Fibromyalgia
"The future of treatment for this disease is promising, as research is rapidly progressing to find more effective treatments".
DR. JAVIER NICOLÁS GARCÍA GONZÁLEZ
SPECIALIST. INTERNAL MEDICINE DEPARTMENT
What is fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread musculoskeletal pain, deep exhaustion and sleep problems, as well as other symptoms such as memory and mood loss.
It mainly affects the soft tissues of the body (muscles, tendons, nerves, etc.) and does not cause pain or swelling of the joints.
The mechanisms by which this disease occurs are not well understood, so no alterations are found in analyses or imaging studies that would allow a diagnosis to be made.
Fibromyalgia shares some characteristics with chronic asthenia or chronic fatigue syndrome or, as it has recently been called, systemic exercise intolerance disease.
Symptoms of fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia may present, in addition to the symptoms already mentioned, some of the following:
- Generalised pain.
- Tiredness.
- Sleep disorders.
- Depression and anxiety.
- Stiffness: stiffness of the body.
- Increased headaches or facial pain.
- Abdominal discomfort: digestive disturbances, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and/or diarrhoea.
- Genitourinary problems: increased frequency or urgency of urination, typically without a bladder infection.
- Anaesthesia: numbness or tingling (e.g. in the hands or feet).
- Temperature sensitivity.
- Skin problems: bothersome symptoms, such as itching, dryness or spots.
- Chest symptoms: chest or upper body pains.
- Imbalance: dizziness and/or balance problems.
- Cognitive disorders: difficulty concentrating, "mental slowness", memory loss.
- Sensations in the legs: "restless legs syndrome" (uncontrollable urge to move the legs, especially when resting or resting).
- Environmental sensitivity: hypersensitivity to light, noises, smells and weather changes.
Do you have any of these symptoms?
If you suspect that you have any of the above symptoms,
you should consult a medical specialist for a diagnosis.
What are the risk factors for vaginal candidiasis?
Cases of fibromyalgia have been described that begin after a specific process, such as a bacterial or viral infection, a car accident, a marital separation, a problem with the children...
In other cases, it appears after another known illness has limited the quality of life of the sufferer (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, etc.).
These triggering agents do not seem to cause the disease, but probably awaken it in a person who already has a hidden abnormality in the regulation of their ability to respond to certain stimuli.
Although it is not yet clear, it is likely that an abnormal response to stressors plays a major role in the disease.
Low levels of some substances important in pain regulation (particularly serotonin) have been found in the nervous system of people with fibromyalgia.
It is a common disease, with a clear predominance in women, so that in Spain up to 4.2% of women may suffer from the disease, while it only affects 0.2% of men.
How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?
The diagnosis of fibromyalgia is made in patients with generalised musculoskeletal pain for several months, ruling out other causes. The pain is usually accompanied by symptoms such as tiredness, headache or dry mucous membranes.
On physical examination, pain is identified at more than 11 out of 18 specific points on the body, a key criterion for diagnosis. Easy reddening of the skin on pressure is also common. Tests and X-rays are usually normal and are used to exclude other associated diseases.
Tratamiento y medicación para la fibromialgia
There is no standard treatment for all patients and it must be adapted to each patient according to their characteristics. The aim of treatment is to try to control the symptoms that accompany the disease (musculoskeletal pain, tiredness ...) trying to avoid the side effects of medication that often suffer patients with fibromyalgia.
It is necessary to avoid the factors that aggravate the symptoms by adapting life habits and customs to the limitations that pain and fatigue can produce. It is advisable to try to achieve a change of mentality, both in the patient and those around him, seeking a relaxed family environment free of constant demands.
Of all the measures that have been used in the treatment of fibromyalgia, physical exercise and adequate muscle strength are undoubtedly the most effective. Massage, muscle stretching exercises, local heat and some types of electrotherapy ("currents"), can be secondarily effective.
Local injections of the painful points with local anesthetics, especially if followed by a local massage, are of great help for intense localized pain.
Painkillers or analgesics can help in a punctual way. There is a group of medicines, which act among other mechanisms of action, increasing the levels of serotonin, and that improve the symptoms in a good number of patients.
In the cases refractory to the pharmacological treatment, the perfusions of lidocaine (local anesthetic) administered in intravenous form can be effective.
Where do we treat it?
IN NAVARRE AND MADRID
The Department of Internal Medicine
of the Clínica Universidad de Navarra
Its integrative vision and polyvalence allow us to provide the best medical assistance to multipathological and multisymptomatic patients, who present a difficult diagnosis or who suffer from prevalent diseases of a hospital nature.
Why at the Clínica?
- State-of-the-art diagnostic technology.
- Quick diagnosis to start the most appropriate treatment early.
- Teamwork with the rest of the professionals in the Clinic.
Our team of professionals
