Fibromyalgia treatment is a matter of trial and error

Sometimes it’s like watching the dog chase its tail. The pain of fibromyalgia can be so severe the sufferer just wants to stay in bed, but inactivity can exacerbate the problem.

The side effects of the medication to treat the pain of this incurable condition may increase other associated symptoms. Round and round we go.

Let’s look at what fibromyalgia is and whom it affects. According to the Mayo Clinic fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals.

Women are roughly 20 times more apt to develop the ailment often as young as their early 20s, although men and children are not immune. It holds no boundaries for ethnic backgrounds and affects about 10 million Americans.

The National Fibromyalgia Association describes the diagnosis as a history of widespread pain in all four quadrants of the body for a minimum duration of three months, and pain in at least 11 of 18 designated tender points when a specified amount of pressure is applied.

Since people with the condition tend to look healthy and conventional tests are typically normal, a healthcare provider knowledgeable about the illness is necessary to make a diagnosis. He or she will rule out other causes of the symptoms.

Indi-cators frequently include moderate to severe fatigue; problems with cognitive functioning, memory and concentration; stiffness, and disordered sleep.

People with fibromyalgia often experience overlapping conditions such as: irritable bowel syndrome; irritable bladder; headaches and migraines; restless legs syndrome; chronic fatigue syndrome; neurally medicated hypotension; and depression.

The cause remains a mystery. It often occurs following a physical trauma such as an injury or illness. Recent research links fibromyalgia to genetics and other studies are focusing on the central nervous system as the underlying mechanism of the disorder.

Studies have suggested that patients have a generalized disturbance in pain processing that results in “pain amplification.” That is, fibromyalgia patients experience pain in response to stimuli that would not ordinarily be painful in healthy people.

Although experiencing debilitating pain, the good news is that it does not damage tissues and, with appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes, patients can learn to manage the illness successfully. As the symptoms will always wax and wane, they often actually disappear over time.

The medico will prescribe medications to alleviate the symptoms. Often a moderate exercise like yoga will be encouraged. Some patients get relief from massage or acupuncture.

The most important factors in successfully treating the condition is increasing rest, pacing activities carefully, reducing stress, practicing relaxation and improving nutrition.

Step into the forum at www.dailystrength.org and read how people are learning to cope by networking with others who are struggling with the same issues. One woman writes, “I’m wondering if my flares could be linked to my diet. I always seem to feel painful and tired after lots of bready type foods. Have any of you felt this could be linked?”

Replies range from the fact that there’s no medical proof that gluten affects fibromyalgia and dieting is just a placebo to several who’ve not only laid off wheat but sugar, eggs, red meat, processed foods, alcohol and caffeine with great success.

It’s a matter of trial and error. What works for one may not work for another, oh look, there’s that dog chasing his tail again.

Kathy Hubbard is a trustee on Bonner General Hospital Foundation Board. She can be reached at kathyleehubbard@yahoo.com, 264-4029.