Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by musculoskeletal pain and a feeling of over-exhaustion. It is a rampant disorder that usually affects women. In fact, in the United States, there are about six million people affected by Fibromyalgia, and about ninety percent of them are women. The causes of Fibromyalgia are still unidentified; however, specialists believe that it may be due to injury, some chemical changes occurring in the brain, disturbances in sleeping patterns, bacterial infection, abnormal functioning of the nervous system, and/or changes in metabolism and in the hormones. A person suffering from Fibromyalgia typically feels tired, and his muscles, tendons, and ligaments badly hurt. In severe cases, an intense and burning pain may be felt. He also experiences fatigue even when he has not done anything exhausting. The person feels like he has completely lost his energy. Most patients suffering from Fibromyalgia also complain of having sleeping disorders, constipation and abdominal pain, diarrhea, and severe headaches. Women also frequently experience symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Symptoms vary from one person to another, and their severity differs as well. However, the symptoms are chronic, which means that they recur and last for a long time. If you think you or a loved one has Fibromyalgia, do not be afraid that it will be fatal. The disease is not progressive and may not threat your life. Muscle pain and sleeplessness may be mitigated through the use of drugs. Physicians usually treat sleeping disorders first because lack of deep-level sleep could worsen other symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Drugs that help increase serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the body are usually prescribed (in low doses) to patients with Fibromyalgia to treat both muscle pain and disturbance in sleeping patterns. People suffering from Fibromyalgia are advised to change lifestyles so as not to wear themselves out. Fibromygalia patients must also find time to learn more about this condition ?its symptoms, treatment, and aggravating factors. |
