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NHS Direct fibromyalgia introduction
Terry Wed Jun 25, 2008 3:06 pm
Fibromyalgia Introduction
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes fatigue, pain in the muscles and ligaments (the bands of tissue that connect bone to bone), and tender areas in certain points of the body.
Around 9 out of 10 of those affected by fibromyalgia are women. In most cases, fibromyalgia develops between the ages of 30 and 60, but it can develop in people of any age, including children and the elderly. Around 1 in 100 people develop fibromyalgia at some point in their life and there are around 14,700 new cases in the UK each year.
The name fibromyalgia comes from the Latin word fibro, meaning fibrous tissues (tendons, ligaments), my meaning muscles, and algia meaning pain. The condition used to be known as fibrositis, which literally means inflammation of the muscles and soft tissue, but was renamed fibromyalgia in the 1980s because studies found there is no inflammation or nerve injury.
reproduced by kind permission of NHS Driect
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes fatigue, pain in the muscles and ligaments (the bands of tissue that connect bone to bone), and tender areas in certain points of the body.
Around 9 out of 10 of those affected by fibromyalgia are women. In most cases, fibromyalgia develops between the ages of 30 and 60, but it can develop in people of any age, including children and the elderly. Around 1 in 100 people develop fibromyalgia at some point in their life and there are around 14,700 new cases in the UK each year.
The name fibromyalgia comes from the Latin word fibro, meaning fibrous tissues (tendons, ligaments), my meaning muscles, and algia meaning pain. The condition used to be known as fibrositis, which literally means inflammation of the muscles and soft tissue, but was renamed fibromyalgia in the 1980s because studies found there is no inflammation or nerve injury.
reproduced by kind permission of NHS Driect
Terry- Admin
- Number of posts : 71
Age : 54
Location : Manchester
Registration date : 2008-05-25
fibromyalgia symptoms
Terry Sat Jun 28, 2008 9:41 pm
Fibromyalgia Symptoms
The main symptoms of fibromyalgia are pain, tender spots and fatigue. However, there are a large number of possible symptoms, and they can vary in severity from day to day.
Pain from fibromyalgia can occur in the muscles and ligaments of any part of your body and can vary in severity from day to day. The pain may change location - some people feel pain all over, but its most common in the parts of the body that are used most, such as the back, neck, shoulders and feet. In some people the pain can be so intense that it interferes with everyday tasks such as eating, while in others it may cause only moderate discomfort. The pain is often accompanied by stiffness in the area affected.
Some small areas on the body may become particularly tender. This is most common at the elbows, the neck, the front of the knees and the hip joints.
Fatigue also varies from person to person, ranging from a mild, tired feeling to the exhaustion of a flu-like illness. People with fibromyalgia often wake up tired even though they have had plenty of sleep, although many feel more awake later in the day. Fatigue can make it difficult to do everyday things like climb the stairs, go shopping, or go to work.
Other symptoms of fibromyalgia can include:
headache or facial pain, often as a result of neck, shoulder or jaw muscle stiffness,
disturbed sleep or tiredness upon waking,
irritable bowels or bladder, leading to an increased need to pass urine, diarrhoea, constipation, or feeling bloated,
tingling, numbness, prickling or burning sensations in the hands and feet (paresthesia),
dry eyes, skin or mouth,
unusually painful periods,
restlessness in the legs, particularly at night,
increased sensitivity to smells, noise, bright lights or touch,
poor concentration or memory lapses,
anxiety, and
depression.
Symptoms sometimes get better or worse depending on factors such as the weather, stress levels, and what types of activity the person is doing. Many people find that symptoms are worse first thing in the morning and last thing at night.
Full recovery from fibromyalgia is uncommon, although there may be long periods of time when symptoms disappear completely. Most people have to learn to live with the condition long-term. However, fibromyalgia is not life-threatening and does not reduce life expectancy.
None of the common symptoms of fibromyalgia are outwardly visible and someone with the condition may appear perfectly well. As a result, fibromyalgia is sometimes referred to as the invisible disability or the irritable everything syndrome.
reproduced by kind permission of NHS Derect
The main symptoms of fibromyalgia are pain, tender spots and fatigue. However, there are a large number of possible symptoms, and they can vary in severity from day to day.
