Fibro – Muscle fibres
Myalgia – Pain
The disease is also referred to as FMS – Fibromyalgia Syndrome.
Fibromyalgia is characterised by widespread and chronic pain affecting all parts of the muscular system, joints, and skeleton. It is non-inflammatory in nature.
The disease has a neurobiological aspect, as it involves pain primarily originating from the central nervous system.
In fact, fibromyalgia is characterised by an exaggerated response of the central nervous system in pain processing and perception.
Fibromyalgia significantly impairs quality of life and entails chronic pain that can persist for many years.
Known factors today (mostly hypotheses):
- Genetics
- Serotonin deficiency
- Trauma
- Autoimmunity
- Cortisol deficiency (the body’s natural anti-inflammatory substance)
- Various B vitamin deficiencies
- Disruption in pain processing and signal transmission in the nervous system leading to a
low pain threshold
Symptoms:
- Chronic pain
- Physiological and emotional/mental fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
- Headaches
- Digestive system problems, especially diarrhoea or constipation
- Depression
- Menstrual cycle disturbances
- Dizziness
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis of fibromyalgia is conducted through urine and blood tests that differentiate between fibromyalgia and other diseases.
Diagnosis may also require X-rays and other scans.
Treatment:
Treatment for fibromyalgia aims to ease symptoms, alleviate pain levels, and improve the patient’s quality of life.
No single treatment will work for all symptoms of fibromyalgia, and treatments that work for some people will not necessarily work for others. There might be a need for a variety of treatments to find a combination that suits each individual best.
The three main treatments recommended for fibromyalgia are:
Exercise
It is important for individuals with fibromyalgia to maintain physical activity. This can be challenging when experiencing pain, but regular exercise has been shown to alleviate pain and enhance overall quality of life.
The choice of exercise should align with their preferences and be sustainable over time. Factors such as personal preferences, lifestyle, health requirements, and physical capabilities will all be considered when selecting the appropriate type of exercise.
Talking therapies
There are two talking therapies that may help reduce pain caused by fibromyalgia:
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) – where individuals learn to accept what is out of their control and commit to making changes that will improve their lives.
ACT has been shown to improve sleep quality, reduce pain, and help deal with negative thoughts and feelings.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – a talking therapy that can help individuals manage their problems by changing the way they think and behave.
CBT can also help improve the quality of life for people living with long-term pain.
Medication:
Antidepressants are occasionally used to alleviate the pain associated with fibromyalgia. They can also contribute to improving one’s sleep, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life.
A discussion regarding the benefits and drawbacks of antidepressant usage are to be conducted by the doctor with the patient before a prescription is provided.
There is minimal or no evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of other types of medication in reducing long-term pain.
Reflexology treatment:
Reflexology treatment for people with fibromyalgia consist of a several techniques and aims to alleviate symptoms and promote holistic well-being in individuals.
It focuses on delicately addressing the nervous system and muscles, with close attention to the patient’s comfort level throughout the session.
Incorporating several active methods into the session empowers the patients to regulate the depth of pressure and actively participate in their reflexology session.
Furthermore, this approach facilitates the engagement of the patient’s nervous system and
muscles.
In addition, a work is done to stimulate the immune system and assist in bolstering the body’s natural defences.
