Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, often accompanied by fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, a variety of somatic complaints, and psychiatric disturbances such as depression and anxiety.

Source: https://www.everydayhealth.com/fibromyalgia/guide/symptoms/

This condition is often not caught early as it develops insidiously & many dismiss its symptoms as the cause of old age. If caught early an treated in a slow and steady pace, it would provide a great relief.

ETIOLOGY

• Autonomic nervous system dysregulation

• sleep abnormality

• changes in brain morphology (ie. gray matter loss)

SYMPTOMS

• Widespread pain (generalised, all over the body/ >5 trigger points in different soft tissue sites)

• Fatigue (tiredness)

• Difficulty in concentration/ decreased processing speed/ memory deficits

• Psychiatric symptoms (ex. depression, anxiety)

• Additional symptoms (ex. dry eyes, Irritable Bowel syndrome, pelvic pain, giddiness, etc.)

Every patient may not have all the symptoms listed above; each person is unique and clinical conditions manifest in the body in different ways for different individuals.

Source; https://rapidphysiocare.com/fibromyalgia-managing-chronic-pain-with-physiotherapy/

EVALUATION

Evaluation begins with a thorough patient history and physical examination. Clinicians will assess pain characteristics, sleep patterns, severity of fatigue, psychiatric symptoms, and cognitive dysfunction.

The physical examination will include the evaluation of joint and a proper neurological assessment. Laboratory or imaging tests cannot definitively diagnose this condition; testing is used to rule out other conditions.

Major criteria:

• Generalized musculoskeletal aching for a minimum of 3 months

• No evidence of an underlying condition or cause

• Presence of 5 tender and soft tissue points

• Naadi diagnosis: predominantly involve derangement of vali kuttram

TREATMENT & MANAGEMENT

• Reducing major symptom, ex. sleep disturbances, and mood disorders.

• Patient education & non-pharmacological interventions.

• Personalising treatment to address each patient’s unique symptom profile.

• Managing co-morbid conditions

• Physical therapy, yoga

• Treating any underlying deficiencies

• Healthy diet based on patient's dietary preference & cultural sensibilities

This condition is more commonly diagnosed in women, especially in their peri-menopausal & post-menopausal stage of life. Aches & pains are often dismissed as symptoms due to menopause or ageing & hence there is a significant and unnecessary delay in treatment.

Treating early enables a greater quality of life, and thus, speak with your physician if you are experiencing such inconveniences as soon as possible!