Pain from fibromyalgia can occur in the muscles and ligaments of any part of your body and can vary in severity from day to day. The pain may change location - some people feel pain all over, but its most common in the parts of the body that are used most, such as the back, neck, shoulders and feet. In some people the pain can be so intense that it interferes with everyday tasks such as eating, while in others it may cause only moderate discomfort. The pain is often accompanied by stiffness in the area affected.
Some small areas on the body may become particularly tender. This is most common at the elbows, the neck, the front of the knees and the hip joints.
Fatigue also varies from person to person, ranging from a mild, tired feeling to the exhaustion of a flu-like illness. People with fibromyalgia often wake up tired even though they have had plenty of sleep, although many feel more awake later in the day. Fatigue can make it difficult to do everyday things like climb the stairs, go shopping, or go to work.
Other symptoms of fibromyalgia can include:
headache or facial pain, often as a result of neck, shoulder or jaw muscle stiffness,
disturbed sleep or tiredness upon waking,
irritable bowels or bladder, leading to an increased need to pass urine, diarrhoea, constipation, or feeling bloated,
tingling, numbness, prickling or burning sensations in the hands and feet (paresthesia),
dry eyes, skin or mouth,
unusually painful periods,
restlessness in the legs, particularly at night,
increased sensitivity to smells, noise, bright lights or touch,
poor concentration or memory lapses,
anxiety, and
depression.
Symptoms sometimes get better or worse depending on factors such as the weather, stress levels, and what types of activity the person is doing. Many people find that symptoms are worse first thing in the morning and last thing at night.
Full recovery from fibromyalgia is uncommon, although there may be long periods of time when symptoms disappear completely. Most people have to learn to live with the condition long-term. However, fibromyalgia is not life-threatening and does not reduce life expectancy.
None of the common symptoms of fibromyalgia are outwardly visible and someone with the condition may appear perfectly well. As a result, fibromyalgia is sometimes referred to as the invisible disability or the irritable everything syndrome.
reproduced by kind permission of NHS Derect
Terry- Admin
- Number of posts : 71
Age : 54
Location : Manchester
Registration date : 2008-05-25
what causes fibromyalgia
Terry Sat Jun 28, 2008 9:43 pm
Fibromyalgia Causes
The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, although there are several theories.
Research has shown that people with fibromyalgia have lower than normal levels of a chemical called serotonin. Serotonin plays an important part in controlling pain and regulating sleep. One of the leading theories is that a low level of serotonin causes fibromyalgia.
However, research has also shown that people with fibromyalgia tend to have disturbances in their deep sleep. Some experts believe that disturbed sleep patterns may be a cause of fibromyalgia, rather than just a symptom.
Other theories about the cause include viral infection (although no virus has been identified), emotional trauma, physical injury, altered pain perception, lack of growth hormone, lack of exercise and hereditary factors. It is possible that there is no single cause, and that several factors combine to cause the condition.
reproduced by kind permission of NHS Direct
The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, although there are several theories.
Research has shown that people with fibromyalgia have lower than normal levels of a chemical called serotonin. Serotonin plays an important part in controlling pain and regulating sleep. One of the leading theories is that a low level of serotonin causes fibromyalgia.
However, research has also shown that people with fibromyalgia tend to have disturbances in their deep sleep. Some experts believe that disturbed sleep patterns may be a cause of fibromyalgia, rather than just a symptom.
Other theories about the cause include viral infection (although no virus has been identified), emotional trauma, physical injury, altered pain perception, lack of growth hormone, lack of exercise and hereditary factors. It is possible that there is no single cause, and that several factors combine to cause the condition.
reproduced by kind permission of NHS Direct
Terry- Admin
- Number of posts : 71
Age : 54
Location : Manchester
Registration date : 2008-05-25
Fibromyalgia Diagnosis
Terry Sat Jun 28, 2008 9:46 pm
Fibromyalgia Diagnosis
Diagnosing fibromyalgia can be difficult - there is no specific test that can diagnose the condition and the symptoms of fibromyalgia can vary from person to person.
