PART I
I’ve written numerous articles over the years regarding the subject of fibromyalgia syndrome. This devastating condition affects millions of people. The term syndrome specifically means that the condition is not a definitive diagnosis; however, is made up of a group of signs and symptoms collectively that indicate a patient has this condition. It is estimated that 3 – 6% of all Americans suffer from fibromyalgia syndrome. This percentage is primarily made up of women.
According to statistics gathered by the National Fibromyalgia Association, it can take up to four years to find an accurate diagnosis for this condition when you initially present at your treating doctor’s office with the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia syndrome. An accurate diagnosis of this condition is extremely difficult. It is typically associated with pain syndromes in four quadrants of the body which have existed for a minimum of three months. Tender points which are part of the diagnostic signs associated with fibromyalgia syndrome. These are one of the primary diagnostic criteria relied upon by many treating doctors. These tender points are found in diffuse areas of the body including the neck, shoulders, chest, hips, knees and elbow regions. Unfortunately, many doctors rely solely on these tender points as diagnostic indicators of fibromyalgia syndrome. This, however, can be devastating to a patient, in that while a patient may have numerous tender areas in their body it does not necessarily indicate that they have fibromyalgia syndrome. The diagnostic criteria relied upon by most doctors is that a patient have a minimum of eleven tender points. An accurate diagnostic protocol for fibromyalgia syndrome includes a complete analysis of the patient for symptoms and signs including fatigue, chronic headaches, dizziness or lightheadedness, cognitive or memory impairment, malaise, muscle pain primarily after exertion, jaw pain, morning sickness, irritable bowels, numbness and tingling sensations in various parts of the body, and chemical sensitivities. It is also often times helpful for a patient who suspects that they have fibromyalgia syndrome to be evaluated by more than one doctor.
Conditions that mimic fibromyalgia syndrome include anemia, hypothyroidism, lyme disease, rheumatic disorders, hormonal imbalances, allergies, and other disorders that cause pain and fatigue other than fibromyalgia. Many of these mimicking disorders can be ruled out with definitive testing such as hypothyroidism, sometimes Lyme disease, and hormonal imbalances. These problems must be addressed first, because patients may also suffer from fibromyalgia syndrome.
As one of my professors in chiropractic college would say, “a patient is entitled to more than one disease or disorder at a time”, and it’s important that we rule out or confirm specific conditions. Then, if the patient continues to suffer from other signs or symptoms, to look for other disorders that may be causing those signs and symptoms.
Routine allopathic or medical treatment will involve prescription of one or more of the following drugs: Prednisone or other anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-depressants, drugs to assist in sleeping and muscle relaxants. While these drugs can temporarily ameliorate your symptoms, they often produce side effects. Next week I will discuss some alternative forms of treatment for fibromyalgia syndrome.