It seems that now more than ever we hear about diseases that baffle the medical community. One of the more common ones today is Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a condition described by stiffness, fatigue, insomnia, and painful muscles. The condition was first thought to be a mental disorder in the 1800’s. In the early 1820’s, a doctor from Scotland first described the tender points of this elusive condition. Eighty years later the term fibrositis was used because inflammation was thought to be the primary cause of the pain. In 1976 the name of the condition was changed to Fibromyalgia which is derived from Latin and Greek words. Fibra (Latin) means fibrous tissue and has to do with painful tendons and ligaments. Myos (Greek) means muscles and algos (Greek) means pain. Combined these Greek and Latin words translate into painful muscles and connective tissue. The latest count shows that more than 5 million Americans have been given this diagnosis. Primarily women of childbearing age are most commonly diagnosed with this debilitating disease. However, it can also affect men, children, and the elderly.
Why are so many patients diagnosed with Fibromyalgia? Is the diagnosis accurate? Is another disease process present that has been overlooked? Perhaps Fibromyalgia is merely a group of symptoms surfacing from another disease and not a disease itself. Patients that suffer from Fibromyalgia will describe the symptoms vividly. Researchers have determined that many factors may trigger and contribute to Fibromyalgia. For instance, infections that may be linked to Fibromyalgia include Lyme Disease, Hepatitis C, Epstein-Barr virus, and Parvovirus. Autoimmune disorders may also contribute to the signs and symptoms associated with Fibromyalgia. These disorders occur when the body’s immune system sees its own tissues as foreign and attacks, which slowly damages that tissue over time. Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis are examples of autoimmune disorders. Perhaps autoimmune diseases are some how interconnected and instigate each other. This possibility shows us that diagnosing autoimmune disorders is difficult and giving a patient the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia may be the path of least resistance. Other possible causes include heredity. Research shows that many conditions like Fibromyalgia are believed to run in families. So it is likely that some people are born with genes that increase their risk of getting it. Accidents and injuries may also be a potential link. Two of the most common causes linked to Fibromyalgia are; trauma occurring from automobile accidents and the traumatic experience of military personnel suffered during combat. Research shows that certain types of psychological and emotional stressors are also a possible link. The list of potential triggers is a lengthy one and demonstrates the inability to pinpoint the actual cause. It seems that almost anything can cause the body to react with “Fibro”- like symptoms. Maybe that’s why Fibromyalgia has been given the title, “The garbage disposal.”
If you are one of the millions afflicted with this condition there are ways you can actively work to reduce your symptoms. Life with Fibromyalgia can be a challenge and being proactive will empower you to properly manage your symptoms in hopes of totally eradicating the disease. You have options such as lifestyle changes, support groups, natural and pharmaceutical medications and various types of body work (massage and spinal adjustments), that may help you manage your exacerbations and or “flare-ups”. I find that lifestyle changes are of utmost importance when battling this beast. Changes like increased gradual aerobic activity like swimming and walking for 20 minutes three times per week will strengthen your muscles, and decrease muscle weakness and stiffness. Exercise will also improve sleep patterns. Most importantly exercise can reduce your pain by allowing the body to release endorphins, a natural pain killer. A whole food organic diet with plenty of water needs to be maintained. Sugar and caffeine must be eliminated to assure healing. Stress must be lowered to elevate immune response. Forms of stress relief include meditation, gentle yoga and deep breathing with visualization.
The Fibromyalgia patient can defeat this disease with positive energy, planning and persistence. At times it may seem impossible to conquer, but perseverance will bring the greatest results. Fibromyalgia is not a life sentence, rather, just a group of Latin and Greek words. One aspect to remember is that Fibromyalgia’s symptoms mimic many other conditions. Hence, it is imperative to seek the help of one or many health specialists to assure proper diagnosis. We can’t help but realize that this group of symptoms we call Fibromyalgia may be just the tip of the iceberg, but doesn’t have to be the end of you.