Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain...

May is Fibromyalgia Awareness Month.

Many of us have heard of Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia Action UK (https://www.fmauk.org/) and the NHS say it is a condition that affects around 1 in 20 people in the UK.

The NHS says:

“The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but it's thought to be related to abnormal levels of certain chemicals in the brain and changes in the way the central nervous system (the brain, spinal cord and nerves) processes pain messages carried around the body.” ( https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/fibromyalgia/treatment/ )

The name Fibromyalgia is made up of fibro (fibrous tissues) my (muscles) and algia (pain). It is a Central Pain Condition and involves the nervous system, with disorder of pain regulation with central sensitization to pain – it most often shows up somewhere between the ages of 20 and 50 years old but can occur earlier or later.

According to history, well known figures such as Frida Kahlo and Florence Nightingale lived with what we now consider to be Fibromyalgia. Florence Nightingale’s birthday was May 12th and that’s why it is Fibromyalgia Awareness Day.

FM or FMS has been known by various names in the past as it has a long history. It has been called muscular rheumatism, fibrositis and psychogenic rheumatism. The ‘tender points’ now known in fibro where first identified in 1815 and have remained important in the diagnosis of the condition which eventually became known as Fibromyalgia in 1976.

As you may have heard the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia has not been without its complications due to dispute among the members of the medical community on what Fibromyalgia is. The diagnostic criteria of Fibromyalgia often undergo review because it is a complex condition.

Have a look at FMAUK’s video on the history of Fibromyalgia for all this info: https://youtu.be/aCxmgAy9_Gg?feature=shared and for more detailed information you can find useful resources on their website too: https://fmauk.org/information-packs-mainmenu-58/booklet-mainmenu-135

Fibromyalgia, the Basics...

Here is what we know:

* Fibromyalgia Syndrome on its own is considered a primary pain condition with idiopathic origin (that is, there is no specific known cause of it).

* Fibromyalgia may also occur as a secondary pain condition if for example if a person has a condition such as Rheumatoid Arthritis or Lupus that already cause some of the same or similar symptoms.

* FMS is very complex condition and presents uniquely in each patient. It’s triggered by various things and risk factors may include genetics, age, gender, trauma, stress, illness, injury and weight.

* There are no specific tests for Fibromyalgia, but rather ‘exclusionary’ tests that clinicians may suggest enabling ruling out other primary causes of pain.

* Anyone can develop Fibromyalgia, but Women are more likely to experience Fibromyalgia than men.

Symptoms:

FMAUK share some of the symptoms as:

· Muscle pain and stiffness

· Fatigue

· Specific ‘tender points’

· Disturbed sleep

· Clumsiness and dizziness

· Sensitivity to weather changes, noise and bright lights etc.

· Poor concentration/cognitive disturbances etc. [Also known as Fibro-fog]

· Irritable Bowel Syndrome

· Allergies

* Women may experience abnormally painful periods and intense PMS because of fibro. (It’s important to differentiate between fibro and other potential issues such as endometriosis, fibroids, PMDD and adenomyosis so do always speak with your GP or other health professional if you are worried about symptoms).

* Alongside the main Fibromyalgia symptoms patients may also experience:

· Depression and Anxiety

· Migraines/Headaches

· Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

· