Fibromyalgia
What is Fibromyalgia?
Physical condition, not a psychiatric illness
Characterized by:
Pain
Chronic, widespread muscle, ligament and tendon pain
Aching and throbbing
Fatigue
Mild to incapacitating
Drained of energy
Difficulty concentrating
Restless sleep
Sleep constantly disrupted
Don’t wake up refreshed
Source: www.praxis.md
The Facts about
Fibromyalgia
Occurs in about 3.4% of women and
0.5% of men.
Majority of sufferers are women
between ages 40 and 60.
85-90% of fibromyalgia sufferers are
women.
Occurs in all climates, nearly all
countries and most ethnic groups.
Source: www.praxis.md
Causes of Fibromyalgia
No known cause.
May be linked with:
Sleep disorders
Stress
Chemical imbalances
Abnormalities in the immune or endocrine systems
Can be triggered by development of another
disorder, accident, infection.
May have a genetic link.
Source: www.praxis.md
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
Widespread pain Abdominal pain
Stiffness Tender joints
Poor sleep Limited range of motion
Fatigue Jaw pain
Swelling in soft tissue Memory impairment
(especially hands) Menstrual cramping
Numbness in the Dizziness
extremities Skin and chemical
Headaches sensitivities
Restless leg syndrome Diarrhea
Source: www.praxis.md
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
18 tender points
identified with
fibromyalgia.
Pain on 11 of 18
tender points is
typically diagnosed
as fibromyalgia.
Source: www.praxis.md
Risk Factors
These may aggravate fibromyalgia
symptoms:
Trauma
Physical exertion
Overuse of muscles
Humid or cold weather
Stress
Poor sleep habits
Depression
Hormonal fluctuations
Source: www.praxis.md
Diagnosis
Complete medical history
Physical examination
“Tender Point” test
No laboratory tests for fibromyalgia
Source: www.praxis.md
Self Care Methods of
Treatment
Lifestyle modifications to conserve energy
and minimize pain.
Modify and improve sleep quality.
Get aerobic exercise three times a week.
Gentle stretching exercises.
Avoid caffeine.
Keep regular sleep schedule.
Taking hot baths or apply heat to tender and
painful areas.
Source: www.praxis.md
Other Therapies
Psychological counseling or cognitive-
behavioral treatment.
May relieve intensity of pain, reduce
number of tender points and lower
emotional stress.
Occupational and physical therapy.
Activity pacing.
Source: www.praxis.md
Alternative Treatments
Relaxation techniques
Mediation
Breathing exercises
Guided imagery
Gentle massage
Relieve muscular pain
Source: www.praxis.md
Prognosis
Fibromyalgia can not be cured; but can
be controlled.
Most sufferers can expect to lead a
relatively normal life with appropriate
management.
Source: www.praxis.md
Coping with Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is real, not psychiatric
Focus on
Physical symptoms
Emotional feelings
Psychological health
Important discuss fears and problems with:
Doctors
Friends and family
Support groups
Psychologists
Source: www.allaboutarthritis.com
Questions?