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Fibromyalgia! What is it?

Fibromyalgia! What is it?. A pain!!!!. Definitions. Fibromyalgia is a chronic syndrome that causes pain and stiffness throughout the tissues that support and move the bones and joints. “a central nervous system disorder that results in abnormal pain processing”

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Fibromyalgia! What is it?

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  1. Fibromyalgia! What is it? A pain!!!!

  2. Definitions • Fibromyalgia is a chronic syndrome that causes pain and stiffness throughout the tissues that support and move the bones and joints. • “a central nervous system disorder that results in abnormal pain processing” • ‘the invisible disability’ or the ‘irritable everything syndrome’

  3. Causes • Not fully understood but thought to be triggered by: • Stressors – chronic but not acute • Shock • Trauma • Viral Infection • Could be an inherited weakness, but is not a generic disease

  4. Symptoms • Pain: in muscles, tendons and ligaments • Fatigue • Headaches & migraines • Restless legs syndrome • Non-restorative Sleep: insomnia, hypothalamic dysfunction • Irritable Bowel Syndrome • Memory lapses (Fibro fog!) • Anxiety & Depression

  5. Diagnosis • Difficult to acquire! • Many medics don’t recognise it • Reluctance to diagnose • Need to eliminate other problems • Tender point test required • Usually diagnosed by rheumatologist

  6. 18 Tender Points • 11 needed for a diagnosis • Part of chronic pain & distress

  7. Who gets it? • Approx 3% of the population • Women outnumber men by 9:1 on tender point diagnosis but otherwise 3:2 • No age discrimination • Children and teens can have it too

  8. Is it curable? NO! but remission is possible Is it treatable? YES!!

  9. Treatments NHS Medicine Prescription Drugs Pain Management • Complementary Medicine • Therapies • Supplements • Self Management • Exercise – Pacing – Nutrition • Stress reduction • Everyone is different!

  10. Prescription Drugs • NHS website says these drugs are used to treat fibromyalgia: • Antidepressants (short term relief) • Painkillers (not very effective) • Tranquillizers • Anti-inflammatory drugs • Dopomine agonists • Neuropathic pain medicines

  11. Recommended Supplements • Omega 3 Fish Oils • Multivitamins & Minerals • Magnesium • Melatonin (available from USA) • Calcium & Vit D • Vit B & B12

  12. Complementary Therapies Hypnotherapy & Neuro-Linguistic Programming Acupuncture - Alexander Technique Body Massage - Head Massage Reiki - Craniosacral Therapy Reflexology - Aromatherapy Chiropractic - Osteopathy Yoga - Herbal Remedies Meditation - Prayer Bowen Technique Relaxation

  13. Support • Family and Friends • Social Services • Welfare Benefits • Expert Patient Programme • Support Groups – e.g. • Fibromyalgia Support Group for Surrey and Sussex

  14. Research? • Mostly in USA • Last few years some breakthroughs • Limited in UK because of lack of funds

  15. Further information • Internet • Books • CDs • DVDs • Magazines

  16. Prognosis for the future • Research may eventually find a cure if it’s multifaced and looks at subgroups • Meanwhile it’s ‘trial and error’ hoping to find something that helps • HOPE springs eternal!

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