Fibromyalgia

What is it?

Fibromyalgia is a group of signs and symptoms that include chronic pain in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues. It is one of a collection of chronic disorders that often go hand in hand. Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is frequently seen with chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, migraine headaches, sleep disorders, and several other chronic conditions.

Signs and Symptoms

1. Widerspread pain in shifting locations that is extremely difficult to pin down. The intensity of the pain may vary widely (in other words, patients have good days and bad days). The pain can range from a deep ache to burning and tingling.

2. Tender points. Nine predictable pairs of these are distributed among all quadrants of the body. When FMS is triggered by a specific trauma, extra tender points may develop in the area around the injury.

3. Stiffness after rest

4. Poor stamina

5. Sensitivity amplification and low pain tolerance. All kinds of sensation become more intense and likely to cause pain. This includes light and sound, but is true especially of cold, texture, and pressure.

How is it recognized?

FMS is diagnosed when other diseases have been ruled out and when 11 active tender points are found distributed among all quadrants of the body, along with fatigue, morning stiffness, and poor quality sleep.

What happens?

This is a very different disorder from most other muscle problems. It is not a viral or bacterial or fungal infection: it is not an autoimmune mistake, nor is it often a direct result of injury. Rather, it is a complicated combination of a sleep problem, neuroendocrine imbalances, and emotional state. In deed, FMS may eventually be classified as a central nervous system disorder, but because muscle pain is among its most obvious symptom, it continues to be discussed as a musculoskeletal disorder.

Pain: The origin of the debilitating pain is one of the most mysterious aspects of this syndrome. Current studies suggest that the pain is not in fact generated in the muscles, as the name implies. Instead, examinations of the cerebrospinal fluid of FMS patients reveal pathologically high levels of two neurotransmitters, substance P and nerve growth factor. These substances are believed to initiated nerve activity, cause vasodilation, and increase pain sensation.

Is massage indicated or contraindicated?

FMS indicates massage. Care must be taken not to over treat, however, because clients are extremely sensitive to pain and may accumulations of waste products in the tissues that are difficult to flush out adequately.