Fibro Myalgia

Patients dealing with the diagnosis of fibro myalgia require information so that they can deal with their condition on a daily basis. The information they need concerns what the symptoms are and what to expect about the treatment.

Fibromyalgia is a condition in which there are dysfunction in the autonomic nervous system and also dysfunction in the immune system. These systems are responsible for the symptoms associated with the condition.

If the person is young the main symptom they will experience is usually pain, if the person is more than 60 years of age the main symptom they usually feel is fatigue. Other symptoms are sleeping disturbance, dizziness, nausea, morning stiffness, and some experience irritable bowel syndrome.

Fibro Myalgia Signs and Symptoms

The patient may experience various symptoms that may be different from others who have the same condition. Those who are seniors may experience swelling and fatigue more so than pain. All ages and races can develop fibromyalgia. Women tend to develop fibromyalgia more than males.

Women can even suffer from the affects of fibromyalgia as they go through the special time of pregnancy. Pregnancy has its own aches and pains that are compounded by the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is a condition that few understand and without understanding there is little compassion. Employers find it difficult to understand why an employee with fibromyalgia has difficulty finishing work on time because the employer does not understand the extreme fatigue that is part of the condition of fibromyalgia.

The employer would be more compassionate if it were possible to feel the intense fatigue that the employee feels. Without understanding those with fibromyalgia often lose jobs because they are unable to function properly.

Fibro Myalgia Cure?

There is no known cure for fibromyalgia as of yet. There is only treatment that relieves some of the symptoms. The treatments vary based on the specific symptoms the patient is feeling. Treatments combine medications with therapies and also alternative treatments.

Patients also do well when they find and participate in support groups. These support groups give them a chance to share with others who suffer from the same condition.

Drug therapies include medications that help to reduce the intensity of the symptoms the patient is feeling so that they can function better. Therapies such as occupational or physical therapy helps patients to function better despite the stiffness and pain. Medications include muscle relaxants, benzodiazepines, growth hormone therapy, antidepressants, pain medications and sleeping pills.

Over-the-counter medications patients can take for symptoms are those for muscle aches, and chronic migraines. Pain relievers such as analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used. Over-the-counter pain relievers can have side effects that patients need to be aware of. Acetaminophen, a common pain reliever has the following side effects:

Fever, bleeding or bruising, lip or mouth sores and ulcers, a decrease in urination, skin rashes or hives, sharp, stabbing pain in the lower back, and severe, unexplained weakness. Review all these possible side effects with your doctor before taking any medication.