If You Have Pain, Psychological Problems, Sleep Trouble, Constant Fatigue and Bowel Problems, Don't…
If there are symptoms whose cause simply cannot be identified – such as pain, psychological problems, sleep trouble, constant fatigue, bowel problems, and painful menstrual periods – the possibility that the person may be experiencing fibromyalgia syndrome should come to mind.
Fibromyalgia syndrome was first described in 1906 under the name fibrositis. Although it is a common condition, it stands before us as a problem seen in 2% of the population.
NOT USEFUL
Although fibromyalgia syndrome is most often seen in middle-aged women, it can appear in both men and women at any age. The relationship between fibromyalgia and other chronic rheumatic diseases is important for rheumatologists.
Apart from the presence of tender points on the body, the physical examination is generally normal. Laboratory tests are generally not useful except for differential diagnosis.
Fibromyalgia is also a condition with a psychological dimension. It is seen far more often in people with depression, sleep disorders, and high anxiety. Fibromyalgia syndrome (soft tissue rheumatism), which is generally more common in women aged 25-50, can also occur in men and during childhood. The condition is seen more frequently in people with above-average education and economic levels.
A perfectionist, workaholic personality type can also be listed among the risk factors for developing fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is frequently seen in people working in professions such as journalism, architecture, and finance. It is also seen in people who don't like their job. Since unhappiness is a factor that increases pain, people who are not satisfied with their work are at just as much risk of fibromyalgia as those in the most stressful professions.
Interestingly, fibromyalgia is not a condition well known to the public or to physicians who do not specialize in the field. Patients who present to a doctor with this clinical picture often end up having to visit many physicians before receiving the correct diagnosis.
DIAGNOSTIC METHODS
For diagnosis, evaluating the patient's complaints, the type of pain, accompanying findings, and the physical examination are important. On physical examination, widespread tenderness throughout the body, cord-like hardness and taut bands in the muscles, and the presence of numerous tender points and trigger points are findings that suggest fibromyalgia syndrome.
The number of tender points is important for diagnosis. There is no specific laboratory test that confirms a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. If there is no accompanying rheumatic disease, rheumatology test results will also come back negative. Laboratory tests are mostly important for ruling out similar conditions.
Unfortunately, it usually takes a long time for a patient to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia patients undergo many medical examinations and tests before being diagnosed. This causes a loss of time and, consequently, a delay in the patient's treatment.
In my next article, I will address “the prevention and treatment methods of fibromyalgia.”