Fibromyalgia Health Article

Expectations (prognosis)

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition but not severely progressive or fatal. With the advent of new medications and treatment to manage pain, fatigue and sleep disturbances, the outlook for sufferers may improve. Problems arise when the symptoms of fibromyalgia interfere with activities of daily living. It is estimated that one third of fibromyalgia patients may become sufficiently impaired to have to change jobs. Chronic pain and fatigue may limit one's ability to meet responsibilities to friends and family. This may lead to psychological problems and result in negative behaviors such as substance abuse, including alcohol and drug use. Chronic pain may lead to abuse of pain medications. Sleep problems can lead to abuse of sleep medications.

Working with your health care providers to develop a comprehensive treatment plan to prevent these problems is very important in themanagement of your condition.

Associations with Fibromyalgia

Researchers have found that some people diagnosed with fibromyalgia manifest hormonal, metabolic and brain chemical abnormalities. No specific pattern has emerged, so it may be that these abnormalities are due to the body's responses to stress and pain. Some common changes are:

• Serotonin: Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter in the brain that modulates pain and emotions. Lower levels of this brain chemical are found in patients suffering from migraine headaches, depression, irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia.
• Stress Hormones: Low levels of norepinephrine and cortisol, important stress hormones, may lead to impaired responses to physical (infections, trauma) and psychological stresses.
• Low Growth Hormone Level: Low levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF) have been noted in 33% of fibromyalgia patients. IGF promotes bone and muscle growth. Low levels are associated with intolerance to cold, muscle weakness, poor concentration and fatigue. Lower levels of IGF also occur in obesity and with aging.
• Psychological factors:
  • Researchers report that patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia have reported increased incidence of emotional and physical abuse than does the population at large. Scientists suspect that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic stress make some individuals (particularly women) more susceptible to fibromyalgia. Stressful events in a person's life may trigger onset of the condition and help perpetuate it.

Prevention

As there is no known cause of fibromyalgia, there is no way to prevent it. Maintain a healthy, balanced life and manage your stress. Get plenty of rest and eat a diet rich in fresh produce and low in animal fats.

References

Clauw, M.D., Daniel J., Taylor-Moon, D (American College ofRheumatology) Fibromyalgia; June,2006.

Simon, M.D., Harvey (A.D.A.M.,Inc) MD Consult Patient Handout Fibromyalgia Comprehensive; July 11, 2003.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA News) FDAApproves First Drug for Treating Fibromyalgia; June 21, 2007.