Sam Bhide

Apr 21, 20231 min

Fibromyalgia

A condition with widespread pain and tenderness in the whole body.

Fibromyalgia affects not only muscles, bones and joints but also the nervous system.

SYMPTOMS

  • Chronic widespread pain

  • Fatigue

  • Poor sleep patterns

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Memory issues

  • Tiredness and fatigue

  • Mood changes- low mood, irritability

  • Tingling and numbness

  • Headaches

  • Painful menstrual periods

  • Diarrhoea, Bloating, constipation- Irritable bowel syndrome ( IBS) symptoms

  • Swelling in hands and feet

  • Overly sensitive joints and muscles

  • Stress

  • Restless legs syndrome

FACTS

  • Prevalence- 2-3 % globally

  • 1.8 -2.9 million in UK suffer from Fibromyalgia

  • Women > Men

  • Age 25-55 but children can get it too

  • Incidence increases with age

  • 3rd most frequent musculoskeletal condition

CAUSES - Cause is still unknown however mostly seem to be associated with

  • Genetic causes

  • ACE- Adverse childhood events

  • Mind- body relationship- stress, depression, anxiety, traumatic event

  • Possibly with arthritis and other comorbidities - Diabetes, heart conditions, thyroid

DIAGNOSIS

There is not single blood test or X-ray or a scan that can confirm this diagnosis

Healthcare professional will ask questions and give you symptom checker questionnaires to check your symptoms to confirm this diagnosis

https://www.fpmx.com.au/resources/office/New_Clinical_Fibromyalgia_Diagnostic_Criteria.pdf

MANAGEMENT

A holistic approach taking into consideration of individual's goals should be adapted

  • Patient education- Knowledge helps improve the symptoms management

  • Improving fitness - exercise within available limits -pain management programs

  • Psychotherapy - talking therapies, CBT, mindfulness practice etc

  • Medications- To manage symptoms as discussed with healthcare professionals

  • Complementary therapy- Acupuncture 10 sessions can reduce and help manage the symptoms

  • Social support and Occupational therapy support useful to adapt in life

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41584-020-00506-w

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng193

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/fibromyalgia/

Book in to help your symptoms

#fibromyalgia #chronicpain #painmanagement #physiotherapist #exercises #acupuncture #occupationaltherapy #psychotherapy #cbt #talkingtherapies #mindfulness #mentalhealth #mentalwellbeing #painmanagementprogram

    120
    0