A CAPSULAR MOMENT

FIBROMYALGIA

BY DAVID BODUNDE Rph 

Fibromyalgia Is a term referring to pain in the fibrous tissues of the body, such as muscles, tendons, and ligament. It is a medical disorder characterized by chronic widespread pain and a heightened and painful response to pressure. Fibromyalgia is also considered a phantom disease by many members of the medical community because of a lack of abnormalities on physical examination, absence of a diagnostic test and a lack of scientific consensus as to its cause. 

Causes

Because the cause of fibromyalgia is currently unknown, several theories have been developed and they include:

Genetic predisposition

There is evidence that genetic factors may play a role in the development of fibromyalgia because it has been found that it runs in families. This genetic predisposition is similar to what is seen with diseases like chronic fatigue syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome.

Stress

Is also an important precipitating factor in the development of fibromyalgia. It is usually present when other stress related disorders like posttraumatic stress disorder is present.

Neurotransmitter abnormalities

Have also been hypothesised to be responsible for symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. Both disruption in serotonin and dopamine (chemicals produced by the body that regulates sleep patterns, mood, concentration and pain) secretion are thought to play a part in producing fibromyalgia associated symptoms.

Deficient growth hormone secretion

Abnormalities in hormones like cortisol, leptin and neuropeptide Y are found in people with fibromyalgia, these hormones are under the direct or indirect control of growth hormone (GH) but further study is still needed to confirm this   link.

Psychological factors

There are strong evidence that major depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances are associated with fibromyalgia.

Diagnosis

There is no definitive medical test for fibromyalgia. The diagnosis is usually made by conducting a physical exam and a thorough history. The doctor will check for pain and tenderness at 18 “tender points,” areas where the pain is more severe. The doctor will also rule other causes of muscle pain, such as lupus and arthritis. This may involve blood tests. Because there is no specific test for fibromyalgia, the diagnosis may be difficult to make.

Treatment

Fibromyalgia is often treated in a multifaceted fashion, using both medications and non-medication methods to improve symptoms. Non-medication methods to relieve symptoms include regular sleep, regular stretching and aerobic exercises, hot compresses, and gentle massage.

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and other anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen don’t often help the pain of fibromyalgia, but may be used by some people. Anti-seizure medications like pregabalin and gabapentin may help treat the symptoms of fibromyalgia by reducing the efficiency with which pain messages are passed along the nerves, thereby reducing pain. Severe persistent pain that is focused in one point is sometimes treated with a shot of the local anaesthetic lidocaine in combination with cortisone.

Low doses of antidepressants (e.g., paroxetine, amitriptyline, citalopram, sertraline, fluoxetine and fluvoxamine) are often used to treat fibromyalgia. Anti depressants can improve sleep and may help with the pain. In higher doses, they can also be used to treat mood disorders in people who develop this condition along with fibromyalgia. 

To speak with Pharmacist David Bodunde, Rph in person, visit him at the Manitouwadge Pharmacy in the Hallmark Square or call 826-3888 during regular business hours.

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER The opinions expressed on OntarioNewsNorth.com and by David Bodunde,Rph  are published for educational and informational purposes only, and are not intended as a diagnosis, treatment or as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment. Please consult a local physician or other health care professional for your specific health care and/or medical needs or concerns.

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