Why am I always in Pain? Fibromyalgia explained.

Fibromylgia - Revised 8-8-11

Fibromyalgia, pronounced fi-broh-my-al-juh, also referred to as FM or FMS (Fibromyalgia Syndrome), comes from the Latin word fibro-fibrous tissues and the Greek words myo-muscle, and algos-pain; meaning muscle and connective tissue pain.

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread tenderness and pain throughout the body. People with fibromyalgia usually experience serious discomfort to even slight pressure in certain areas. Simply put, people who have fibromyalgia experience a painful sensation where others would feel little to no discomfort. The pain fibromyalgia causes can be described as burning, aching, pulling, stretching, squeezing, etc. These effects, along with the other symptoms, can basically make those who have it generally just feel under the weather a lot of the time, if not all of the time.

History of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a recognized condition that causes chronic severe pain throughout the body. Physicians began writing about these symptoms in the 1800s, but never had a medical explanation of why the symptoms occurred. It was initially called it muscular rheumatism. In 1824, a physician in Germany described certain tender points present in fibromyalgia patients. Then, in 1880, a United States psychiatrist wrote and described the symptoms, and called it "neurasthenia", attributing it merely to the stresses of our modern life. Eventually, the term fibrositis was given to the condition in 1904; then changed to fibromyalgia around 1976 when it was realized that fibrositis was not a correct term for the condition.

Myofascial Pain

Fibromyalgia patients may also suffer from something called myofascial pain in addition to the general widespread burning, aching sensation felt all the time. Myofascial pain can be extremely painful and is characterized by chronic, severe pain that's not throughout the body, but generally occurs on one side of the body in a specific area, typically in the shoulder and/or neck.

The other signs and symptoms that are related to fibromyalgia in additon to the chronic pain may include fatigue, lack of energy, problems with sleep, numbness and tingling in hands and feet or fingers and toes, weakness in the arms and legs, nerve pain, prolonged musle spasms, heart palpitations, insignificant chest pains, bladder problems, bowel trouble, lack of appetite, joint stiffness, joint swelling, TMJ problems (also a joint), difficulty swallowing, irritability, and mood swings. Many patients suffer from cognitive difficulties (referred to as fibro fog) reporting that they have a hard time with concentration, short and long-term memory problems, short-term memory consolidation, impaired speed of performance, difficulties multi-tasking, cognitive overload and difficulty staying focused.

Causes of Fibromyalgia

It is not exactly known what the causes are and the onset of fibromyalgia varies from person to person. Sometimes fibromyalgia symptoms happen gradually with no definite trigger, and other times the symptoms display after times of extreme stress, surgery, infection, suffering of a physical trauma, or Lyme Disease from being bitten by a tick.  It may be caused by chemical changes in the brain and some researchers have discovered higher levels of certain chemicals in spinal fluid of people with fibromyalgia.  Chemicals such as Serotonin, however, may be lower.   Some researchers have found a link between abnormal sleep and fibromyalgia and not a symptom of it.  Additionally, fibromyalgia patients apparently do not get the necessary REM (rapid eye movement) sleep which is important for restoration of energy.

There is No Cure

There is no cure for fibromyalgia and no one is sure exactly what causes it or why someone suddenly becomes afflicted by fibromyalgia. Studies suggest that fibromyalgia may be genetic, and oftentimes it can be accompanied by depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome, restless legs syndrome, stress-related disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. Oftentimes, fibromyalgia is only diagnosed after a variety of other conditions are ruled out. It's symptoms are similar to symptoms of other joint, gland, and muscular diseases.

Treating Fibromyalgia

Treatments for fibromyalgia include both self-care and medication with an emphasis on minimizing symptoms and improving the patient's general health.  Medications that have found to be effective in the treatment of fibromyalgia include pain relievers, anti-depressants, sleeping medication, and medications used to treat epilepsy.

The most common mediations used for pain relief and other symptoms of fibromyalgia are acetaminophen, hydrocodone, Tramadol (this can be taken with or without acetaminophen). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofin (Advil, Motrin, etc.) or naproxen sodium (Aleve, etc.) can also be taken along with other medications.

Some doctors prescribe anti-depressants such as Cymbalta (Duloxetine) and Savella (milnacipran) which are reported to help with the pain and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia. Amitriptyline or Prozac may be prescribed to promote better sleep.

Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and milnacipran (Savella) may help ease the pain and fatigue. Medications that are designed to treat epilepsy are reportedly effective in easing fibromyalgia pain, these include: Gabapentin (Neurontin) and Lyrica, which was the first drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of fibromyalgia

Diet and Exercise

Diet and exercise are important in managing fibromyalgia. For exercise, a low impact activity is suggested like swimming in a warm water therapy pool, yoga, pilates, or just walking. The warm water therapy pool is not only an effective form of exercise, it helps improve function in people with fibromyalgia and the warmth helps the body pain.

It is good to get up and move around, because the longer the body is without motion, the more difficult it is to put the body in motion.  Even walking down the block is very helpful.  

In Conclusion

Fibromyalgia is a very painful condition and sometimes takes years for doctors to diagnose. There are only a few medications that are helpful and since everyone is different, medication is a hit or miss thing.  

I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia about five or six years ago after having chronic pain since I was about 10 years old, first starting with my lower back and ankles and then working up to my right shoulder (which I had unsuccessful surgery on).  Eventually, it spread to the rest of my body and it was clear that something was not right.  My first doctor initially thought I had Lupus and fibromyalgia, but now the diagnosis is fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis.  Life goes on and I do my best to maintain.  I enjoy swimming in warm water and doing pilates.  They really help.

Thanks for reading!