Diagnosis and treatment of fibromyalgia
Diagnosis and treatment of fibromyalgia
The fibromyalgia disorder is not a very common disorder and is found only in three to six percent of the total population. Though it is not a very common disorder but its effects and causes are very uncommon and mysterious. The fibromylagia disorder still remains a mystery to the sciences and its diagnosis and treatment are not very well defined. For the disease of fibromyalgia there is no cure and the patient can only improve his/her symptoms. The disease affects the body unlike other diseases of the muscles; the FMS condition attacks the different muscles and tissues and the pain may continue for a very long time thus impairing the patient. The pain in this disease is more acute and sharp than in the rheumatoid arthritis condition.
Diagnosis
The diagnostics for fibromyalgia is not very well outlined or it may be said that there is no diagnostic criteria as such in this disorder. Diagnosis of fibromyalgia is based on symptoms as given by the patient, a physical examination is done and observation over time. The American College of Rheumatology established the diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia in 1990 which is known as ACR1990, which includes persistent pain for more than three months in the body. The ACR also identified the tender points. These are located at eleven or more of 18 specific areas on the body, like the neck, shoulders, buttocks, elbows and knees. The painful area may change its place and person may have fibromyalgia without these criteria. The diagnosis of FMS does not involve any laboratory tests at all. The misdiagnosis may happen in this condition due the same symptoms shown by hyperthyroidism. The myofascial pain syndrome may also be confused with fibromyalgia.
Treatment
The treatment for fibromyalgia reduces the pain but it cannot cure the disorder. The treatment generally involves stretching and strengthening exercises as well as drugs that help to reduce pain in the body. The conventional treatment uses such anti depressants drugs like amitriptyline and trazodone that help to treat the sleep dysfunctions which is found in FMS. The acupuncture treatment has also given great results to FMS sufferers. The fibromyalgia patients require individualized treatment because the symptoms differ from patients to patients. The patient must do the active training exercises that help to loosen the stiff muscles. The use of psychotherapy, and behavior modification therapy are also used in the effort to reduce the pain and suffering in fibromyalgia.
