In Western medicine, fibromyalgia has long been regarded as a separate syndrome, and is considered the second most common pathology of the musculoskeletal system after arthritis, according to the Internet publication for girls and women aged 14-35. Pannochka. net Although even in the US fibromyalgia remains not fully understood by some specialists and in some cases is misdiagnosed.

For fibromyalgia is characterized by pain in different muscles and joints, fatigue and weakness. Fibromyalgia is associated with constant physical and mental anguish, which deform the character of the patient, lead to a reduction in income, loss of work and the collapse of family life.

This syndrome can lead to depression and seriously disrupt the daily life of the patient.

What is fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS)?.

Syndrome, in a broad sense, refers to a combination of symptoms with a single mechanism of development, that is, arising from a particular disease.

In the syndrome of fibromyalgia should be simultaneously present such symptoms:.

- anxiety or depression;.

- Lowered pain threshold or painful areas;.

- fatigue and low working capacity;.

- pain in several parts of the body or everywhere.

Is it true that women suffer from fibromyalgia more often than men?.

According to American experts, more than 12 million Americans suffer from fibromyalgia. Most of them are women aged 25 to 60 years.

Women are 10 times more likely to have fibromyalgia than men.

What are the possible symptoms of fibromyalgia?.

Fibromyalgia causes pain throughout the body. The patient may experience constant fatigue - even in the morning, after a dream.

There may be painful points that react very sharply even to weak stimuli. A person with fibromyalgia may experience sleep disorders, behavioral changes, and depression.

The patient may experience the feeling that he has overworked physically. And this sensation arises without any loads or exercises.

Some patients with fibromyalgia experience pain in the region of the joints, in the neck, shoulders, back, hips, etc.. These pains can be so strong that they prevent a person from sleeping.

Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include:.

Abdominal pain.

Nervousness, anxiety.

Chronic headaches.

Bad sleep, frequent awakenings.

Dryness in the mouth, nose and eyes.

Fatigue on waking.

Hypersensitivity to cold or heat.

Inability to concentrate.

Urinary incontinence.

10. Numbness in the fingers and toes.

eleven. Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

12. Stiffness in the joints.

What diseases can resemble fibromyalgia?.

Articular fibromyalgia symptoms are very similar to arthritis, bursitis or tendonitis. Some experts even include fibromyalgia in one group with these diseases. But if the pain with bursitis or tendinitis is usually concentrated in certain joints, the pain in fibromyalgia can be ubiquitous.

In the US there are no specific laboratory tests to confirm fibromyalgia. The doctor examines the patient for all known diseases with similar symptoms, and diagnoses fibromyalgia, if everything else is already excluded.

Symptoms similar to fibromyalgia can give:.

- Some blood diseases;.

- violation of blood sugar level;.

- decreased function of the thyroid gland;.

- some autoimmune diseases;.

- hormonal disorders;.

- Lyme disease (borreliosis).

What medicines are used to treat fibromyalgia?.

Fibromyalgia does not have a clear standard of treatment.

Treatment of the disease should be aimed at eliminating symptoms - pain and depression. For this purpose, a wide range of traditional and non-traditional medicines, as well as therapeutic physical training and other methods.

The US Agency for Medicines and Food Products (FDA) has approved three drugs for the treatment of fibromyalgia:.

Pregabalin (Lyrics).

Duloxetine (Simbalta).

Milnacipran (Savella).

The FDA argues that Lyrics (used for diabetic neuropathy and shingles) can alleviate pain and in some patients with fibromyalgia. Simbalta and Savella are modern antidepressants from the group of norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Recent studies have shown that the antiepileptic drug gabapentin (Neuronthin) is also effective in the treatment of fibromyalgia.

Low doses of tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline) also showed good efficacy in patients with fibromyalgia. Opioid analgesic tramadol is very effective for pain of this kind.

In the US, doctors also prescribe fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertaline (Zoloft), which relieve depression, sleep disorders and pain in fibromyalgia.

A group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - ibuprofen, paracetamol, diclofenac - is not considered an appropriate choice for the treatment of fibromyalgia.

Are there alternative ways to treat fibromyalgia?.

Alternative methods, despite poor knowledge, can be used to alleviate the symptoms of fibromyalgia. These methods include massage, acupuncture (acupuncture), aerobics, hypnosis, chiropractic techniques, breathing exercises, and others..

In addition, patients with fibromyalgia need a full rest and sleep to support the nervous system.

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