<< Rheumatism
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a medical condition that is characterized by chronic, widespread pain and increased pressure sensitivity in the skin and muscles. Fibromyalgia is a very functional condition. It is also very common for the person to suffer from fatigue, sleep problems and memory problems.
Symptoms can vary greatly, but characteristic symptoms are significant pain and burning pain in the muscles, muscle attachments and around the joints. It is classified as one soft vein disorder.
The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but recent studies have suggested that it may be epigenetics and genes that cause a malfunction in the brain. It is estimated that as many as 100000 or more are affected by fibromyalgia in Norway - according to figures from the Norwegian Fibromyalgia Association.
Also scroll down in the article for to watch a training video adapted to those with fibromyalgia.
More focus should be placed on research aimed at a condition that affects so many - that's why we encourage you to share this article in social media, preferably via our Facebook page and say: "Yes to more research on fibromyalgia". In this way one can make the 'invisible disease' more visible.
Also read: - 6 Exercises for Those with Fibromyalgia
Affected? Join the Facebook group «Rheumatism - Norway: Research and news»For the latest updates on research and media writing about this disorder. Here, members can also get help and support - at all times of the day - through the exchange of their own experiences and advice.
Fibromyalgia - definition
Fibromyalgia originates from Latin. Where 'fibro' can be translated with fibrous tissue (connective tissue) and 'myalgia' can be translated with muscle pain. The definition of fibromyalgia thus becomes'muscle and connective tissue pain'.
Who is affected by fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia most often affects women. There is a 7: 1 ratio between affected women and men - meaning that seven times as many women are affected as men.
What causes fibromyalgia?
You do not yet know the exact cause of fibromyalgia, but you have a number of theories and possible causes.
Genetics / Epigenetics: Studies have given evidence that fibromyalgia often persists in families / families and it has also been seen that external influences such as stress, trauma and infections can result in a fibromyalgia diagnosis.
- Is the answer to fibromyalgia the mystery in our genes?
Trauma / injury / infection: It has been argued that fibromyalgia may have a correlation to certain traumas or diagnoses. Neck pain, Arnold-Chiari, cervical stenosis, larynx, mycoplasma, lupus, Epstein Barr virus and respiratory tract infection have all been cited as possible causes of fibromyalgia.
Also read: - Fibromyalgia May Be Due To Miscoupling In The Brain
What are the typical symptoms of fibromyalgia?
Significant pain and characteristic symptoms such as muscle stiffness, fatigue / fatigue, poor sleep, powerlessness, dizziness, headaches and stomach upset.
As mentioned, there have also been reports that people affected by fibromyalgia often suffer from memory problems, restless leg syndrome, sound and light sensitivity, as well as some neurological symptoms. The diagnosis is often associated with depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress syndrome.
How is the diagnosis of fibromyalgia?
Previously, the diagnosis was made by examining 18 specific points on the body, but this method of diagnosis has now been discarded. On the basis that there is no specific diagnostic test, it is often based on the exclusion of other diagnoses as well as based on characteristic symptoms / clinical signs.
Diagnosis at sore points on the body?
Recent research, published in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology (Katz et al, 2007), rejects the theory of sore points as a diagnostic criterion, as they concluded that most people also experience soreness in these points. It is also believed that many misinterpret severe myofascial pain such as fibromyalgia.
Treatment of fibromyalgia
The treatment of fibromyalgia is very complicated. This is because the condition is so variable between people and is often associated with a number of other conditions. Treatment can consist of medication, lifestyle changes, physical therapy and cognitive therapy - often in an interdisciplinary approach.
Nutrition
Some people experience improvement in their fibromyalgia symptoms by making changes to their diet. This may involve refraining from, for example, alcohol, dairy products and / or gluten.
Physiotherapy
It is very beneficial for someone who is afflicted with fibromyalgia and get help figuring out which exercise is best for them. A physical therapist can also treat sore, tight muscles.
Chiropractic and joint treatment
Joint and physical treatment can relieve muscle and joint pain. A modern chiropractor treats muscles and joints, and can also, as a primary contact, help with any referrals or similar.
Cognitive therapy
Proven moderate effect on fibromyalgia symptoms. The effect is less if only cognitive therapy is used alone, but with significantly more effect if combined with other therapies.
Massage and physical therapy
Muscle work and massage can have a symptom-relieving effect on tight and sore muscles. It increases blood circulation to the locally sore muscle areas and dissolves into tight muscle fibers - it can also help remove beats and the like.
Needle treatment / acupuncture
Acupuncture and needle therapy have shown positive effects in treatment and pain due to fibromyalgia.
breathing Exercises
Proper breathing technique and breathing exercises Which can reduce stress and anxiety can help relieve symptoms.
Exercise / exercises for those with fibromyalgia
Adapted exercise and exercises can improve the person's physical form and sleep. It has also been linked to a decrease in pain and fatigue. Studies have shown that cardiovascular training and exercise exercises in particular appear to be most effective for those affected by fibromyalgia. Below is an example of a training program:
VIDEO: 5 Movement Exercises for Those with Fibromyalgia
Here you see five good movement exercises that are adapted to those with fibromyalgia. These can help you relieve muscle pain and stiff joints. Click below to see them.
Join our family and subscribe on our channel (click here) - and follow our page on FB for daily, free health tips and exercise programs that can help you towards even better health.
Hot water / pool training
Hot water / pool training has shown that it can be very effective when it comes to symptom relief and functional improvement - this is especially because it combines cardio training with resistance training.
Also read: - 3 Deep Breathing Exercises Against Stress
How can I keep fibromyalgia at bay?
