Fibromyalgia Symptoms and Treatments
Fibromyalgia is a disorder for which there is no known cause.
It is believed to be a musculoskeletal syndrome that may be caused by either an injury or trauma to the central nervous system, or some form of viral infection that affects the nervous system.
What is known is that the symptoms of fibromyalgia are very real and they can have a detrimental affect on anyone who suffers from this disorder.
While fibromyalgia symptoms can vary among individuals there is one symptom that is shared by all who have contracted this condition; wide spread pain throughout the soft tissue of the body including the muscles, joints and ligaments.
The interesting thing about this pain is that there is no inflammation or swelling that is characteristic of other diseases.
The pain also radiates from tender points located around the body.
Even the lightest touch will trigger intense pain along these points.
While pain is the one symptom shared by all who suffer from fibromyalgia there are other symptoms that may or may not affect those who have it.
oSleep disorders and fatigue.
oIrritable bowel syndrome and gastrointestinal problems.
oDepression.
oTingling or numbness sensation at various body locations.
oRe-occurring headaches.
oMenstrual problems.
oJoint and muscle stiffness after waking up.
oUrination problems including frequent urination and painful urination.
oInterstitial cystitis, a disorder of the bladder.
oThe feeling that your hands and feet are swelling.
oProblems with sexual health and function.
oHeart arrhythmias and trouble catching your breath.
Because the cause of fibromyalgia is not known medical science has been unable to find a cure.
In the interim research done on this disease has been able to create treatments that effectively control the symptoms allowing fibromyalgia sufferers the opportunity to lead normal lives.
At this time there are three main forms of fibromyalgia treatments that are being used or studied for effectiveness today.
These treatments range from over the counter and prescription drugs and herbal supplements to experimental cognitive therapy and biofeedback programs.
The first step in treating fibromyalgia symptoms is pain relief.
Sometimes this can be done with simple OTC drugs such as Tylenol or aspirin.
If these do not alleviate the pain it may be time to see a doctor for a more powerful pain reliever to deal with the symptoms There are a variety of NSAIDs on the market today that have shown great promise in the treating the pain of fibromyalgia.
Once the pain of fibromyalgia is sufficiently dealt with there are the other symptoms that need to be addressed.
Treating the symptoms of fibromyalgia may take some trial and error when it comes to finding the right medications.
Anyone suffering from this condition should follow the treatment regimen prescribed by their doctor and report any side affects or other concerns they may have to their health care provider.
It is believed to be a musculoskeletal syndrome that may be caused by either an injury or trauma to the central nervous system, or some form of viral infection that affects the nervous system.
What is known is that the symptoms of fibromyalgia are very real and they can have a detrimental affect on anyone who suffers from this disorder.
While fibromyalgia symptoms can vary among individuals there is one symptom that is shared by all who have contracted this condition; wide spread pain throughout the soft tissue of the body including the muscles, joints and ligaments.
The interesting thing about this pain is that there is no inflammation or swelling that is characteristic of other diseases.
The pain also radiates from tender points located around the body.
Even the lightest touch will trigger intense pain along these points.
While pain is the one symptom shared by all who suffer from fibromyalgia there are other symptoms that may or may not affect those who have it.
oSleep disorders and fatigue.
oIrritable bowel syndrome and gastrointestinal problems.
oDepression.
oTingling or numbness sensation at various body locations.
oRe-occurring headaches.
oMenstrual problems.
oJoint and muscle stiffness after waking up.
oUrination problems including frequent urination and painful urination.
oInterstitial cystitis, a disorder of the bladder.
oThe feeling that your hands and feet are swelling.
oProblems with sexual health and function.
oHeart arrhythmias and trouble catching your breath.
Because the cause of fibromyalgia is not known medical science has been unable to find a cure.
In the interim research done on this disease has been able to create treatments that effectively control the symptoms allowing fibromyalgia sufferers the opportunity to lead normal lives.
At this time there are three main forms of fibromyalgia treatments that are being used or studied for effectiveness today.
These treatments range from over the counter and prescription drugs and herbal supplements to experimental cognitive therapy and biofeedback programs.
The first step in treating fibromyalgia symptoms is pain relief.
Sometimes this can be done with simple OTC drugs such as Tylenol or aspirin.
If these do not alleviate the pain it may be time to see a doctor for a more powerful pain reliever to deal with the symptoms There are a variety of NSAIDs on the market today that have shown great promise in the treating the pain of fibromyalgia.
Once the pain of fibromyalgia is sufficiently dealt with there are the other symptoms that need to be addressed.
Treating the symptoms of fibromyalgia may take some trial and error when it comes to finding the right medications.
Anyone suffering from this condition should follow the treatment regimen prescribed by their doctor and report any side affects or other concerns they may have to their health care provider.
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