Fibromyalgia is a condition that affects the musculoskeletal system. It is characterised by generalised pain, fatigue and disturbances in sleep, mood and memory. The main disorder is lowered threshold for pain such that small painful stimuli are greatly amplified by the brain. The symptoms are often precipitated by factors such as physical trauma, infections, psychological stress or surgery. Fibromyalgia treatment aims at alleviating these symptoms.
The cause of this condition is yet to be established. Several risk factors are believed to contribute to its development. Susceptible individuals often have a similar mutation of genes and this has led researchers into believing that the condition may have a familial inheritance pattern. Constant infections especially of the musculoskeletal system are also a predisposing factor. Gender also plays a role as more women than men are affected.
NSAIDS are a group of drugs that are very effective in treating mild pain. Affected individuals may benefit from drugs such as ibuprofen, paracetamol, diclofenac and naproxen. Most of these drugs are available over-the-counter. Those who fail to respond may try stronger analgesics such as narcotic opioids. Examples of these drugs include pethidine, morphine, codeine and tramadol. Most of the opioids are prescription-only drugs. Tramadol is a common choice but has several side effects such as diarrhoea, withdrawal symptoms and diarrhoea.
A number of antidepressants are also effective. These antidepressants help in increasing the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain. They include, among others, dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin. Research shows that low levels of neurotransmitters may play a role in the lowering of the threshold for pain. Increasing their amount, therefore, helps reduce the pain. The commonly used antidepressants include amitriptyline, duloxetine and fluoxetine.
Anticonvulsants have a similar effect to anticonvulsants though the mechanism of action is different. Pregabalin is a drug that reduces the amount of glutamate, a neurotransmitter in the brain. The drug is effective in the treatment of epilepsy, a condition where patients experience recurrent seizures. The effect of this drug is a reduction in pain perception as well as other symptoms. Its main side effects include constipation, nausea, dryness of mouth, weight gain, vomiting, constipation and blurred vision.
There is strong evidence that fibromyalgia has a psychological component. For this reason, psychological treatments should be considered alongside chemical treatment if maximum benefits are to be realised. Depression is a fairly common finding in affected persons. Treatments like cognitive-behaviour therapy have been shown to be quite effective in these patients. The affected persons are able to adopt a more positive attitude which in turn improves response to therapy.
While pain is the main condition, there are many other associated symptoms that have to be treated. Commonly associated symptoms include endometriosis, depression, fatigue, sleep disturbances, anxiety and irritable bowel syndrome among others. Each of these symptoms may require the consult of a specialist who will recommend the most effective form of management.
Patients with fibromyalgia require psychological counselling as they have to live with this condition for a long time. They need to remain positive so that responsive to treatment is improved and their quality of life is also improved. They need to know that while there is no definitive treatment, symptoms may subside with time. An encouraging development in fibromyalgia treatment is the fact that there is hope for better and more effective therapies in future.
The cause of this condition is yet to be established. Several risk factors are believed to contribute to its development. Susceptible individuals often have a similar mutation of genes and this has led researchers into believing that the condition may have a familial inheritance pattern. Constant infections especially of the musculoskeletal system are also a predisposing factor. Gender also plays a role as more women than men are affected.
NSAIDS are a group of drugs that are very effective in treating mild pain. Affected individuals may benefit from drugs such as ibuprofen, paracetamol, diclofenac and naproxen. Most of these drugs are available over-the-counter. Those who fail to respond may try stronger analgesics such as narcotic opioids. Examples of these drugs include pethidine, morphine, codeine and tramadol. Most of the opioids are prescription-only drugs. Tramadol is a common choice but has several side effects such as diarrhoea, withdrawal symptoms and diarrhoea.
A number of antidepressants are also effective. These antidepressants help in increasing the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain. They include, among others, dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin. Research shows that low levels of neurotransmitters may play a role in the lowering of the threshold for pain. Increasing their amount, therefore, helps reduce the pain. The commonly used antidepressants include amitriptyline, duloxetine and fluoxetine.
Anticonvulsants have a similar effect to anticonvulsants though the mechanism of action is different. Pregabalin is a drug that reduces the amount of glutamate, a neurotransmitter in the brain. The drug is effective in the treatment of epilepsy, a condition where patients experience recurrent seizures. The effect of this drug is a reduction in pain perception as well as other symptoms. Its main side effects include constipation, nausea, dryness of mouth, weight gain, vomiting, constipation and blurred vision.
There is strong evidence that fibromyalgia has a psychological component. For this reason, psychological treatments should be considered alongside chemical treatment if maximum benefits are to be realised. Depression is a fairly common finding in affected persons. Treatments like cognitive-behaviour therapy have been shown to be quite effective in these patients. The affected persons are able to adopt a more positive attitude which in turn improves response to therapy.
While pain is the main condition, there are many other associated symptoms that have to be treated. Commonly associated symptoms include endometriosis, depression, fatigue, sleep disturbances, anxiety and irritable bowel syndrome among others. Each of these symptoms may require the consult of a specialist who will recommend the most effective form of management.
Patients with fibromyalgia require psychological counselling as they have to live with this condition for a long time. They need to remain positive so that responsive to treatment is improved and their quality of life is also improved. They need to know that while there is no definitive treatment, symptoms may subside with time. An encouraging development in fibromyalgia treatment is the fact that there is hope for better and more effective therapies in future.
About the Author:
Read more about The Fibromyalgia Treatment Options Available visiting our website.
Postingan
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar