve to also involve multiple systems in the body. In the eyes, for instance, this condition can bring about problems with vision. In the cardiovascular system, the affected individual may complain of palpitations. Such patients also commonly present with irritable bowel syndrome and urinary symptoms such as pain on urination.
For one to be certain that they indeed suffer from this condition, certain factors have to be put into consideration. The duration of symptoms needs to be at least three months. Additionally, symptoms should involve the upper and lower parts of the body bilaterally. These two are the typical ways in which a diagnosis is made.
There are no specific tests available to diagnose the condition. Therefore, the doctor will take time to know all the symptoms that the patient presents with. They will also need to know if there are any members of their family with the same illnesses or symptoms suggestive of the same. The doctor will also need to perform a comprehensive physical examination of all organ systems in the body. These, together with certain screening tests help to rule out other diseases that usually present in similar fashion. Examples of such conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, polymyalgia and entrapment syndromes among other disease forms.
Unfortunately, fibromyalgia has no definitive treatment; at least not yet. The good news is that there are a number of ways which have been shown to manage the associated symptoms. Pharmacologically, several drugs are available to choose from. These include muscle relaxants, antidepressants, and opioids among others. One should, however, be cautious when taking opioids because they are known to cause dependence and respiratory depression especially in high doses. These drugs should only be considered if all others are not effective.
An alternative form of managing the disease is incorporation of art and music into the lifestyle of the patient. The patients are also encouraged to exercise a number of times a day. Only tolerable levels of physical exercise are recommended and one can build up the intensity as days go by.
Despite the condition not being fatal, the prognosis is generally not a good one. This is mainly due to the long term nature of the condition. Other factors such as depression also contribute to poor outcomes if management is not intensified.
A positive attitude is paramount for successful management of this condition. It is a rare disorder that affects only about two to eight percent of the global population, a major reason as to why it is misunderstood by many people. Generally, women are more susceptible than men.
The condition typically presents in form chronic muscle aches, headaches, sleep disturbances and even depression. Contrary to common belief, symptoms are not necessarily limited to muscles. Instead, severe forms of the disease evolve to also involve multiple systems in the body. In the eyes, for instance, this condition can bring about problems with vision. In the cardiovascular system, the affected individual may complain of palpitations. Such patients also commonly present with irritable bowel syndrome and urinary symptoms such as pain on urination.
For one to be certain that they indeed suffer from this condition, certain factors have to be put into consideration. The duration of symptoms needs to be at least three months. Additionally, symptoms should involve the upper and lower parts of the body bilaterally. These two are the typical ways in which a diagnosis is made.
There are no specific tests available to diagnose the condition. Therefore, the doctor will take time to know all the symptoms that the patient presents with. They will also need to know if there are any members of their family with the same illnesses or symptoms suggestive of the same. The doctor will also need to perform a comprehensive physical examination of all organ systems in the body. These, together with certain screening tests help to rule out other diseases that usually present in similar fashion. Examples of such conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, polymyalgia and entrapment syndromes among other disease forms.
Unfortunately, fibromyalgia has no definitive treatment; at least not yet. The good news is that there are a number of ways which have been shown to manage the associated symptoms. Pharmacologically, several drugs are available to choose from. These include muscle relaxants, antidepressants, and opioids among others. One should, however, be cautious when taking opioids because they are known to cause dependence and respiratory depression especially in high doses. These drugs should only be considered if all others are not effective.
An alternative form of managing the disease is incorporation of art and music into the lifestyle of the patient. The patients are also encouraged to exercise a number of times a day. Only tolerable levels of physical exercise are recommended and one can build up the intensity as days go by.
Despite the condition not being fatal, the prognosis is generally not a good one. This is mainly due to the long term nature of the condition. Other factors such as depression also contribute to poor outcomes if management is not intensified.
A positive attitude is paramount for successful management of this condition. It is a rare disorder that affects only about two to eight percent of the global population, a major reason as to why it is misunderstood by many people. Generally, women are more susceptible than men.
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