Dr. Emil Tompkins
Definition
Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by chronic, widespread pain as well as a variety ofother symptoms, such as tenderness, fatigue and difficulty sleeping. These symptoms tend tovary in intensity over time.
Fibromyalgia can make it difficult to perform everyday activities, such as climbing stairs, lighthousehold tasks and walking short distances.
Prevalence
Fibromyalgia affects an estimated 2 to 4 percent of the US population, or as many as 6 to 12million people.
Although fibromyalgia affects both men and women, approximately 90 percent of fibromyalgiasufferers are female. It is estimated that there could be as many American women living withfibromyalgia as there are living with diabetes.
Cause
The underlying cause of fibromyalgia is unknown; however research is ongoing in the field.Central nervous system defects are thought to play an important role in the pathophysiology offibromyalgia. Alterations in both the ascending and descending pain pathways in the centralnervous system may contribute to fibromyalgia pain.
Diagnosis
There is no objective laboratory test or marker for diagnosis. However, diagnostic criteria forfibromyalgia were developed in 1990 by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR). Thesecriteria are 1) a history of widespread pain lasting more than three months and 2) the presence ofpain in 11 of 18 tender point sites on certain areas in all four quadrants of the body.Today, the diagnosis is based on patient history, physical examination, laboratory evaluations,and exclusion of other diseases.Unfortunately, patients are often referred to numerous physicians, including a variety ofspecialists before receiving an accurate diagnosis.
Nearly 70 percent of people with fibromyalgia have not been diagnosed.It is estimated that it takes an average of 5 years for a fibromyalgia patient to receive anaccurate diagnosis.Management
There are FDA-approved medications that can help manage the symptoms of fibromyalgia, aswell as lifestyle changes that may be appropriate.
Although no specific diet has been shown to relieve symptoms, a healthy and balanced diet canincrease energy levels and alertness, and help prevent other health problems.People with fibromyalgia may also benefit from moderate exercise, such as low-impact aerobicsor daily stretching.
Here are just a few facts about fibromyalgia that we can use to help ourselves or others. If you are dealing with fibromyalgia pain in Tucson, call Dr. Tompkins for a consultation. Your health just may change because of it. Dr. Tompkins has been a chiropractor in Tucson serving families in Marana, Nortwest Tucson and all of Southern Arizona for over 8 years. And he looks forward to taking care of you and your family.
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Go here to read the rest: Wanna beat Fibro? Learn the facts….
