Fibromyalgia

What is Fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia is not new. It was first described by William Balfour, a surgeon at the University of Edinburgh, in 1816. The medical profession called it many different names, including chronic rheumatism, myalgia, pressure point syndrome and fibrositis. The condition was also thought to be psychological by some physicians, but that notion must now be relegated to the Dark Ages of medicine.

Fibromyalgia can occur at any age. Most patients, when questioned carefully, reveal that their symptoms began at an early age. Today an increasing number of male patients are seen with Fibromyalgia. This ratio differs from most sources in the medical journals partly due to the fact the Fibromyalgia is being underdignosed in males.

The symptoms of Fibromyalgia include:

frequent muscle pain
headaches
low back pain
shoulder pain
loss of sleep
hand pain or numbness
Flu-like symptoms
Thermal fluctuations (too hot sometimes, too cold others)
Spasticity (tightness) which can constrict the peripheral blood vessels (those close to your skin). This symptom, especially in winter, makes certain parts of your body – most often the buttocks and thighs – feel like cold slabs of meat.

Fibromylagia causes the body to exhibit a condition known as myofascial pain. According to a paper written by Imamura, Fischer, et al, it was determined that myofascial pain is probably the most common cause of musculoskeletal pain in medical practice. It is a vital factor in the practice of Internal Medicine, Rheumatology, Neurology, Pediatrics, Chiropractic and Rehabilitative Medicine. Pain from myofasical dysfunction is probably at the source of many of your symptoms.

Most Fibromyalgia patients show a slow regression over time. This worsening of the patient’s condition is brought about by many factors. One important factor is the mis-diagnosis and mis-treatment of the symptoms associated with Fibromyalgia. If your problem is being caused by a physical condition, then medication may not be the solution to getting your problem solved.

Myofasical Trigger Points are found as extremely sore points occurring in ropy bands throughout the body. They can also be felt as a painful lump of harded fascia. The bands are often easier to feel along the arm, shoulders and legs. If you stretch your muscle about 2/3 of the way out, you might be able to feel them. Sometimes your muscles get so tight that you can’t feel the lumps as they are now felt as tight or spastic muscles.

We know just how crippling Fibromyalgia can be. We know how Fibromyalgia can destroy your family; Destroy your career; Destroy your life. Allegheny Health and Rehabilitation Center has devised a treatment program that helps to deal with the causes of Fibromyalgia.

For more information on Fibromyalgia call our office today to speak with one of our doctors or click on the link below.

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