Fibromyalgia

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Fibromyalgia
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What is Fibromyalgia?

• Physical condition, not a psychiatric illness
• Characterized by
• Pain
• Chronic, widespread muscle, ligament and tendon
  pain
• Aching and throbbing
• Fatigue
• Mild to incapacitating
• Drained of energy
• Difficulty concentrating
• Restless sleep
• Sleep constantly disrupted
• Dont wake up refreshed

Source www.praxis.md
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The Facts about Fibromyalgia

• Occurs in about 3.4 of women and 0.5 of men.
• Majority of sufferers are women between ages 40
  and 60.
• 85-90 of fibromyalgia sufferers are women.
• Occurs in all climates, nearly all countries and
  most ethnic groups.

Source www.praxis.md
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Causes of Fibromyalgia

• No known cause.
• May be linked with
• Sleep disorders
• Stress
• Chemical imbalances
• Abnormalities in the immune or endocrine systems
• Can be triggered by development of another
  disorder, accident, infection.
• May have a genetic link.

Source www.praxis.md
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Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

• Widespread pain
• Stiffness
• Poor sleep
• Fatigue
• Swelling in soft tissue (especially hands)
• Numbness in the extremities
• Headaches
• Restless leg syndrome

• Abdominal pain
• Tender joints
• Limited range of motion
• Jaw pain
• Memory impairment
• Menstrual cramping
• Dizziness
• Skin and chemical sensitivities
• Diarrhea

Source www.praxis.md
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Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

• 18 tender points identified with fibromyalgia.
• Pain on 11 of 18 tender points is typically
  diagnosed as fibromyalgia.

Source www.praxis.md
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Risk Factors

• These may aggravate fibromyalgia symptoms
• Trauma
• Physical exertion
• Overuse of muscles
• Humid or cold weather
• Stress
• Poor sleep habits
• Depression
• Hormonal fluctuations

Source www.praxis.md
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Diagnosis

• Complete medical history
• Physical examination
• Tender Point test
• No laboratory tests for fibromyalgia

Source www.praxis.md
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Self Care Methods of Treatment

• Lifestyle modifications to conserve energy and
  minimize pain.
• Modify and improve sleep quality.
• Get aerobic exercise three times a week.
• Gentle stretching exercises.
• Avoid caffeine.
• Keep regular sleep schedule.
• Taking hot baths or apply heat to tender and
  painful areas.

Source www.praxis.md
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Other Therapies

• Psychological counseling or cognitive-behavioral
  treatment.
• May relieve intensity of pain, reduce number of
  tender points and lower emotional stress.
• Occupational and physical therapy.
• Activity pacing.

Source www.praxis.md
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Alternative Treatments

• Relaxation techniques
• Mediation
• Breathing exercises
• Guided imagery
• Gentle massage
• Relieve muscular pain

Source www.praxis.md
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Prognosis

• Fibromyalgia can not be cured but can be
  controlled.
• Most sufferers can expect to lead a relatively
  normal life with appropriate management.

Source www.praxis.md
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Coping with Fibromyalgia

• Fibromyalgia is real, not psychiatric
• Focus on
• Physical symptoms
• Emotional feelings
• Psychological health
• Important discuss fears and problems with
• Doctors
• Friends and family
• Support groups
• Psychologists

Source www.allaboutarthritis.com
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Questions?