A diagnosis is usually made by taking a medical history, checking the symptoms, and doing a physical examination. A doctor may suspect fibromyalgia from the characteristic tender spots it can cause.
Blood tests, X-rays and other scans may be used to rule out conditions with symptoms similar to fibromyalgia. These include chronic fatigue syndrome, lupus, under-active thyroid, multiple sclerosis, myositis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren's syndrome.
If your GP suspects that you have fibromyalgia, they can refer you to a specialist in connective tissue disorders (a rheumatologist), to rule out arthritis and get more information about your condition
reproduced by kind permission of NHS Direct
Diagnosing fibromyalgia can be difficult - there is no specific test that can diagnose the condition and the symptoms of fibromyalgia can vary from person to person.
A diagnosis is usually made by taking a medical history, checking the symptoms, and doing a physical examination. A doctor may suspect fibromyalgia from the characteristic tender spots it can cause.
Blood tests, X-rays and other scans may be used to rule out conditions with symptoms similar to fibromyalgia. These include chronic fatigue syndrome, lupus, under-active thyroid, multiple sclerosis, myositis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren's syndrome.
If your GP suspects that you have fibromyalgia, they can refer you to a specialist in connective tissue disorders (a rheumatologist), to rule out arthritis and get more information about your condition
reproduced by kind permission of NHS Direct
Terry- Admin
- Number of posts : 71
Age : 54
Location : Manchester
Registration date : 2008-05-25
FibromyalgiaTreatment
Terry Sat Jun 28, 2008 9:48 pm
FibromyalgiaTreatment
There is no cure for fibromyalgia, so treatment aims to ease the symptoms as much as possible and to improve your quality of life.
Research has shown that exercise can significantly improve the symptoms of fibromyalgia for most people, reducing pain, boosting energy levels and helping with regular sleep patterns. Low-impact aerobic exercises - such as walking, cycling or swimming - are thought to be best, rather than muscle-straining exercises such as weight-training. A physiotherapist can provide a programme of gentle exercise and stretching that is tailored to an individuals symptoms.
The following medicines may be prescribed to help relieve symptoms:
Low-dose tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitryptiline - these can ease pain and help with disturbed sleep.
Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine these help to relieve a serotonin deficiency. SSRIs slow the process by which serotonin is reused by the nerve cells that make it, increasing the amount of serotonin in the body.
Paracetamols can help to ease pain.However, the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, or ibuprofen, are not recommended because there is no evidence that they are effective in treating the pain caused by the condition.
Local anaesthetic mixed with corticosteroids - this can be injected into the areas that are particularly painful to provide temporary relief.
Mild tranquillizers such as diazepam - these can treat anxiety and muscle spasms.
Although fibromyalgia can cause severe pain, stronger narcotic painkillers (such as codeine, methadone or morphine) are very rarely prescribed. This is because this type of medicine can become addictive, particularly if used for long periods of time. As well as their potential for addiction, these types of medicine are not proven to be effective in treating fibromyalgia pain.
Depression which develops as a result of fibromyalgia may be treated with antidepressants.
Relaxation therapy, anxiety management techniques, counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), or other talking treatments can help some people with fibromyalgia to cope better with the way pain, fatigue or other symptoms interfere with life.
Learning to manage stress levels is important as stress is one of the factors that can make symptoms worse. Its also important to get enough sleep to reduce the effects of fatigue, and to eat a healthy, balanced diet to help with energy levels.
Some people find complementary therapy treatments such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, massage, chiropractic or osteopathy ease their pain or fatigue, or help them relax and manage their condition better.
Full recovery from fibromyalgia is uncommon. Although symptoms may vary in severity over time, and may even disappear completely for periods, they usually return. Most people will have to learn to live with the condition long-term. Joining a fibromyalgia support group can be a tremendous source of comfort and support.
reproduced by kind permission of NHS Direct
There is no cure for fibromyalgia, so treatment aims to ease the symptoms as much as possible and to improve your quality of life.
Research has shown that exercise can significantly improve the symptoms of fibromyalgia for most people, reducing pain, boosting energy levels and helping with regular sleep patterns. Low-impact aerobic exercises - such as walking, cycling or swimming - are thought to be best, rather than muscle-straining exercises such as weight-training. A physiotherapist can provide a programme of gentle exercise and stretching that is tailored to an individuals symptoms.
