QUESTION: It is a new one on me, but the frequent aches and pains I have been experiencing for some time now have finally been diagnosed as "fibromyalgia". However, even with that knowledge I have been unable to find real relief, though I have used just about everything available.
Can you tell me about this disease, and possibly suggest some treatments that may help? This has really got me down.
ANSWER: Many of our readers may not know about fibromyalgia.
It's a chronic pain condition that is thought to affect three to six million persons in the U.S., primarily women.
Also called "fibromyositis" and "myofascial pain syndrome," the complaints and symptoms may be so general and nonspecific and difficult to evaluate that fibromyalgia is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, and doctors and patients alike become frustrated with the problems.
The good news is that it doesn't threaten life, deform or debilitate. Symptoms include chronic pain and stiffness in muscles and joints, especially the neck, shoulder, lower back or hip.
Morning fatigue, abdominal pain, disrupted sleep, sensitivity to temperature extremes and headaches are often reported.
Patients with fibromyalgia have many tender spots around the shoulder and knee.
Before a diagnosis of fibromyalgia is made, other systemic diseases like arthritis should be ruled out. Relief can sometimes be gained with stretching exercises, improved sleep, local applications of heat and gentle massage.
The condition may disappear when some stressful life situation is resolved.
If you have tried all the ordinary pain relievers without much help, suggest the use of amitriptyline hydrochloride or a combination of amitriptyline and naproxen sodium to your physician.
Benefits reported from bedtime treatment with this combination of a low dose tricyclic antidepressant and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication include improved sleep and reduced fatigue, pain and tenderness. However, even with the hope of some improvement using these medications, you will have to realize that this is a chronic condition, and your own resolve to overcome by developing your own coping mechanisms may be the best treatment available to you today.
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician.
Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.
