Fibromyalgia

FIBROMYALGIA

Fibromyalgia is a generalized body pain disorder that lasts more than 6 months. It is characterized by the pressure sensitive tender spots, trigger points and accompanying systemic and neurological symptoms. It is seen twice as much in women and in 2-8% of the society.

Fibromyalgia pain may manifest as:

Generalized body pain
Head-neck pain
Back, low back pain
Joint pain

Complaints that can be seen alongside pain in patients with fibromyalgia are:

Sleep disorders
Waking tired in the morning
Fatigue that does not improve with rest
Brain fog (Fibro fog)
Concentration loss, reduced attention span
A deceleration of performance, inability to multitask
Memory problems
Migraines and headaches
Dizziness
Frequent urination, hyperactive bladder symptoms
Painful menstruation, premenstrual syndrome
Numbness of hands and feet
Restless legs syndrome (RLS)
Jaw pain, temporormandibular disorders, teeth grinding
Augmented sensitivity
Sensitivity to light and sound
Sensitivity to cold
Sensitivity to touch
Allodynia (pain with non painful stimuli)
Hyperalgesia (augmented pain with painful stimuli)
Sensitivity to odours
Multiple chemical and drug sensitivity
Joint pain and morning stiffness
Irritable bowel syndrome; Gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation)
Vertigo, light headedness
Orthostatic intolerance

A physician can make a diagnosis of fibromyalgia by taking a detailed history and examining you. Tender points, tender areas and trigger points may be found during the examination.
Fibromyalgia is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. There is augmented central sensitization, inflammation, neuro-inflammation, oxidative stress and problems of the serotonin and dopamin metabolisms. Fibromyalgia sometimes starts after physical trauma, surgery, a severe infection or major psychosocial stress; while in some patients it becomes evident over the years without any significant triggers.

Risk Factors for fibromyalgia are: