Fibromyalgia
Fibromayalgia is the name given to a collection of symptoms rather than a recognized disease. It is also related to a number of other circumstances where there is a problem of dysfunction, as opposed to disease. These conditions include myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome and restless leg syndrome.
The diagram below shows the typical tender areas of fibromyalgia. Click on it to enlarge.
The symptoms of fibromayalgia are also frequent in patients with Sjogren's syndrome and lupus and at times it is difficult to distinguish the active inflammation in these from fibromayalgia.
This common arthritis related disease is marked by chronic muscle pain, which is widespread, and fatigue. However it does not affect the joints. People with fibromayalgia suffer from a hypersensitivity to pain and feel tenderness all through their body. The tender points are usually close to the joints, which are why misdiagnosis is often made, and it is confused with tendonitis or arthritis.
Other symptoms include anxiety, difficulty sleeping, jaw pain, stomach upsets, changes in mood and bladder spasms, all of which can worsen the sufferer's pain.
Fibromayalgia does not respond as well to the usual pain relief, such as ibuprofen and paracetamol that is used for other types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, and even stronger tablets available on prescription like codeine are generally no more effective and can cause side effects such as constipation or grogginess.
Non-steroidal drugs (NSAIDS) such as Diclofenac again are not especially effective and may cause indigestion and heartburn, symptoms the fibromyalgic patient is already more prone to than average.
Armityptiline is often recommended by doctors, as it is an established treatment for depression and so useful for the anxiety associated with this condition, and it also helps the patient cope with the pain better. However using this medicine for more than three months can cause dependency and the benefits to diminish.
Likewise using sleeping tablets (hypnotics) such as temazepam, diazepam or lorazepam will not necessarily help your sleeping problem and can also be habit forming.
New research shows that other medication such as the dopamine agonist used for Parkinson's can help regulate the "arousal state". However some doctors believe that this risks supporting the beleif that people who suffer with fibromyalgic symptoms are ill.
|
S-adenosylmethionine S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is one of the more common supplements advocated for fibromyalgia, but it is wise to discuss its use and get recommendations from a qualified health practitioner. It is a compound that is found naturally in the body and is needed for immune function, cell membrane maintenance and assisting in the production and breakdown of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, dopamine an serotonin. SAME also plays a role in the production of cartilage and DNA. |
|
Psoriasis psoriasis remedy
|
Arthritis rheumatoid arthritis
|
::: Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia involves widespread muscle pain and it can be extremely debilitating.
Typical parts of the body affected are the upper back, rib cage, knees, hips and neck.
Other symptoms include:
Insomnia
Depression
Stiffness
Fatigue
Mood swings
Headaches
Allergies
Numbness
Tender skin
Sleeping disorders
Exercise intolerance Irritable bowel symptoms
::: Rheumatoid Arthritis
With this disease the Immune system attacks the synovial membrane, which is the lining of the joints.
This causes severe and deforming joint damage. Rheumatoid Arthritis affects all of the body and can also cause weight loss, fatigue and anemia.
It can also affect the eyes, heart and lungs, and women are three times more likely to be affected than men.
::: Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis happens when the cushioning cartilage inside a joint breaks down, and it is also know degenerative arthritis.
Parts of the body normally affected are the knees, hips, feet and fingers. It is more common in people over 45.
:::Gout
Gout is a metabolic disorder, which causes sudden acute attacks, any joint can be affected but it is usually the big toe. This happens when there is a build up of uric acid in the blood causing crystals to form in the joints.
Drugs are usually prescribed and attention needs to be paid to diet to control gout. However there are many natural remedies for gout, as with other forms of arthritis.
Gout is more prevalent in men and the first attack normally occurs between the ages of forty and fifty.