Fibromyalgia is a complex health condition that affects an estimated 2-8% of the population. Characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, problems with memory and mood, and other symptoms, fibromyalgia can be challenging to diagnose and treat effectively.
The compelling new book "Burning Rubber" by Kathryn Larouche Imler shares the story of a registered nurse and single mother whose life is turned upside down after developing chronic illnesses following international travel. Among the conditions discussed are fibromyalgia and myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS), both complex disorders involving widespread pain and fatigue. This blog post will focus on defining, diagnosing, and treating fibromyalgia specifically.
What Causes Fibromyalgia?
The exact causes of fibromyalgia are still unknown. Current theories center around abnormalities in how the brain and nerves process pain signals. In addition, factors like traumatic injury, infection, genetics, and emotional trauma may contribute to the development of fibromyalgia in some people.
Research shows that people with fibromyalgia have heightened activity in pain-processing pathways in the brain. There also tend to be low levels of critical neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters help modulate pain signals. Abnormalities in the regulation of the stress hormone cortisol also occur in some patients.
Common Symptoms
The hallmark symptom of fibromyalgia is chronic widespread pain occurring on both sides of the body, above and below the waist, and affecting the muscles and soft tissues. While pain levels vary day-to-day, the pain is often described as a consistent dull ache affecting multiple areas.
In addition to pain, other core symptoms include:
- Fatigue and low energy
- Sleep problems
- Cognitive difficulties like memory issues and poor concentration
- Mood disorders such as anxiety and depression
Many patients also experience tension headaches, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and other conditions. Symptoms often overlap with those of chronic fatigue syndrome, which poses challenges for diagnosis.
Getting an Accurate Diagnosis
There are no diagnostic laboratory tests for fibromyalgia, so physicians diagnose it based on clinical examination and ruling out other potential causes. A new set of diagnostic criteria established in 2016 focuses on the location and severity of pain as well as the presence of other core symptoms.
To meet the criteria, patients must have experienced widespread pain for at least three months, along with sleep disturbances, fatigue, cognitive issues, headaches, depression, abdominal pain, or other symptoms. Other medical conditions that could be causing the symptoms also need to be excluded.
The process of getting a fibromyalgia diagnosis can take time, but being accurately diagnosed allows patients to understand the condition better and explore treatment options.
Treatment Options
While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, a variety of medications and self-care practices can help patients manage symptoms and improve their quality of life. Common components of a fibromyalgia treatment regimen include:
- Pain medications such as NSAIDs, gabapentin (Neurontin), duloxetine (Cymbalta)
- Low-impact aerobic exercise
- Stress reduction techniques and cognitive behavioral therapy
- Alternative therapies like massage, acupuncture, and myofascial release
- Attention to diet, nutrition, and lifestyle factors
- Education about the condition and learning coping strategies
As a complex, variable condition, fibromyalgia treatment needs to be tailored to the individual. What works for one patient may not help another. An interdisciplinary approach that addresses both physical and emotional aspects often works best to help patients regain functioning and well-being.
Living with Fibromyalgia
Coping with widespread chronic pain and fatigue is challenging, but support and self-care can make a difference. Pacing activities to avoid overexertion, engaging in gentle exercise, getting adequate restful sleep, and finding support through online or in-person support groups allow many patients to manage fibromyalgia and its impact on their lives.
While fibromyalgia is understood as a long-lasting condition without a definite cure, patients who take a self-care approach and utilize stress and pain management techniques can see real improvements. With the right treatment plan and support system, living a fulfilling life with fibromyalgia is absolutely possible.
If you or someone you love struggles with a complex chronic illness like fibromyalgia or ME/CFS, “Burning Rubber” by Kathryn Larouche Imler is a must-read.
Kathryn's raw and emotional memoir intimately chronicles her journey as a nurse, single mother, and patient contending with mysterious symptoms and an unpredictable body. Her story puts a human face to misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia, validating others experiencing the frustration of navigating our complex healthcare system.
Through unfathomable loss, grief, and disability, Larouche Imler models incredible resilience and an unrelenting drive to find meaning and purpose. Her willingness to Stubbornly fight outdated norms around sickness empowers readers to persevere through their own challenges.
Pick up a copy today.
No comments yet