By Sarah Clark


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 condition typically presents in form chronic muscle aches, headaches, sleep disturbances and even depression. Contrary to common belief, symptoms are not necessarily limited to muscles. Instead, severe forms of the disease evolve to also involve multiple systems in the body. In the eyes, for instance, this condition can bring about problems with vision. In the cardiovascular system, the affected individual may complain of palpitations. Such patients also commonly present with irritable bowel syndrome and urinary symptoms such as pain on urination.

For one to be certain that they indeed suffer from this condition, certain factors have to be put into consideration. The duration of symptoms needs to be at least three months. Additionally, symptoms should involve the upper and lower parts of the body bilaterally. These two are the typical ways in which a diagnosis is made.

Fibromyalgia is normally a clinical diagnosis. Laboratory investigations and radiological imaging have a minimal role to play. Their main use is to rule conditions that have similar signs and symptoms. In this regard, it is crucial for the clinician to take a detailed history and conduct a thorough physical examination. The doctor needs to find when the condition first manifested itself, its pattern of progression and whether there are any family members who suffer from the same. It is therefore key that the doctor creates good rapport with their patient.

Unfortunately, fibromyalgia has no definitive treatment; at least not yet. The good news is that there are a number of ways which have been shown to manage the associated symptoms. Pharmacologically, several drugs are available to choose from. These include muscle relaxants, antidepressants, and opioids among others. One should, however, be cautious when taking opioids because they are known to cause dependence and respiratory depression especially in high doses. These drugs should only be considered if all others are not effective.

Children with fibromyalgia can greatly benefit from non pharmacological methods of treatment given the long term nature of the disease and the resultant side effects of medication. Music and art helps them to channel their energies on relaxing activities rather than focusing on their pain. Exercise and occupational therapy also play key roles in pain control.

The prognosis of this condition is not good even though the disease is not a life threatening. Its poor prognostic nature is due to chronicity of the illness. Circumstances surrounding the illness can also contribute to poor prognosis. For instance, a person with fibromyalgia and depression concurrently may take time to achieve symptomatic relief.

To summarize, it is important to state that fibromyalgia can be contained as long as there is commitment portrayed by the healthcare providers, the patients themselves and their social support system. Interestingly, it only affects five percent of the population with women being common victims.This makes it fairly misunderstood by many people.




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