Fibromyalgia is a chronic tender point disorder in muscles,
tendons and ligaments throughout the whole body. There are 18 tender points at
various locations including head, shoulder, chest, elbow, knee, and hip.
Patient experiences pain when we press the tender points around the joints. Other than deep muscle pain few other symptoms
are also associated with fibromyalgia like fatigue, sleep problems and
irritable bowel.
Possible causes and
predisposing factors:
- Post traumatic stress disorder-any physical or emotional trauma
- Associated with diseases like autoimmune diseases, arthritis etc
- Anxiety and depression-fibromyalgia is often associated with anxiety and mood disorders.
- Gender- more common in females as compare to males.
- Genetics- fibromyalgia can be hereditary also.
Symptoms of
fibromyalgia
- Pain – pain in muscles, tendons and ligaments throughout the whole body .Nature of pain is deep and dull aching pain which worsens after a physical activity and as the day progresses.
- Trigger or Tender points- 9 pair of tender points:
- Both sides of the back of the head
- Both sides of the neck
- Top of each shoulder
- Shoulder blades
- Both sides of the upper chest
- Outside of each elbow
- Both sides of the hips
- Buttocks
- Insides of the knees
- Other symptoms are:
- Restless leg syndrome (RLS)
- Sleep problems
- Irritable bowel
If patient experiences above mentioned pain for at least
three months, possible reason is fibromyalgia.
Treatment
Medical treatment-includes various types of drugs like
NSAIDs, Anti – depressants.
Other natural and alternative treatments-include acupuncture,
yoga, meditation and balanced diet etc
Physical therapy- Physical therapy treatment can be
categorized as:
- Electrotherapy treatment
Aim of electrotherapy treatment is:
Reduce pain and muscle spasm
Accelerate healing
Modalities used are:
TENS
Ultrasound
- Physical treatments:
Aim of physical treatment is:
Improve the flexibility of muscle and joint
Improve healing
Decrease swelling
Physical Treatment:
Hot packs or ice packs
Hydrotherapy
Paraffin wax bath
- Manual treatments:
Aim:
Improve ROM
Reduce swelling and pain
It includes manual therapy like:
Massage
Stretching and mobility exercises
Other measures:
Postural muscles strengthening and modifications for reduction
of load o affected muscle group. Regular exercise program designed to improve
the aggravating symptoms.