Do you have Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder of the muscles and soft tissues which causes, chronic, widespread pain. Breaking the word "Fibromyalgia" down, fibro = fibrous tissues in the body. myo= muscle and algia= pain. So, to have fibromyalgia means to have chronic pain in the fibrous tissues and muscles in the body.

Some people believe that there is a connection between Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia or that these two disorders may be one in the same.

There are what's called tender points which are affected in the person who suffers with this sometimes debilitating condition.

Tender points include: sides and tops of hips, inner elbows, between the shoulder blades, back of the head, inner knees, chest and shoulders.

Other symptoms may include: trouble sleeping, morning stiffness, headaches, painful menstrual periods, fatigue,memory problems or brain fog, tingling in hands and feet. Many symptoms can mimic other diseases and disorders such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus, and Lymes Disease. Your doctor or a specialist will be able to rule out other causes of your symptoms and hopefully be able to pinpoint an exact cause and give you a diagnosis. Many times, it is difficult at first to get an official diagnosis because other disease symptoms are alike. In some cases, a patient may even have two different disorders that are overlapping which may make diagnosis even harder.

Once you are diagnosed your physician can prescribe Amitriptyline to help you sleep and Prozac for depression.

Anti-seizure medications such as Neurontin(Gabapentin) have been proven to reduce the pain and symptoms of fibromayalgia. Neurontin is believed to also be helpful for restless leg syndrome, hot flashes, headaches, diabetic neuropathy, alcohol and cocaine withdrawal and hiccups - all of which are not yet approved for use for these other conditions.

Tramodol,prescribed by your doctor is useful for moderate pain. It is narcotic-like and you may experience withdrawal symptoms if discontinued such as sweating, sleeplessness, anxiety and diarrhea.

Analgesics (Acetaminophen), such as Tylenol is helpful to ease pain.

Lyrica http://www.lyrica.com/fibromyalgia_about.aspx?source=yahoo&HBX_PK=s_symptoms+of+fibromyalgia&HBX_OU=51&o=25229708|193636900|0

There are things you can do to improve your quality of life such as exercise, eating right and getting plenty of sleep. Stress can make your symptoms worse or bring them on. Your regular doctor may refer you to a Rheumatologist for treatment.

Your doctor may want you to have physical therapy to strengthen your muscles and restore muscle balance.

Living with chronic pain may cause depression and withdrawal from social situations. Getting support is very helpful not only for your state of mind but will most likely have a good impact on your quality of life by reducing stress and thereby, reducing your pain. Your doctor can refer you to a pain specialist and counseling so that you may be able to have some control over your disorder. There are many online support groups available.  Here are just a few:

http://www.mdjunction.com/fibromyalgia

http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Fibromyalgia/support-group

http://www.fibromyalgia-support.net/

http://www.healingwell.com/library/cfs/info2.asp