While the exact cause of fibromyalgia may not yet be fully established, some theories point to genetic and environmental causes. It has been established to be inherited from certain people in a familial pattern. In terms of environmental causes, depression, trauma and infections have been linked to this disease. There are several principles on coping with fibromyalgia Winnipeg individuals need to keep in mind.
The presentation is quite varied with the common denominator being pain. The hallmark feature is the fact that it tends to affect multiple systems in the body simultaneously, impairing their functionality. Muscles and fibrous tissues are most commonly affected, hence the name. Other forms of presentation include disturbance in sleep, , headaches, palpitations, poor vision, urinary tract anomalies and altered bowel habits.
Diagnosis of the disease depends on certain factors. In the criterion used for diagnosis, the pain should last longer than three months. In addition, the pain should be widespread enough to involve all the four quadrants of the body. This means that the areas above and below the waist, on either side, have to be involved.
There are no specific tests available to diagnose the condition. Therefore, the doctor will take time to know all the symptoms that the patient presents with. They will also need to know if there are any members of their family with the same illnesses or symptoms suggestive of the same. The doctor will also need to perform a comprehensive physical examination of all organ systems in the body. These, together with certain screening tests help to rule out other diseases that usually present in similar fashion. Examples of such conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, polymyalgia and entrapment syndromes among other disease forms.
Research is still ongoing to find cure for the condition. In the meantime, certain pharmaceutical products are of proving to be of help. These include analgesic agents such as opioids, drugs meant to treat depression and muscle relaxants. One needs to be extremely cautious when taking opioids because of their potentially fatal side effects. As a matter of fact, weak opioids should be tried first before resorting to the stronger ones. The decision to use the stronger options is only indicated when other pain relievers have proved ineffective.
Non pharmacological techniques that have been shown to be effective include exercise, art, music and occupational therapy. The latter three are especially good in the long term management of this condition. The patient is given guidance as to how best they can exercise. Only tolerable exercises should be undertaken and the intensity increased gradually over time.
Despite the condition not being fatal, the prognosis is generally not a good one. This is mainly due to the long term nature of the condition. Other factors such as depression also contribute to poor outcomes if management is not intensified.
In conclusion, fibromyalgia is a condition that can be adequately as long as there is a right attitude and approach. Since it affects only about five percent of the world population, it is still widely misunderstood. There is a need to educate the general population on what the condition is and how best affected persons can be assisted.
The presentation is quite varied with the common denominator being pain. The hallmark feature is the fact that it tends to affect multiple systems in the body simultaneously, impairing their functionality. Muscles and fibrous tissues are most commonly affected, hence the name. Other forms of presentation include disturbance in sleep, , headaches, palpitations, poor vision, urinary tract anomalies and altered bowel habits.
Diagnosis of the disease depends on certain factors. In the criterion used for diagnosis, the pain should last longer than three months. In addition, the pain should be widespread enough to involve all the four quadrants of the body. This means that the areas above and below the waist, on either side, have to be involved.
There are no specific tests available to diagnose the condition. Therefore, the doctor will take time to know all the symptoms that the patient presents with. They will also need to know if there are any members of their family with the same illnesses or symptoms suggestive of the same. The doctor will also need to perform a comprehensive physical examination of all organ systems in the body. These, together with certain screening tests help to rule out other diseases that usually present in similar fashion. Examples of such conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, polymyalgia and entrapment syndromes among other disease forms.
Research is still ongoing to find cure for the condition. In the meantime, certain pharmaceutical products are of proving to be of help. These include analgesic agents such as opioids, drugs meant to treat depression and muscle relaxants. One needs to be extremely cautious when taking opioids because of their potentially fatal side effects. As a matter of fact, weak opioids should be tried first before resorting to the stronger ones. The decision to use the stronger options is only indicated when other pain relievers have proved ineffective.
Non pharmacological techniques that have been shown to be effective include exercise, art, music and occupational therapy. The latter three are especially good in the long term management of this condition. The patient is given guidance as to how best they can exercise. Only tolerable exercises should be undertaken and the intensity increased gradually over time.
Despite the condition not being fatal, the prognosis is generally not a good one. This is mainly due to the long term nature of the condition. Other factors such as depression also contribute to poor outcomes if management is not intensified.
In conclusion, fibromyalgia is a condition that can be adequately as long as there is a right attitude and approach. Since it affects only about five percent of the world population, it is still widely misunderstood. There is a need to educate the general population on what the condition is and how best affected persons can be assisted.
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