This section on spiritual treatments for fibromyalgia comprises energetically oriented treatments that have to do with intention, energy healing, prayer, and in some cases god. These terms may be volatile for some, and for others they resonate. Some of these treatments have proven to be profoundly healing for certain individuals with fibromyalgia. Though some people are skeptical, prior notions of these words should be set aside when reading about these spiritual healing treatments, as many of the are truly incredible!
Many of the treatments that live in other sections on FoundHealth could easily live in this spirit section as well. For example, Yoga for fibromyalgia, though a treatment that mostly involves the body, certainly has spiritual undertones and components to its practice. Hypnotherapy lives under the Mind category, but really is a blend of body, mind and a spiritual/energetic component as well.
So take a look at which spirit treatments have been used for fibromyalgia, or add any that are missing!
Since acupuncture treatments are highly individualized depending on each person's specific symptoms, it can be really useful for fibromyalgia suffers to consider doing acupuncture. Acupuncturists can help mitigate immediate pain and inflammation, as well as seek to correct imbalances over time that might be causing the condition in the first place.
Similar to fibromyalgia, some people with chronic fatigue syndrome may at times attribute their symptoms to chemical exposures. A loosely defined condition known as multiple chemical sensitivities, or MCS, might be to blame.
Chemicals can be extremely useful substances in our daily lives, but are also extremely toxic. Continual exposure, even in very small doses, to chemicals might well contribute, if not wholly cause the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.
There are innumerable ways in which you may be over-exposed to chemicals in the environment, but some common examples include:
Since Fibromyalgia is a collection of symptoms, the research that has been done on yoga thus far has not yet been for the treatment of fibromyalgia writ-large, but for the assorted symptoms specifically.
Check out the following articles for more specific information.
Yoga involves physical poses that are done with controlled breathing to promote relaxation of your mind and body. This form of mental and physical discipline began thousands of years ago in India. The word yoga was derived from a Sanskrit word which means to yoke or unify. With yoga, you unite your mind and body by focusing on carrying out quiet and precise movements that require balance as well as concentration. Uniting you mind with your body will boost your mental and physical health.
Stretching joints and muscles to their limits combined with relaxing breathing techniques will help reduce strain on muscles and joints. For this reason, yoga can be effective at helping to treat the multi-faceted symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Hypnotherapy for fibromyalgia syndrome
Various mental techniques or therapies that have been shown to alter physiologic functions and therefore may offer help for fibromyalgia sufferers. One of the mind techniques that has been gaining popularity is hypnotherapy. The effects of hypnotherapy on the mind and body make it a powerful drug-free treatment option for a wide range of areas including chronic illnesses, self-destructive habits, and phobias.
Hypnotherapy teaches people how to master their own states of awareness in order to improve bodily functions and psychological responses. This technique can be used to control the pain and stress that occur with fibromyalgia.
How hypnotherapy works
Hypnotherapy is uses the hypnotic state to allow the patient to break free from typical patterns of response and behavior. The hypnotherapist induces a trance-like state by guided relaxation. When a person is in hypnosis, their awareness is heightened and they get completely focused on the hypnotist's voice. Hypnosis activates the minds' subconscious level while suppressing the conscious mind. The conscious level is used for decision-making, thoughts, and actions. The subconscious, on the other hand, is responsible for our emotions. Hypnotherapy can effectively block negative thoughts. The therapist does this by inputting ideas, concepts, as well as lifestyle adaptations into the subconscious level. With hypnosis, positive messages are firmly instilled and this allows the patient to achieve many important tasks such as stress management and improving their sense of well being.
If pain relief is sought, the hypnotherapist will have the patient concentrate on something other than pain and will lead through relaxation exercises. Once full relaxation is achieved, the therapist might use a technique known as dissociation. This is done by suggesting images that may help the patient experience pain as something distinctly different from themselves. Another technique is symptom substitution which guides the patient to think of pain in a different way.
