Seven Helpful Tips For Dealing With The Pain Of Fibromyalgia

Main Category: Fibromyalgia
Also Included In: Arthritis / Rheumatology;  Pain / Anesthetics
Article Date: 28 Jun 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly 10 million Americans suffer from fibromyalgia. Sadly, many go through months and years of pain, frustration and confusion before receiving treatment because there is no diagnostic for this chronic illness.

Medical tests such as x-rays, blood tests and muscle biopsies can rule out other medical conditions (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Lyme disease) but can't confirm fibromyalgia. Meanwhile, fibromyalgia sufferers endure multiple symptoms including global aching pain, fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, sleep disturbances, heightened sensitivity to any sensation and depression.

The intensity of the symptoms can vary based on a variety of factors, including stress, weather, physical activity and time of the day. Even with all these symptoms, it can take up to five years for a fibromyalgia patient to get an accurate diagnosis. The rigors of the process weigh heavily on anyone with the disease. According to the American College of Rheumatology classification guidelines, for a patient to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia they must have widespread pain for at least three months and have a minimum of 11 specific locations on their body where they are experiencing pain.

Meanwhile, patients face a depressing and frightening time while waiting for their primary care physician to rule out other diseases. Family and friends sometimes think they are hypochondriacs and tell them to just "toughen up" or have a more positive attitude. This external pressure or lack of support can actually increase the severity of symptoms. The downward plunge in functionality can be dramatic, too, where activities of daily living, including shopping, exercising, and other pursuits become nearly impossible.

If you think you may have fibromyalgia and are going through a battery of tests to rule out other diseases or if you have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, you can take seven positive steps to manage your pain.

-- Work with your physician to try different medications that are approved by the FDA for treating fibromyalgia and also to ease the physical pain and other symptoms, such as anxiety and insomnia.

-- Understand your symptoms. Analyze when they occur, the intensity, duration, extenuating circumstances and other factors as well as when the symptoms seem to diminish. From this foundation, you can become more proactive in establishing a program to manage your pain (for one approach, see Managing Your Pain Before it Manages You by Margaret Caudill, MD, PhD.).

-- Develop an exercise regimen, physical therapy program or both. This is counterintuitive. When something hurts, the tendency is to avoid movement. But better muscle conditioning can help manage pain. With fibromyalgia, everything may hurt but there is no actual tissue damage (the cause is largely believed to be linked to the central nervous system). Set a schedule of daily exercise and stick to it. Better yet, if you enjoy the water, pool therapy in warm water, such as pool aerobics and swimming, will reduce the impact of gravity on joints while allowing for a good cardiovascular and muscular workout.

-- Adjust your diet if your analysis indicates any pattern based on food and beverage consumption.

-- Try acupuncture and holistic approaches.

-- Join a support group: National Fibromyalgia Association (www.fmaware.org); or American Chronic Pain Association: www.theacpa.org or others in your community. Beyond the basic guidance offered here, the support groups have created large communities of fibromyalgia sufferers who are quick to share their personal experiences, frustrations, success stories and helpful hints.

-- Establish a routine and stick to it, adjusting as you learn more about your body and analyze the results of your pain management program.

Since no cure exists, management is key. Know that pain is a part of your life and focus on something other than your physical complaints. Celebrate the success you have in reducing discomfort and you can enjoy a better qualify of life.

Written By Dr. Michael Verdolin
Dr. Verdolin is a board certified physician who has specialized in pain management since 2003.

Pain Control Associates of San Diego
2452 Fenton Street, Suite 101
Chula Vista, CA 91914-3516
www.paincontrolassociates.com