Introduction
People who suffer from Fibromyalgia have a hard time completing daily tasks; however, with proper treatments and new medications available, sufferers can lead a normal life and can be pain-free. Considering the pain and tiredness associated with Fibromyalgia, the majority of individuals tend to lose hope in life; one common mistake with Fibromyalgia patients, however if individuals take correct measures and get good support their lives can be meaningful. This is a medical complication that causes too many pains and rigidness primarily in muscles, tendons and ligaments, making an individual lack sleep; hence tiredness. The majority of individuals suffering from this complication in most scenarios are highly tempered and have difficulties in remembering, hence the need to take precautions during early stages of discovery before the disease becomes complicated. Although most individuals tend to associate Fibromyalgia with pain, it’s important to note that, Fibromyalgia has other symptoms making practitioners in the medical field give the complication a better name; Fibromyalgia syndrome. In addition, it is important for all individuals to note that there is a clear differentiation between Fibromyalgia and Arthritis although they have very many common symptoms (Mense, Simons and Russell pp. 229-234). This paper will discuss concepts of Fibromyalgia, its causes, types, symptoms, treatment, and coping mechanisms individuals can use to live a comfortable and productive life.
Causes of Fibromyalgia
Although many researchers in the medical field have tried to discover the real cause of this complication, up to today still there is little, which they have discovered of its real cause. However, these researchers suggest that, this medical condition result due to a physiological process that amplifies pain. This amplification primarily results due to problems that occur in the central nervous system as concerns encoding and decoding of sensory signals. Other causes as suggested by research findings of this complication include: reduction in the amounts of tryptophan and serotonin, amount of blood supply to the brain primarily the thalamus region, abnormal working of cytokine, and elevated production of material P (a pain regulator positioned in the spinal column). In addition to the above causes, other research findings suggest that, this condition can result due to disproportion in other hormonal secretions (National Fibromyalgia Association p.1). Although this is the case, still medical researchers are still fighting to get its exact cause because majority of individuals suffering from this health condition have no clear manifestations of tissue swellings or other bodily damages.
On the other hand, other medical researches show that, there is a close connection between this syndrome and psychological distress and shock, because doctors have found that most patients diagnosed with this condition once in there lives had serious psychological disturbances and trauma (Shiel and Stoppler Para. 3).
Types of Fibromyalgia
Although Fibromyalgia is the common type of this medical condition that individuals know globally, other medical practitioners argue that, generally there exist three types of this condition namely: Allodynia, Hyperalgesia and painful Paresthesia. Medical researchers base these three classifications on the nature of pain each of them results to and the parts of the body that each condition affects. Hyperalgesia is the most severe in terms of head pains; hence, individuals suffering from it experience severe pain that sometimes goes beyond what an individual can take. Allodynia is the most bewildering in its early stages, because individuals suffering from it feel a lot of pain when touched by anything. Most individuals suffering from this complication assume it is sunburn; hence, in most cases making early diagnosis hard. Main forms associated with this type of Fibromyalgia include neuropathy, migraine, and postherpetic neuralgia (Pillemer pp. 45-56). It is important to note that, pain associated with this type is of three varieties namely: thermal (primarily cause by heat or cold), tactile (pain resulting from any type of pressure on the skin), and mechanical (mostly when there are objects stirring across the skin). Painful Paresthesia occurs due to abnormal nerve feelings, which have itchy or burning like symptoms. In most cases, this complication is the least painful, although sometimes it can also cause a lot pains on individuals depending on prevailing conditions (Dellwo p.1).
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
Although most individual tend to confuse Fibromyalgia with other medical conditions that cause exaggerated pain for example Lupus and Arthritis, this condition has sings and symptoms that differentiates it from other medical complications that cause muscle, joint and tissue pains. The primary symptom of all individuals suffering from this health complication is severe pains and exaggerated exhaustion. Due to this, most individuals’ work performance level reduces because the pain sometimes is more than most individuals can contain. Another common symptom is memory lapses, whereby most individuals find it hard to remember occurrences in their lives. Lack of concentration is another common symptom of this complication, primarily caused by severe pains and itchy sensations in the body. In addition, majority of individuals suffering from this complication frequently complain of nervousness abdominal disorders, depression, irregular weigh gain, skin complications, muscle weaknesses, queasiness, giddiness and eye problems (Winfield, Smith and Herman p.1). Other common symptoms include chemical sensitivities, pre-menstrual syndrome, irritable urinal system (more so the bladder), jaw pains, irritable bowel disorder, and sleep problems (Fibromyalgia Network p.1).
