Fibromyalgia
is a musculoskeletal condition that can create widespread pain, along with
other physical symptoms. The multiple
symptoms of this condition play a part in having it classified as a
syndrome. This condition is most likely
to affect women, but men and even children have been diagnosed with it. Although the cause of this condition is still
unknown, there are several factors that exaggerate the risk factors. It is assumed a chemical imbalance in the
brain may have an impact on developing fibromyalgia. If any of your patients
suffer from fibromyalgia, chances are they are in intense pain, and may have
trouble with daily activity and movement.
Related: Non Medical Hospital Emergencies
Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Muscle pain is
often the number one symptom. Muscle
pain with this condition may be very persistent, and manifest as a dull
ache. This can last for several weeks,
and in some cases, months. Sufferers
often describe the pain as similar to a severe muscle strain or very intense
workout soreness. Unlike an ordinary
muscle strain, with fibromyalgia the pain will be above and below the waist,
and on both sides of the body.
Joint
discomfort is also a sign of this condition.
Pain is widespread, and joints can be especially sore. Some people may think they have an injury
such as a sprain. One difference between
fibromyalgia and arthritis is when pressure is applied to the joint; a
fibromyalgia patient will feel extreme soreness or tenderness. Eighteen areas in the body called
fibromyalgia pressure points feel intense pain when firm pressure is
applied. This includes the neck, elbows,
and hips, upper and lower back, knees shoulders, back and chest, extending to
back of head. Doctors now inquire of the
patient how long the pain has lasted; anything over three months is most likely
fibromyalgia. It is important to never
ignore chest, neck, and upper back pain; this could also be symptoms of a heart
attack.
Fibromyalgia Treatment
This condition
is not easy to treat in most cases. It's
not like a headache or a backache, it's all over aches, and it can impact every
part of the sufferers life. There are
some treatments that are being prescribed to help relieve the symptoms of
fibromyalgia. They work with the nerve
endings to try and reduce sensitivity, thus eliminating some of the pain. Patients
may also use over the counter pain medications to help with symptoms and reduce
swelling. Patients are encouraged to
continue to get plenty of exercise, and to avoid staying bedridden when
symptoms are present.
Related: The Happy Side of Nursing
A Patient's Struggle with Fibromyalgia
Jaycee is a 41
year old mom of three. She enjoyed her
part time job as a substitute teacher, being a wife, and a mom to three active
kids. When she was 36, she noticed
things were changing within her body.
She could not longer run all day and still keep going at night; her
energy level was very low. Her body
began to feel as though she had a strenuous workout, even though she had
not. Jaycee went to several doctors,
however was not properly diagnosed for 4 years.
Once diagnosed she could began to understand her condition, and know
that she was not alone. After several
tries of medication, the right was finally prescribed. According to Jaycee, she felt as though the
world was suddenly lifted from her shoulders.
During her difficult times Jaycee said she felt helpless, and as if no
health care professional actually believed her.
She felt very guilty, she had once been a busy mom attending every
school function and sporting event.
After her symptoms began, she had to quit her part time job, and was
still unable to make it to the kid’s events.
Sore and exhausted, she spent most days in bed. After Jaycee was correctly diagnosed, and the
right combination of medications was prescribed, Jaycee slowly began to return
to normal. Jaycee was able to return to
work, and resume past activities, although she still has flare ups that may
require time off, most days are fine.
This is actually a typical situation in many ways, most cases of
fibromyalgia take at least two years to diagnose. Once a diagnosis is made, the right
combination of prescribed drugs must be added. Doctors are becoming more aware
of this condition, and with more awareness come faster treatment options.
A
patient that suffers from fibromyalgia may complain of flu-like symptoms that
just won't go away. It's important to
determine how long the patient has suffered and if it has been continuous or
intermittent. Patients need to be
assured that they are being taken seriously, as in the past this condition was
often overlooked, or recognized as an attention-seeking illness. A general practitioner can either diagnose or
refer patients to another physician that can properly diagnose this
condition.
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