What is fibromyalgia (fi-bro-my-al-gia)?
Fibro = Fibrous tissue my(o) = Muscle algia = Pain
- Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic condition of a widespread pain with tenderness in muscles, tendons and joints without any detectable inflammation.
- Profound fatigue affects 90 percent of patients. People can suddenly feel completely drained of all energy and feel exhausted – as if someone just “pulled the plug”.
What Causes Fibromyalgia?
- The actual cause of fibromyalgia has not yet been found.
- Trauma such as a fall or car accident, a viral infection, childbirth, an operation or an emotional event seems to act as a trigger
Research has identified chemical changes in brain which resulted in a disordered sensory processing. As a result, the brain registers pain when others might experience a slight ache or stiffness
What are the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?
- Chronic widespread pain with tenderness in muscles, tendons and joints
- Profound fatigue
- Sleep problem, waking up tired & Stiffness
- Headache & dizziness
- Mood swing, brain fog, stress & anxiety
- Digestive system: irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diarrhoea, nausea
- Lack of concentration, temporary memory impairment and word mix up
- Sensitivity to changes in the weather and to noise, bright lights.
How Fibromyalgia is diagnosed
Fibromyalgia is a clinical diagnosis which means the diagnosis is made based upon the symptoms, signs and physical examination. There is no specific diagnostic test (ie. blood test, scan etc) is available yet. However, some lab tests will be used to rule out other conditions. Your rheumatologist will confirm the diagnosis after ruling out other conditions.
How Fibromyalgia is treated
As the cause and pathology is not understood yet, the current approach is focused on symptom management. The following are the few objectives of management to improve the quality of life. Each one of these objectives can be achieved by multiple different means.
- Reduction of pain
- Improve quality of sleep
- Relaxation
- Stress management
- Psychological therapy
- Manage other secondary problems
- Activity management
What is the Role of physiotherapy in Fibromyalgia
We know FM is a chronic condition. Apart from treating pain, specialist pain management physiotherapist would focus on educating the patients about pain science and empower them to make decisions on how to pace their activities? when to rest? how to manage pain? what should you do if the pain gets worse?
Primary objective is to improve the quality of life with:
- Pain management
- Activity management
- Relaxation techniques
- Education
- Promote functional independence and minimise disability
- Promote self-management
To make appointment with Girivasan Rajarathinam, Pain Management and MSK Physiotherapist specialized in chronic pain management please contact us or call us on +971 56 875 9661
How does the pain management in Fibromyalgia different from other acute Musculoskeletal pain conditions?
Although Fibromyalgia patient’s primary complaint is musculoskeletal pain, the pain mechanism is different in Fibromyalgia. Unlike other musculoskeletal pain conditions, Fibromyalgia requires specialist pain management physiotherapist who has knowledge in pain science, skills to assess the pain mechanism and experience to treat chronic pain. Treating fibromyalgia same as other MSK pain conditions may often aggravate the pain.
Why does my pain get worse after physiotherapy?
It is not uncommon to see patients complaining of increased pain after physiotherapy. It can happen when the patients are not provided individually tailored patient-centred care. One-size-fits-all approach is not a choice to achieve favourable outcome. It is a challenge to treat FM as the pain may be worse sometimes than others. And it may also change location, usually becoming more severe in parts of the body that are used most. So personalised care based on individual patient’s need and more flexible / dynamic approach is required to manage Fibromyalgia.
Can I lead a normal life with Fibromyalgia?
It depends on severity of the condition. People with mild to moderate cases of fibromyalgia are usually able to live a normal life, given the appropriate treatment. If symptoms are severe, people may need some life-style modification and activity management.
Girivasan Rajarathinam
MSc (UK), MACP, HCPC (UK)
UK-Trained experienced specialist physiotherapist in Dubai