It is important to note that, owing to the confusion associated with the detection of Fibromyalgia by most individuals, it is important for individuals to seek early medical help to avoid taking the wrong prescriptions of medicine. In addition, although medically the condition may take some considerable time to diagnose it is important for one to seek medical advice immediately they feel any of signs associated with the disease.
Treatment of Fibromyalgia
Majority of individuals suffering from this health condition may receive discouragements that, there exists no medication for their ailment; a case that is mythical because presently researchers have found some medicine varieties that can help these patients. In addition, it is important for individuals to note that, these two medically accepted drugs never cure the disease completely, but rather they help the body to function normally by reducing symptoms; hence, a symptom control strategy. On the other hand, it is important to note that, treatment of this condition involves both physiological and psychological measures, mainly aimed at ensuring individual accept and live with the condition comfortably. The three permitted common medical treatment drugs include Savella, Cymbalta, and Lyrica. Other pain relieving medicines that individuals can use include Acetaminophen and Tramadol; these are strong painkillers recommend by most doctors because of their effectiveness. In addition to this three classes of treatment drugs individuals can also use sleep initiators and sustainers, muscle relaxants, antiepileptics, palliatives, and memory and energy activating drugs (ProHealth p.1).
On top of prescription drugs, sufferers of this condition can apply other treatment options that include physical psychotherapy, curative massage, continuous exercises (in a calm and controlled way), acupressure, biofeedback methods, and trigger point injections; primarily using Lidocaine (Fibromyalgia Network p.1). Therefore, owing to these varieties of treatment measures, medically it is advisable for individuals to combine many treatment plans, for it is the only effective way of controlling problems associated with the Fibromyalgia’s complications.
Living with Fibromyalgia
The primary and important aspect of dealing with any medical condition is accepting it; hence, embracing life to the fullest. However, due to the severity of this condition sometimes, most individuals tend to loose hope; a major contributing factor to further complications of the disease. As Arnold (p.1) argues, it is important for all individuals to seek medical attention whenever they detect any symptoms of this condition. Both medical prescriptions and other psychological and body treatment are necessary because, a combination of a number of all this strategies will ensure individuals deal with any complication that may result due to Fibromyalgia.
It is important for all individuals to remember that, whatever strategy they opt for should help the body’s health status to get better. Some of the practices that individuals can include in their daily activities include moderation, stress management, continuous but moderated exercise, using required supplements in correct ratios, development of health relationships, and above all having an appropriate dietary that is well-balanced (National Pain foundation p.1).
In trying to moderate activities sufferers of Fibromyalgia should avoid overworking themselves whenever they are okay; a common problem among many patients, because they usually aim to compensate for what they never did when they were in pain. In addition to moderating activities, it necessary for sufferers of this condition to recognize stressing factors in their lives, hence formulate coping or controlling strategies because in most cases stress makes the condition more worse, in that it ignites and promotes pain more so headaches.
Health relationships are another primary remedies to this condition. Primarily because majority of individuals suffering from Fibromyalgia are easily irritated; hence will tend to vent their hunger on whoever disturbs them. In this regard, it is important for all individuals to ensure they build health relationships because close allies will provide all the help they may need jus incase one has an attack.
In addition to maintaining health relationships and moderation of activities, dietary control also contributes greatly to one’s health status, whereby individuals should learn to control their eating habits by taking foods rich in nutrients and other body building supplements (Fibromyalgia p.1)
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is necessary for sufferers of this condition to always ensure they take good lifestyle measures that include proper treatments and coping strategies, for these will guarantee them a long and healthy life. In addition, it is important for all individuals (non-sufferers) to remember that, although they may not suffer from Fibromyalgia, in many ways the syndrome affects them both directly and indirectly. Hence, at all times they should treat those suffering as normal human beings; hence give a helping hand whenever need arises.
Works Cited
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