- Live healthy and exercise regularly (within your limits)
- Seek well-being and avoid stress in everyday life
- Stay in good physical shape with adapted exercise programs for those with fibromyalgia
Other treatments
- D-Ribose
The image is compiled by CureTogether and shows an overview of therapies and their reported efficacy in the treatment of fibromyalgia. As we see, LDN scores very high.
Read more: 7 Ways LDN Can Help Against Fibromyalgia
Feel free to share in social media
Again, we want to ask nicely to share this article in social media or via your blog (please link directly to the article). Understanding and increased focus are the first steps towards a better everyday life for those affected by chronic pain, rheumatism and fibromyalgia.
Here's how you can help fight chronic pain and support it:
Option A: Share directly on FB - Copy the website address and paste it into your facebook page or in a relevant facebook group you are a member of. Or, press the “share” button below to share the post further on your facebook.
Touch this to share further. A big thank you to everyone who helps promote increased understanding of fibromyalgia and chronic pain diagnoses!
Option B: Link directly to the article on your blog or website.
Option C: Follow and equal Our Facebook page
NEXT PAGE: - These 18 Sore Muscle Points Can Tell If You Have Fibromyalgia
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References:
Robert S. Katz, MD, and Joel A. Block, MD. Fibromyalgia: Update on Mechanisms and Management. Journal of Clinical Rheumatology: Volume 13 (2) April 2007pp 102-109
Images: Creative Commons 2.0, Wikimedia, WikiFoundry
Frequently Asked Questions About Fibromyalgia:
Feel free to use the comment box below if you have any questions or comments.
Has anyone researched why so many pregnant women say that the symptoms of Fibromyalgia are almost gone when they are pregnant and the time after which it is fully breastfed? I would like to be 5 months pregnant the rest of the year ..?
I also experienced this during pregnancy. Would love to be pregnant permanently ☺️
Hi Elsa. A little late answer, but the hormone we women produce during pregnancy is pain relieving. I went on the hcg hormone a few years ago and experienced pain relief and increased energy. Abroad, research has been done on hcg as a pain-relieving preparation, but this is not something that is used in Norway.
Hi bother with fibromyalgia, low metabolism and endometriosis, is there a connection between these three? I have a prolapse in the lower back, I got it right after I removed the tailbone. Have struggled for many years with lumbago and feel that exercise almost makes me anxious since I ache afterwards.
Mr photos taken many years ago showed wear on wrists and hips. My chiropractor and my acupuncturist have many times slowed down that they suspect that I have a hernia, but it did not affect the tests I took a few years ago - what do you think I can demand from examinations? Hard to enjoy life with such great daily pain.
Etc. Elisabeth
Hi Elisabeth,
Up to 30% of those with low metabolism are also diagnosed with fibromyalgia - so there is a certain connection, but this connection is not thoroughly understood yet.
1) You write that you had the tailbone removed ?! What do you mean?
2) When did you get a lower back prolapse? Has it retracted since debut?
3) Have you tried custom training? The fact that it hurts the muscles is just a sign that the muscles are not strong enough for the load - and then when you stand and walk in everyday life, you also get pain due to this (including lumbago). The only way to avoid low back pain is that the support muscles are stronger than the load - so here you need to find adapted forms of exercise to become gradually stronger. Start with low intensity and aim high. It will probably take several months before you have managed to build yourself up to a sufficiently good level.
Please number your answers. Thank you in advance.
Regards.
Nicolay v / vondt.net
Hey!
Does the research on people with fibromyalgia also apply to people who have chronic muscle pain syndrome? Then I mean research that shows coupling errors in the brain in sensory-induced pain in fibromyalgia patients.
Regards
Ellen Marie Holgersen
Hi Ellen-Marie,
This study says nothing about it - so unfortunately we do not know.
Have a nice day.
Regards.
Nicole v / Vondt.net
Hi I came across this now. I have a question that bothers many. Why do we forget things… short-term memory .. there are many who struggle with it. Why do we forget words? why are we not examined in the brain or in the back? It must be shown somewhere. Mom has had Fibro for many many years and is struggling with the memory they have now taken spinal cord test of her. Then I wonder all those with Fibromyalgia have the same thing. I'm scared of this disease.
Yes, I have it and my mother of 86 has it too. Is a little annoying at times, but with a little humor it goes well. 😉
Stress / oxidative stress, chronic inflammation and poor sleep quality can adversely affect the brain. When it comes to sleep, one can sleep all night, but still not have the good deep sleep that is important for memory and concentration.
All this is true. I have been to a number of physiotherapists and no one wants to give massages that could loosen my tight muscles. They will only provide info on training.
Hi. Do not quite know where to ask the question - so I try here. Works in kindergarten and has had a sore neck for about 1 year. Started with the crystal disease (said the doctor - chiropractor said it came from the neck). I have now been on sick leave since the end of January. Went to the chiropractor, but felt that it helped the most there and then - now goes to the physio. I have been to MRI and X-ray. The result was: Increased disc degeneration in levels C5 / C6 and C6 / C7, added Modic type 1 cover plate reactions to the left as well as slightly increased disc flexion and large uncovertebral deposits that give relatively pronounced foramen stenoses for the left C6 and C7 root. No spinal stenosis or myelomalasia. Adds that I have a lot of pain in my head. (And then it's mostly about it slamming properly when I move and walk). Was at the physio yesterday. He did not say much about the result, but said I should stretch my neck a bit and keep running (which goes pretty well). He also said that Modic has been proven, but that the researchers disagree on whether or not to use antibiotics. What I'm wondering is Modic - have read a bit about it when it comes to the lumbar spine - is it the same with the neck? Notice that some people around me do not quite think that I have a sore neck and that maybe I should do more. I have some good days, but it takes very little before it hurts again. Is Modic type 1 something that can be lost? I'm terrified of being on sick leave for too long.