Uses of hypnotherapy
Hypnosis has been recognized for many yeas as an effective technique for controlling various symptoms. It may improve immune function, promote relaxation, control stress, ease pain and feelings of anxiety. Below are some of the health conditions in addition to fibromyalgia that may respond to hypnotherapy:
Effects of Hypnosis on Fibromyalgia
Hypnosis reduces pain, boosts energy, and promote comfort among fibromyalgia sufferers. It may help relieve the following symptoms:
Evidence on how it works
An article in The Journal of Rheumatology shows that hypnotherapy significantly improved some symptoms of fibromyalgia. For this trial, 40 participants were randomly selected to receive either hypnotherapy or physical therapy. Either therapies were given for 12 weeks. The effects of both treatment were assessed on the 12th and 24th weeks.
On the 12-week and 24-week assessments, the participants in the hypnotherapy group reported a reduction in pain, fatigue and sleep difficulties. Before the start of the trial, the participants reported feeling discomfort both mentally and physically. On the follow-up, patients in the hypnotherapy group reported a significant decrease in feelings of discomfort. Those who received physical therapy, on the other hand, did not report any significant decrease. The researchers then concluded that hypnosis may be useful in relieving pain and other fibromyalgia symptoms.
How to find a hypnotherapist
Most hypnotherapists are health professionals—medical doctors, nurses, dentists, midwives-- who have received additional training in hypnotherapy. To look for hypnotherapists near you, you may contact:
Various mental techniques or therapies that have been shown to alter physiologic functions and therefore may offer help for fibromyalgia sufferers. One of the mind techniques that has been gaining popularity is hypnotherapy. The effects of hypnotherapy on the mind and body make it a powerful drug-free treatment option for a wide range of areas including chronic illnesses, self-destructive habits, and phobias.
Hypnotherapy teaches people how to master their own states of awareness in order to improve bodily functions and psychological responses. This technique can be used to control the pain and stress that occur gia.
References:
Haanen, H.C., Hoenderdos, H.T., van Romunde, L.K., Hop, W.C., Mallee, C., Terwiel, J.P. & Hekster G.B. (1991). Controlled Trial of Hypnotherapy in the Treatment of Refractory Fibromyalgia. The Journal of Rheumatology, 18(1), 72-5.
http://www.naturalnews.com/025468.html
Mosby's complementary and alternative medicine By Lynda W. Freeman
Fibromyalgia: the new integrative approach By Milton Hammerly
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/hypnotherapy-000353.htm
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with fibromyalgia.
It is often assumed that exercise is not good for fibromyalgia patients because of the pain that occurs with the syndrome. In truth, exercise should be a part of self care in fibromyalgia because it is one of the best ways to relieve the discomfort associated with the condition. Studies have shown that range of motion, strengthening, and aerobic conditioning exercises are safe and may help improve symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Regular exercise has a number of benefits. Exercise keeps muscles strong and flexible, and it also allows fibromyalgia patients to have some control over their condition as well as the amount of pain they feel. Research show that exercise helps restore the body's neurochemical balance, thereby promoting a positive emotional state. Regular exercise slow down stress hormones and boosts levels of chemicals that reduce stress, anxiety and depression.
There are many types of exercise and activities offer help for fibromyalgia. Like other rheumatoid conditions, low-impact activities such as water exercises, walking or swimming, are encouraged in fibromyalgia patients. It its recommended that the exercise program should start slowly because at first exercise may worsen the pain. Some muscle soreness is normal when a person is starting to exercise, however, sharp pain may indicate that the muscles are overworked or injured.
Improved fitness and function can be achieved by engaging in simple exercises regularly. Patients who have not been active should consult their doctors before starting an exercise program. Below are some of the exercises and activities that are safe for fibromyalgia patients:
Water exercises
Water is a conducive environment for a fibromyalgia exercise program. Water exercise improves flexibility and strength in an environment that reduces the discomfort that accompanies fibromyalgia.
