Fibromyalgia

Also known as Fibromyalgia Syndrome, Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterised by pain widespread pain in muscles, tendons and ligaments.

Symptoms
Widespread pain throughout the body and possibly:

• Increased sensitivity to pain
• Extreme tiredness and fatigue
• Muscle stiffness and tenderness
• Difficulty sleeping
• “Fibro-fog” problems with memory and concentration
• Headaches
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a digestive condition that causes stomach pain and bloating

Treatment
There is no known cure for Fibromyalgia but there are treatments to relieve symptoms.  Such as:

• Medicine
• Counselling and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Lifestyle changes
• Physiotherapy

Exercise in-particular has important benefits helping to reduce pain, a physiotherapist will be able to provide you with an individually tailored exercise programme suited to you.

Causes
Thought to be due to abnormal levels of certain chemicals in the brain and changes in the way the brain, spinal cord and nerves processes pain messages.  People with Fibromyalgia have shown increased amount of the chemical called substance P in the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord known as cerebrospinal fluid. There have also been signs of increased nerve growth factor and decreased levels of serotonin.

A further cause includes the theory that people with Fibromyalgia have an oversensitivity to pain signals in the brain or an abnormal perception of pain.  Additionally, it is thought abnormal sleep patterns and an impaired non-rapid-eye-movement phase can explain fatigue and exhaustion.

In many cases, the condition appears to be triggered by physically or emotionally stressful event.

Despite extreme and disabling pain there is no tissue damage, deformity or inflammation within the painful tissues involved.  There is also no damage caused to the internal body organs.

How Physiotherapy can help
The main aims are to reduce pain and stiffness using a combination of strategies.  To reduce muscle spasms, increase energy levels, improve pain management and improve sleep patterns.  This is done through:

• Electrotherapy
• Soft tissue massage
• Heat
• Stretching and strengthening exercises
• Cardiovascular exercises to improve overall health and fitness levels
• Advice on diet, managing sleep and rest
• Postural education
• Acupuncture
• Functional activities to assist problems of daily living.