Fibromyalgia Pain Relief- Treatment Focused on Symptoms

By Shaun Marsh

Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by the widespread distribution of pain all throughout the body and is chronic. Apart from the pain that the disorder is inflicting, FM will also inflict easy fatigability to the individual as well as sleep disturbances. It was originally thought to be of musculoskeletal origin because the pain occurs on most muscles, bones, ligaments and tendons.

Yet, there are researches that demonstrated the involvement of the central nervous system or the CNS to the progression of the disease. Because of the involvement of the CNS to the disease progression, the pain sensation is enhanced. The situation will only grow worst because of this.

One of the many issues that medical personnel are facing today is the fact that the disease is not really that easy to diagnose. Laboratory tests as well as x-rays cannot determine that it is actually the problem. The only way that the disease is diagnosed is through the location of multiple tender points all throughout the body.

The widespread pain that the patient will feel is the hallmark of the disease but the diagnosis must be after other medical condition has been ruled out. Many doctors are already assuming about the many causes of FM and the triggering factors as well. Sometimes, the significant lack of appropriate sleep can trigger the incidence of this disorder even though it has always been thought of as one of the symptoms.

Furthermore, the lack of sleep can lead to a vicious cycle wherein the patient will suffer more from sleep disturbances as well as triggering the flare up. The resulting situation would be the extreme lack of adequate rest for patients. However, before this could be finally answered, further research is needed.

Pain relief is the primary focus for most treatment involved in this disease. Today, pain medications prove to be effective against the symptoms of FM. Apart from the OTC and prescription pain relievers, narcolepsy drugs, antidepressants and anticonvulsants are also utilized to help alleviate the symptoms. They are used to alleviate not only the pain but also help in getting adequate rest, relief from anxiety and depression. - 30287

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