Getting the muscles healthy can offer some relief for fibromyalgia patients. Improved muscle flexibility promotes a healthy range of motion around the joints. Muscle strength is also crucial when daily tasks become more difficult, especially on episodes of flare ups. With strong muscles, it will be easier to carry out activities of daily living.
Water exercise supports the body and cushions the joints, hence, it is well tolerated by fibromyalgia patients. Moving in the water provides a challenging workout without overstraining the body.
After checking with their health care providers, patients considering water exercises should look for a qualified instructor or therapist in their area. It is recommended that water exercise program should start with low-intensity sessions, and then gradually working up. To determine how the body responds to the exercise, the patient should start with 2 sessions a week, several days apart. Like any exercise program, it is crucial to know one's limitations and not to go beyond them. If certain exercise causes pain, the patient should talk to the instructor. An alternative way of doing the exercise may be suggested or the patient may just need to sit that one out.
Walking
Walking is a great yet simple way get the heart rate going and improve muscle strength and promote overall fitness. It is a very good beginner exercise for fibromyalgia patients. When beginning a walking plan, patients are encouraged to start off slowly. Walking for five minutes on the first day should be a good start. The walking time should be increased gradually by adding 1 or 2 minutes a day.
Walking during the first week should be of moderate intensity is moderate, at a comfortable speed. The intensity and speed may be increased in the succeeding weeks.
Fibromyalgia patients should aim to include walking as a part of their daily routine. However, sticking to the walking plan may be a challenge. It helps to schedule a particular time each day to go out and walk. To make the activity more enjoyable, look around at the beauty of nature, and breathe in the fresh air. Over time, walking significantly increases energy levels, improves sleep, and allows fibromyalgia sufferers to carry out activities with lesser effort.
It is often assumed that exercise is not good for fibromyalgia patients because of the pain that occurs with the syndrome. In truth, exercise should be a part of self care in fibromyalgia because it is one of the best ways to relieve the discomfort associated with the condition. Studies have shown that range of motion, strengthening, and aerobic conditioning exercises are safe and may help improve symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Regular exercise has a number of benefits. Exercise keeps muscles strong and flexible, and it also allows fibromyalgia patients to have some control over their condition as well as the amount of pain they feel. Research show that exercise helps restore the body's neurochemical balance, thereby promoting a positive emotional state. Regular exercise slow down stress hormones and boosts levels of chemicals that reduce stress, anxiety and depression.
There are many types of exercise and activities offer help for fibromyalgia. Like other rheumatoid conditions, low-impact activities such as water exercises, walking or swimming, are encouraged in fibromyalgia patients. It its recommended that the exercise program should start slowly because at first exercise may worsen the pain. Some muscle soreness is normal when a person is starting to exercise, however, sharp pain may indicate that the muscles are overworked or injured.
Improved fitness and function can be achieved by engaging in simple exercises regularly. Patients who have not been active should consult their doctors before starting an exercise program. Below are some of the exercises and activities that are safe for fibromyalgia patients:
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is one of the important self-care measures for fibromyalgia. Aside from exercise, fibromyalgia patients should also pay attention to their food intake. The body needs a variety of nutrients in order carry out its functions effectively. When a disease develops, good nutrition reduces its harmful effects, and helps the body recover.
Although there is no single food item proven to cure fibromyalgia, there is no doubt that patients can benefit from nutritional therapy. If compromised by stress, and the body is deprived of foods of sufficient nutritional value, it fails to get the substances it needs to stay healthy. Eating the right foods may help counteract stress, boost the immune system, and may also alleviate some symptoms of fbromyalgia. Below are some of the dietary guidelines for patients with fibromyalgia:
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is one of the important self-care measures for fibromyalgia. Aside from exercise, fibromyalgia patients should also pay attention to their food intake. The body needs a variety of nutrients in order carry out its functions effectively. When a disease develops, good nutrition reduces its harmful effects, and helps the body recover.
