Chiropractor Warrenville Il | Diagnosing Fibromyalgia Requires Knowledge Of Your Body

Fibromyalgia (FM) comes from the Greek word "fibro" meaning fibrous tissue, "myo" meaning muscle, and "algos" meaning pain. So fibromyalgia literally means tissue and muscle pain. In the medical world, it is described as a painful response to pressure.

However, the symptoms are not limited to pain. Therefore, to fully understand fibromyalgia you have to understand the symptoms and treatments.

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia -

The most common symptom is chronic widespread pain. Additionally, patients report fatigue and sensitivity to pressure. In some cases, tingling of the skin occurs along with muscle spasms, nerve pain, sleep problems and bowel issues.

Many people with fibromyalgia also experience "brain fog" or "fibrofog." Basically, this is a sense of fogginess in cognitive functions. Patients report difficulty concentrating, short and long-term memory problems, inability to multi-task, and a shorter attention span. Patients with prolonged symptoms have reported anxiety and depression as a result of the fibromyalgia symptoms.

Causes of Fibromyalgia -

Currently there is no known cause for fibromyalgia. However, theories have connected it with genetic issues, stress, central dopamine dysfunction (hypodopaminergia), abnormal serotonin metabolism, deficient growth hormone (GH) secretion, and psychological factors.

Despite continual studies, no one thing has been directly linked to fibromyalgia. Therefore, science has yet to discover a cause.

Diagnosing Fibromyalgia -

Since there is no known cause, diagnosing the disease is difficult. Debate continues about whether or not an objective diagnosis is even possible. Currently, doctors diagnose the illness using a differential diagnosing method.

A differential diagnosis involves the doctor considering everything that could be wrong with the patient. Then testing and eliminating other possible reasons. When the doctor feels he has sufficiently eliminated all other possibilities, the diagnosis is made.

Doctors have agreed on a few basic criteria for diagnosis. They include:

"Patients need to experience widespread pain lasting a minimum of three months.
"The pain must effect all four quadrants of the body (right & left, above & below the waist)
"Patients must experience 11of 18 tender points. The doctor identifies the pressure points by putting four kilograms of force on the designated points.

Possible Treatments -

Since there is no known cause, treatment will vary depending on the person and how they exhibit the symptoms. For example, a patient experiencing depression will be given anti-depressants while a person experiencing sleep disorders may be given sleep medication. Additionally, patients may have a combination of treatments.

Generally, a plan of exercise is prescribed. Exercise has been shown to help a person sleep, reduce pain, and reduce occurrences of fatigue. However, before starting any exercise program, it is best to seek the counsel of a doctor or a chiropractor.

Doctors and chiropractors have the ability to help you with physical therapy. An added benefit of seeing a chiropractor over a doctor is chiropractors generally work with a team. At the chiropractor's office, you can receive necessary adjustments, physical therapy, massage therapy and even nutritional counseling.

Seeking More Information -

Unfortunately, there is no cut and dry test for fibromyalgia. Therefore, if you think you are suffering from fibromyalgia, then the best thing to do is read up on the disease, keep track of your symptoms, and speak with your doctor or chiropractor about your concerns.