Disease in the News: Fibromyalgia Fibromyalgia has become a new trend in chronic diseases that affects many people today. This disease is a common rheumatic disorder that causes widespread pain within fibrous tissues of the body, such as tendons, muscles, and other connective tissues. This disease combines the number of symptoms involved that can also lead to chronic problems in the areas of fatigue, memory problems, and has been linked to depression. Although the cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, author Jessica Downey confirms many theories in figuring out this disease in her article “New Help for Fibromyalgia,” The Best of Natural Health. Some physicians who claim this disease does not exist simply because they want to rule out more serious diseases such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis. Many of these patients have been dealing with these problems for years, but experience a missed diagnosis and are sent home with a conclusion of depression or referred to another type of specialist. Because reliable research and scientific evidence on fibromyalgia is moderately new and little of what has been published is filtered through the mainstream physician sector. Nevertheless, overcoming skepticism in dealing with fibromyalgia is a major challenge because this disease affects primarily women according to the American College of Rheumatology. “You have a disease of [mainly] women whose tests are technically normal” says Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, Medical Director of the National Fibromyalgia and Fatigued Centers (Teitelbaum, 2011). Despite this theory, treatment of fibromyalgia can differ from person to person and can involve multiple strategies. Some physicians believe cause of the problem does not begin in the muscles or tendons, but starts within the segment of the brain called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus controls serotonin production that regulates the hormones, pain sensation, and sleep, mood, and stress management. When the brain does not produce enough serotonin, many fibro patients begin to experience emotional disorders such as anxiety and compulsiveness. For this reason, physicians sometimes make the attempt to prescribe medications to regulate this gland. Another approach to treat fibromyalgia is to use components of foods and plants along with nurtraceuticals such as magnesium and fish oil to boost the immune system and increase energy levels in patients. The method of combining prescription drugs to enhance the immune system can increase energy levels up to 92% of these patients, but often takes at least six months or longer. A more traditional strategy is also being followed by taking a new drug called Lyrica. Taking this method to treat fibromyalgia can be more convenient patients; however it is still under review for its effectiveness. With Lyrica in existence in the market, this medication has assisted in proving the legitimacy that the syndrome does exist. At least 30% to 40% of patients who takes this medication have an increased tolerance for pain. Acupuncture is another method of treatment being widely used as an effective treatment for fibromyalgia. According to a study done by the Mayo Clinic, patients who received acupuncture treatment reported a considerable improvement in their symptoms. Although this article reports fibromyalgia can affect people globally, the perspectives of this article primarily provide information and data based comments on a national level. The national government has made contributions in funding programs with the mission of educating fibromyalgia patients in developing strategies to improve their ability to manage stress and improve their stress levels. Because fibromyalgia also causes many patients to struggle with obesity, it has become difficult for patients to maintain active lives. This provides another way for government leaders to propose new programs designed to assist patients in becoming more active in increasing their daily activities. Conclusion Fibromyalgia is a very complex disease which is often missed when diagnosing common symptoms such as muscle aches, headaches, and weight gain. It can affect the lives of many people who are both active and inactive. Many investigations still are being conducted to discover the reason this disease is reaching higher growth rate and why people are contracting this disease; however, the current evidence has been made available to mainstream physicians on the recognition of systems for fibromyalgia as well as effective treatment options available. For this disease, the road ahead appears to be part of a worldwide mission to find a stabilizing cure and treatment for those who develop fibromyalgia. Most patients would welcome the idea of not only being able to control their episodes of pain and discomfort, but also that fibromyalgia would eventually become a disease of the past.

References Downey, Jessica (2011, July/August). “New Help for Fibromyalgia”, The Best of Natural Health, pgs 48-55.