Spartan Nurse Monthly: Managing Fibromyalgia
June 27, 2016
This month’s Spartan Nurse Monthly Wellness topic is fibromyalgia. The name fibromyalgia comes from “fibro” meaning fibrous tissues (such as tendons or ligaments), “my” meaning muscles, and “algia” meaning pain. Fibromyalgia is a common pain disorder and is estimated to affect greater than five million Americans. Women between the ages of 20-50 years are most often affected.
The most prominent symptom of fibromyalgia is persistent, wide-spread pain, with increased sensitivity to stimuli that are not normally painful, and an increased response to painful stimuli. Other key symptoms that can occur are areas of tenderness covering the body and stiffness. People who have fibromyalgia may be depressed, anxious, forgetful, have difficulty concentrating, and experience disorganized thinking. Tension and/or migraine headaches can occur, as well as poor sleep quality, difficulty falling asleep, frequent wakening during the night, and early wakening with difficulty returning to sleep. People may experience increased sensitivity to heat and cold. Other disorders that may accompany fibromyalgia are Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Chronic Pelvic Pain, and depression.
Fibromyalgia can impact a person’s social and work life. Because of lack of sleep and energy, this disease can disrupt relationships and cause social isolation. Work life can be impacted as well; career loss or an inability to advance in career or education is common. There is no diagnostic test to diagnose fibromyalgia, but it is important to note that it can be treated.
Fibromyalgia is diagnosed by a focused history and physical examination based on the symptoms that are experienced, which can be completed by your nurse practitioner or physician. Once diagnosed, the treatment goals typically entail adequate pain relief with improved ability to carry out activities of daily living, and improving sleep. The goal is to help you manage your pain. Treatment includes working with nurse practitioners, physicians, pain psychologists, and physical therapists. Your health care provider can provide you with medications. There are several medications that are FDA approved for the treatment of fibromyalgia. The pain psychologist can provide you with coping, relaxation and biofeedback techniques. Physical therapy, like water therapy and gentle stretching, can be helpful. Remaining active with some sort of exercise is an important piece of the treatment plan. Complementary and alternative medicine such as acupuncture, massage, Yoga, and chiropractic therapy have been shown to be helpful as well.
Working together with your healthcare provider is a must in helping you understand the disorder, identify and manage sleep disturbances, and increase your confidence in the treatments you select. Your providers can provide support, help you develop coping mechanisms, and give you the skills to manage your pain.
