Unexplainable pain or Fibromyalgia is a disorder causing diffuse pain all over the body, fatigue (extreme tiredness) and muscle stiffness without proof of being rheumatism or any other confirmable soft tissue disease. Approximately 5 million adults in the US are suffering fibromyalgia, most of whom are female.

It is believed that the increased sensitivity towards pain is a disturbance of processing pain signals at brain.

Associated diseases are tension type headaches, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, cystitis or painful bladder syndrome, anxiety and depression.

Symptoms

• Widespread pain - on both sides of the body, above and below the waist of constant dull character, lasting minimum 3 months.
• Fatigue - tired awakening, even though sleeping period was extended.
• Cognitive difficulties - like a fog impairing the ability to focus, pay attention and concentrate on mental tasks.

Causes

The exact reason is unknown, but it involves a variety of factors working together as genetic factors, infections which trigger or aggravate and physical or emotional trauma.

Complications

The impairment by pain and lack of sleep interfere with the ability to perform daily tasks. On top this condition is as well often-misunderstood by healthcare providers which triggers frustration, depression and health related anxiety.

Diagnosis

We at KindCare Medical Center are starting the diagnostic clarification by taking an extensive medical history addressing your symptoms, the trigger factors, the duration and the frequency, work environment, social habits, toxic exposure, risk of infectious diseases and family history of neurological disease. Check of vital signs such as blood pressure and pulse, followed by a proper physical examination with focus on musculoskeletal system and nerves are the next steps completed by additional laboratory tests, Electromyography (EMG), Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) and sudoscan which are recommended for ruling out underlying conditions.

The diagnosis of fibromyalgia is provided by exclusion of other diseases.

Treatment

We maybe will prescribe medication as Serotonin re-uptake inhibitors or anti-epileptic drugs to modify the chemical imbalance at brain relieving pain and fatigue, to relax the muscles and to help promoting sleep. Our offer at KindCare Medical Center is getting completed by a variation of ayurvedic treatments, physical therapy, for improvement of strength, flexibility and persistence and acupuncture. Getting advice regarding nutrition by implementing a low carbohydrate high fat diet containing plenty of fibres but no added sugar and avoiding foods that have gluten - gluten sensitivity can contribute to fibromyalgia even though not suffering celiac disease supports. You will learn as well avoiding artificial sweeteners as aspartame or flavour enhancer as monosodium glutamate as they increase pain symptoms significantly. Eating more seeds and nuts has shown improvement in fibromyalgia symptoms.