Although there is no single food item proven to cure fibromyalgia, there is no doubt that patients can benefit from nutritional therapy. If compromised by stress, and the body is deprived of foods of sufficient nutritional value, it fails to get the substances it needs to stay healthy. Eating the right foods may help counteract stress, boost the immune system, and may also alleviate some symptoms of fbromyalgia. Below are some of the dietary guidelines for patients with fibromyalgia:
References:
Elrod,J. Reversing Fibromyalgia: The Whole-Health Approach to Overcoming Fibromyalgia Through Nutrition, Exercise, Supplements and Other Lifestyle Factors 2nd Edition. 2002. Woodland Publishing
http://chronicfatigue.about.com/od/copingwithfmscfs/a/eliminationdiet.htm
Zand, J. LaValle, J. Spreen, A. Smart Medicine for Healthier Living : Practical A-Z Reference to Natural and Conventional Treatments for Adult. 1999. Avery Trade.
.
Drug treatment clearly helps in managing symptoms of fibromyalgia. However, there is still no single drug or class of drug approved specifically for treating this disease. Patients may be given drugs that help ease pain, promote sleep and relieve depression. Some medications must taken regularly, whereas others are taken as needed. Below are the classes of drugs and specific treatments used for treating fibromyalgia:
Non-narcotic Analgesics
Non-narcotic analgesics help relieve mild to moderate pain without producing loss of consciousness. Many of these medications are sold over-the-counter. While they help in controlling symptoms, analgesics often do not provide effective long-term pain relief.
Acetaminophen is among the non-narcotic pain relievers that may help relieve fibromyalgia symptoms.
Narcotic analgesics
Narcotic agents are potent analgesics which are effective for the relief of moderate to severe pain. They are available in several dosage forms including tablets, extended release capsules, syrup, suspension,rectal suppositories, and solution for injection. These drugs are available only with the doctor's prescription.
Narcotic analgesics block the transmission of pain signals by binding to the opioid receptors in the central nervous system. The actions in the central nervous system are also responsible for side effects such as sedation, respiratory depression and intoxication. Using narcotic analgesics for a long time increases the risk of dependence. Chronic use of opioid analgesics should be reserved for patients with moderate to severe pain or significant functional impairment and if other therapies contraindicated or have failed to improve the condition. Below are some of the narcotic analgesics that may be prescribed for fibromyalgia pain. Tramadol and Oxycodone are examples of narcotic analgesics that are prescribed in the relief of pain associated with Fibromyalgia.
Anticonvulsants
Aside from treating epilepsy and bipolar disorder, anticonvulsants are also useful for neuropathic pain which is believed to be caused by abnormal firing in the CNS pathways. Anticonvulsants can relieve pain by decreasing this abnormal activity.
One of the anticonvulsants that has been useful for for relieving neuropathic pain is pregabalin (Lyrica) which is the first FDA -approved drug for Fibromyalgia.
Drug treatment clearly helps in managing symptoms of fibromyalgia. However, there is still no single drug or class of drug approved specifically for treating this disease. Patients may be given drugs that help ease pain, promote sleep and relieve depression. Some medications must taken regularly, whereas others are taken as needed. Below are the classes of drugs and specific treatments used for treating fibromyalgia:
Non-narcotic Analgesics
Non-narcotic analgesics help relieve mild to moderate pain without producing loss of consciousness. Many of these medications are sold over-the-counter. While they help in controlling symptoms, analgesics often do not provide effective long-term pain relief.
Acetaminophen is among the non-narcotic pain relievers that may help relieve fibromyalgia symptoms.
Read more on [Fibromyalgia and Acetaminophen][1]
Narcotic analgesics
Narcotic agents are potent analgesics which are effective for the relief of moderate to severe pain. They are available in several dosage forms including tablets, extended release capsules, syrup, suspension,rectal suppositories, and solution for injection. These drugs are available only with the doctor's prescription.
