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Causes of Fibromyalgia
I'm living with fibro 15 years. Do we know exactly what causes it? Will it ever go away?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi,
How are you? I am sorry to know that you are suffering from Fibromyalgia for 15 yrs.
It is sad but true that the origins and causes of Fibromyalgia Syndrome are unknown. There have been many suggestions regarding the cause but a definite cause is still not known.
Some studies show that reduced blood circulation into the muscle cells causes damage to the energy producing mechanism, which causes the deficiency of energy in muscle tissue. When there is insufficient oxygen and nutrient supply to the cells, protein is taken from the muscles and converted to glucose for energy, which causes tissue breakdown resulting in the aches and pains associated with Fibromyalgia Syndrome.
It may be stated that there are a number of factors involved. Physical or emotional stress, Rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases, such as Lupus, are particularly likely to develop Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia may occur spontaneously. Other factors are- Genetic factors, Abnormal serotonin Metabolism and Deficient growth hormone.
Since the cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, there is no fibromyalgia cure. However symptomatic relief can be provided by using a combination of therapies.. One aspect of the treatment is medication. Medications may help you become more functional and reduce your level of distress.There are many different types: muscle relaxants, benzodiazepines, and growth hormone therapy. Most of the people get some relief from a combination of medications. Some options are - Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Savella. These are the only three drugs approved by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of fibromyalgia. Lyrica is an antiseizure medication, while Cymbalta and Savella are antidepressants. All three have been known to reduce the pain of fibromyalgia significantly. Other drugs that are usually combined with these are- Flexeril (muscle relaxant, not only decreases muscle pain but also improves sleep), Mirapex (used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease). When used to treat fibromyalgia, it reduced pain in 80% of patients), Low doses of antidepressant medication (improve sleep, decrease pain and eliminate depression).
There are a number of alternative therapies that are helpful in relieving the symptoms. One of them is exercise. Fibromyalgia pain is muscle pain and the most important therapy for muscle pain is regular, gentle and low-impact exercise. It keeps muscles conditioned and healthy and decreases the amount of discomfort. It is very important to try low-stress exercises such as walking, swimming, water aerobics, and biking rather than straining exercises such as weight training. Heavy exercises worsen the symptoms. Besides helping with tenderness and conditioning muscles, regular exercises can also boost energy levels and help with sleep. You may feel discomfort initially but you will get a great relief gradually.
Relaxation techniques (besides lessening pain, these therapies also decrease the number of tender points), Acupuncture, Application of warm compresses and Tender point injections( Steroid or lidocaine injections into a painful area may provide temporary relief ) are some other effective measures. Please try these therapies along with medication.
Hope this helps you. Take care and regards!
How are you? I am sorry to know that you are suffering from Fibromyalgia for 15 yrs.
It is sad but true that the origins and causes of Fibromyalgia Syndrome are unknown. There have been many suggestions regarding the cause but a definite cause is still not known.
Some studies show that reduced blood circulation into the muscle cells causes damage to the energy producing mechanism, which causes the deficiency of energy in muscle tissue. When there is insufficient oxygen and nutrient supply to the cells, protein is taken from the muscles and converted to glucose for energy, which causes tissue breakdown resulting in the aches and pains associated with Fibromyalgia Syndrome.
It may be stated that there are a number of factors involved. Physical or emotional stress, Rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases, such as Lupus, are particularly likely to develop Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia may occur spontaneously. Other factors are- Genetic factors, Abnormal serotonin Metabolism and Deficient growth hormone.
Since the cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, there is no fibromyalgia cure. However symptomatic relief can be provided by using a combination of therapies.. One aspect of the treatment is medication. Medications may help you become more functional and reduce your level of distress.There are many different types: muscle relaxants, benzodiazepines, and growth hormone therapy. Most of the people get some relief from a combination of medications. Some options are - Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Savella. These are the only three drugs approved by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of fibromyalgia. Lyrica is an antiseizure medication, while Cymbalta and Savella are antidepressants. All three have been known to reduce the pain of fibromyalgia significantly. Other drugs that are usually combined with these are- Flexeril (muscle relaxant, not only decreases muscle pain but also improves sleep), Mirapex (used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease). When used to treat fibromyalgia, it reduced pain in 80% of patients), Low doses of antidepressant medication (improve sleep, decrease pain and eliminate depression).
There are a number of alternative therapies that are helpful in relieving the symptoms. One of them is exercise. Fibromyalgia pain is muscle pain and the most important therapy for muscle pain is regular, gentle and low-impact exercise. It keeps muscles conditioned and healthy and decreases the amount of discomfort. It is very important to try low-stress exercises such as walking, swimming, water aerobics, and biking rather than straining exercises such as weight training. Heavy exercises worsen the symptoms. Besides helping with tenderness and conditioning muscles, regular exercises can also boost energy levels and help with sleep. You may feel discomfort initially but you will get a great relief gradually.
Relaxation techniques (besides lessening pain, these therapies also decrease the number of tender points), Acupuncture, Application of warm compresses and Tender point injections( Steroid or lidocaine injections into a painful area may provide temporary relief ) are some other effective measures. Please try these therapies along with medication.
Hope this helps you. Take care and regards!
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