The cause of fibromyalgia is still not clear. The people with fibromyalgia have the raised levels of substance P, a nerve chemical signal and nerve growth factors in the spinal fluid. The brain nerve chemical serotonin is also found to be low. The onset of fibromyalgia is supposed to be associated with trauma, psychological distress and infection.
Widespread pain involving both side of the body is the most common symptom of fibromyalgia. Pain generally involves arms, shoulders, neck, upper back, buttocks and chest. Some fibromyalgia patients may suffer from mental disturbances such as poor concentration, irritability, anxiety and depression.
The diagnosis of fibromyalgia is based on the history and physical examination. The diagnosis can be made by finding point tenderness areas. There are some other medical conditions that can cause pain such as hypothyroidism, polymyositis, Paget’s disease, hypercalcemia, infectious diseases and cancer. Some blood tests are performed to rule out other medical conditions responsible for pain. It includes a determination of CPK levels, Complete Blood Test etc.
Fibromyalgia can occur with some other systemic rheumatic conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus, polymyositis, rheumatoid arthritis and polymyalgia rheumatica. The blood tests like erythrocyte sedimentation rate, antinuclear antibody, serum protein electrophoresis and rheumatoid factor are done to evaluate these diseases.
Medication is meant for reducing the pain of fibromyalgia. It includes analgesic, antidepressants, muscle relaxants and pregabalin. Stress reduction and exercise can also help in treatment.