Narcotic analgesics block the transmission of pain signals by binding to the opioid receptors in the central nervous system. The actions in the central nervous system are also responsible for side effects such as sedation, respiratory depression and intoxication. Using narcotic analgesics for a long time increases the risk of dependence. Chronic use of opioid analgesics should be reserved for patients with moderate to severe pain or significant functional impairment and if other therapies contraindicated or have failed to improve the condition. Below are some of the narcotic analgesics that may be prescribed for fibromyalgia pain. Tramadol and Oxycodone are examples of narcotic analgesics that are prescribed in the relief of pain associated with Fibromyalgia.
Anticonvulsants
Aside from treating epilepsy and bipolar disorder, anticonvulsants are also useful for neuropathic pain which is believed to be caused by abnormal firing in the CNS pathways. Anticonvulsants can relieve pain by decreasing this abnormal activity.
One of the anticonvulsants that has been useful for for relieving neuropathic pain is pregabalin (Lyrica) which is the first FDA -approved drug for Fibromyalgia.
Drug treatment clearly helps in managing symptoms of fibromyalgia. However, there is still no single drug or class of drug approved specifically for treating this disease. Patients may be given drugs that help ease pain, promote sleep and relieve depression. Some medications must taken regularly, whereas others are taken as needed. Below are the classes of drugs and specific treatments used for treating fibromyalgia:
Non-narcotic Analgesics
Non-narcotic analgesics help relieve mild to moderate pain without producing loss of consciousness. Many of these medications are sold over-the-counter. While they help in controlling symptoms, analgesics often do not provide effective long-term pain relief.
Acetaminophen is among the non-narcotic pain relievers that may help relieve fibromyalgia symptoms.
Narcotic analgesics
Narcotic agents are potent analgesics which are effective for the relief of moderate to severe pain. They are available in several dosage forms including tablets, extended release capsules, syrup, suspension,rectal suppositories, and solution for injection. These drugs are available only with the doctor's prescription.
Narcotic analgesics block the transmission of pain signals by binding to the opioid receptors in the central nervous system. The actions in the central nervous system are also responsible for side effects such as sedation, respiratory depression and intoxication. Using narcotic analgesics for a long time increases the risk of dependence. Chronic use of opioid analgesics should be reserved for patients with moderate to severe pain or significant functional impairment and if other therapies contraindicated or have failed to improve the condition. Below are some of the narcotic analgesics that may be prescribed for fibromyalgia pain. Tramadol and Oxycodone are examples of narcotic analgesics that are prescribed in the relief of pain associated with Fibromyalgia.
Anticonvulsants
Aside from treating epilepsy and bipolar disorder, anticonvulsants are also useful for neuropathic pain which is believed to be caused by abnormal firing in the CNS pathways. Anticonvulsants can relieve pain by decreasing this abnormal activity.
One of the anticonvulsants that has been useful for for relieving neuropathic pain is pregabalin (Lyrica) which is the first FDA -approved drug for Fibromyalgia.
Drug treatment clearly helps in managing symptoms of fibromyalgia. However, there is still no single drug or class of drug approved specifically for treating this disease. Patients may be given drugs that help ease pain, promote sleep and relieve depression. Some medications must taken regularly, whereas others are taken as needed. Below are the classes of drugs and specific treatments used for treating fibromyalgia:
Non-narcotic Analgesics
Non-narcotic analgesics help relieve mild to moderate pain without producing loss of consciousness. Many of these medications are sold over-the-counter. While they help in controlling symptoms, analgesics often do not provide effective long-term pain relief.
Aceabout [acetaminophen and fibromyalgia Acetaminophen is among the non-narcotic pain relievers that may help relieve fibromyalgia symptoms.
Narcotic analgesics
Narcotic agents are potent analgesics which are effective for the relief of moderate to severe pain. They are available in several dosage forms including tablets, extended release capsules, syrup, suspension,rectal suppositories, and solution for injection. These drugs are available only with the doctor's prescription.