The following medicines may be prescribed to help relieve symptoms:
Low-dose tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitryptiline - these can ease pain and help with disturbed sleep.
Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine these help to relieve a serotonin deficiency. SSRIs slow the process by which serotonin is reused by the nerve cells that make it, increasing the amount of serotonin in the body.
Paracetamols can help to ease pain.However, the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, or ibuprofen, are not recommended because there is no evidence that they are effective in treating the pain caused by the condition.
Local anaesthetic mixed with corticosteroids - this can be injected into the areas that are particularly painful to provide temporary relief.
Mild tranquillizers such as diazepam - these can treat anxiety and muscle spasms.
Although fibromyalgia can cause severe pain, stronger narcotic painkillers (such as codeine, methadone or morphine) are very rarely prescribed. This is because this type of medicine can become addictive, particularly if used for long periods of time. As well as their potential for addiction, these types of medicine are not proven to be effective in treating fibromyalgia pain.
Depression which develops as a result of fibromyalgia may be treated with antidepressants.
Relaxation therapy, anxiety management techniques, counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), or other talking treatments can help some people with fibromyalgia to cope better with the way pain, fatigue or other symptoms interfere with life.
Learning to manage stress levels is important as stress is one of the factors that can make symptoms worse. Its also important to get enough sleep to reduce the effects of fatigue, and to eat a healthy, balanced diet to help with energy levels.
Some people find complementary therapy treatments such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, massage, chiropractic or osteopathy ease their pain or fatigue, or help them relax and manage their condition better.
Full recovery from fibromyalgia is uncommon. Although symptoms may vary in severity over time, and may even disappear completely for periods, they usually return. Most people will have to learn to live with the condition long-term. Joining a fibromyalgia support group can be a tremendous source of comfort and support.
reproduced by kind permission of NHS Direct
Terry- Admin
- Number of posts : 71
Age : 54
Location : Manchester
Registration date : 2008-05-25
Fibromyalgia Medicine guides
Terry Sat Jun 28, 2008 9:50 pm
Fibromyalgia Medicine guides
The list below is a combination of the generic and brand names of medicines available in the UK. Each name provides a link to a separate website (Medicine Guides) where you can find detailed information about the medicine. The information is provided as part of an on-going medicine information project between NHS Direct, Datapharm Communications Ltd and other organisations.
The medicines listed below hold a UK licence to allow their use in the treatment of this condition. Unlicensed medicines are not included.
The list is continually reviewed and updated but it may not be complete as the project is still in progress and guides for new medicines may still be in development.
If you are taking one of these medicines for a different condition, or your medicine for this condition is not mentioned here at all, speak to your prescriber, GP or pharmacist, or contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
Amitriptyline
Fluoxetine
Ibuprofen
Methyprednisolone/Lidocaine
Prednisolone
Diazepam
reproduced by kind permission of NHS Direct
The list below is a combination of the generic and brand names of medicines available in the UK. Each name provides a link to a separate website (Medicine Guides) where you can find detailed information about the medicine. The information is provided as part of an on-going medicine information project between NHS Direct, Datapharm Communications Ltd and other organisations.
The medicines listed below hold a UK licence to allow their use in the treatment of this condition. Unlicensed medicines are not included.
The list is continually reviewed and updated but it may not be complete as the project is still in progress and guides for new medicines may still be in development.
If you are taking one of these medicines for a different condition, or your medicine for this condition is not mentioned here at all, speak to your prescriber, GP or pharmacist, or contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
Amitriptyline
Fluoxetine
Ibuprofen
Methyprednisolone/Lidocaine
Prednisolone
Diazepam
reproduced by kind permission of NHS Direct
Terry- Admin
- Number of posts : 71
Age : 54
Location : Manchester
Registration date : 2008-05-25
Thnakyou NHS DIRECT
Terry Sat Jun 28, 2008 9:52 pm
Thankyou for allowing us to have a licence to post your information on this forum
Terry- Admin
- Number of posts : 71
Age : 54
Location : Manchester
Registration date : 2008-05-25
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