Narcotic analgesics block the transmission of pain signals by binding to the opioid receptors in the central nervous system. The actions in the central nervous system are also responsible for side effects such as sedation, respiratory depression and intoxication. Using narcotic analgesics for a long time increases the risk of dependence. Chronic use of opioid analgesics should be reserved for patients with moderate to severe pain or significant functional impairment and if other therapies contraindicated or have failed to improve the condition. Below are some of the narcotic analgesics that may be prescribed for about tramadol and fibromyalgia]8] and [fibromyalgia pain. Tramadol and Oxycodone are examples of narcotic analgesics that are prescribed in the relief of pain associated with Fibromyalgia.
Anticonvulsants
Aside from treating epilepsy and bipolar disorder, anticonvulsants are also useful for neuropathic pain which is believed to be caused by abnormal firing in the CNS pathways. Anticonvulsants can relieve pain by decreasing this abnormal activity.
One of the anticonvulsants that has been useful for for relieving neuropathic pain is pregabalin (Lyrica) which is the first FDA -approved drug for Fibromyalgia.
][4]
[
][5]
Drug treatment clearly helps in managing symptoms of fibromyalgia. However, there is still no single drug or class of drug approved specifically for treating this disease. Patients may be given drugs that help ease pain, promote sleep and relieve depression. Some medications must taken regularly, whereas others are taken as needed. Below are the classes of drugs and specific treatments used for treating fibromyalgia:
Non-narcotic Analgesics
Non-narcotic analgesics help relieve mild to moderate pain without producing loss of consciousness. Many of these medications are sold over-the-counter. While they help in controlling symptoms, analgesics often do not provide effective long-term pain relief.
Acetaminophen is among the non-narcotic pain relievers that may help relieve fibromyalgia symptoms. [
Narcotic analgesics
Narcotic agents are potent analgesics which are effective for the relief of moderate to severe pain. They are available in several dosage forms including tablets, extended release capsules, syrup, suspension,rectal suppositories, and solution for injection. These drugs are available only with the doctor's prescription.
Narcotic analgesics block the transmission of pain signals by binding to the opioid receptors in the central nervous system. The actions in the central nervous system are also responsible for side effects such as sedation, respiratory depression and intoxication. Using narcotic analgesics for a long time increases the risk of dependence. Chronic use of opioid analgesics should be reserved for patients with moderate to severe pain or significant functional impairment and if other therapies contraindicated or have failed to improve the condition. Below are some of the narcotic analgesics that may be prescribed for fibromyalgia pain. Tramadol and Oxycodone are examples of narcotic analgesics that are prescribed in the relief of pain associated with Fibromyalgia.
Anticonvulsants
Aside from treating epilepsy and bipolar disorder, anticonvulsants are also useful for neuropathic pain which is believed to be caused by abnormal firing in the CNS pathways. Anticonvulsants can relieve pain by decreasing this abnormal activity.
One of the anticonvulsants that has been useful for for relieving neuropathic pain is pregabalin (Lyrica) which is the first FDA -approved drug for Fibromyalgia.
Many of the signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia are similar to other disorders, thus diagnosing fibromyalgia may take a considerable amount of time. Most patients find themselves going through various tests and consulting several doctors before receiving their diagnosis. Primary care physicians may refer their patients to rheumatologist for evaluation and management.
There are no definitive laboratory tests or imaging procedures for fibromyalgia. It is diagnosed based on reported symptoms and physical examination. Fibromyalgia may be suspected in any person who experience muscle and joint pain with no identifiable cause.
Diagnosing fibromyalgia begins with health history taking. The health history consists of a series of questions that will give an overview of the present health situation. The patient's lifestyle, activities of daily living, interpersonal and physical environment, and previous health problems are explored thoroughly. The doctor will also ask about the patient's current symptoms; when do they usually occur, and what seems to trigger them or make them worse.
After the interview, physical examination will be carried out. The doctor will check the tender points, these are 18 specific sites on the body that are markedly sensitive touch in fibromyalgia patients. The tender points that are used for diagnosis are found around the neck, chest, shoulder, hip, knee and elbow regions. To assess the tender points, the doctor will apply light pressure on the surface of the muscles, people with fibromyalgia will find this painful.
Below is diagnostic criteria established by the American College of Rheumatology for fibromyalgia:
Blood test and other diagnostic procedures
There are no markers in the blood or changes in the x-ray that can confirm a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. However, the doctor may still request for some tests to rule out other disorders that have similar symptoms. Blood tests may include:
X-ray
helps Helps rule out diseases that affect the joints,bones and muscles. The doctor may also consider these tests to examine nerve and muscle function.
Electromyography (EMG). This test helps in examining the condition of the muscles and the nerves that control them. Electromyogram records the muscle's electrical activity. During this test, the doctor will insert needle electrodes into the muscle tissue. The electrode on the needle detects the electrical activity given off by the muscles. Electromyography helps distinguish the conditions that are caused by the muscles themselves, and weaknesses that are caused by certain nerve disorders
Nerve conduction velocity (NCV)
A nerve conduction velocity test used to determines the speed of electrical signals through a nerve. Electrodes are placed the skin to stimulate the nerve an electrical impulse. The patient will feel a sensation similar to an electric shock. This test helps detect presence of damaged nerves.
.
References:
Goldenberg, D.Fibromyalgia: A Leading Expert's Guide to Understanding and Getting Relief.2002. Perigee Trade
http://www.fibromyalgia-symptoms.org/fibromyalgia_diagnosis.html
Many of the signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia are similar to other disorders, thus diagnosing fibromyalgia may take a considerable amount of time. Most patients find themselves going through various tests and consulting several doctors before receiving their diagnosis. Primary care physicians may refer their patients to rheumatologist for evaluation and management.
There are no definitive laboratory tests or imaging procedures for fibromyalgia. It is diagnosed based on reported symptoms and physical examination. Fibromyalgia may be suspected in any person who experience muscle and joint pain with no identifiable cause.
Diagnosing fibromyalgia begins with health history taking. The health history consists of a series of questions that will give an overview of the present health situation. The patient's lifestyle, activities of daily living, interpersonal and physical environment, and previous health problems are explored thoroughly. The doctor will also ask about the patient's current symptoms; when do they usually occur, and what seems to trigger them or make them worse.
After the interview, physical examination will be carried out. The doctor will check the tender points, these are 18 specific sites on the body that are markedly sensitive touch in fibromyalgia patients. The tender points that are used for diagnosis are found around the neck, chest, shoulder, hip, knee and elbow regions. To assess the tender points, the doctor will apply light pressure on the surface of the muscles, people with fibromyalgia will find this painful.
Below is diagnostic criteria established by the American College of Rheumatology for fibromyalgia:
Blood test and other diagnostic procedures
There are no markers in the blood or changes in the x-ray that can confirm a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. However, the doctor may still request for some tests to rule out other disorders that have similar symptoms. Blood tests may include:
X-ray
Helps rule out diseases that affect the joints,bones and muscles. The doctor may also consider these tests to examine nerve and muscle function.
Electromyography (EMG). This test helps in examining the condition of the muscles and the nerves that control them. Electromyogram records the muscle's electrical activity. During this test, the doctor will insert needle electrodes into the muscle tissue. The electrode on the needle detects the electrical activity given off by the muscles. Electromyography helps distinguish the conditions that are caused by the muscles themselves, and weaknesses that are caused by certain nerve disorders
Nerve conduction velocity (NCV)
A nerve conduction velocity test used to determines the speed of electrical signals through a nerve. Electrodes are placed the skin to stimulate the nerve an electrical impulse. The patient will feel a sensation similar to an electric shock. This test helps detect presence of damaged nerves.
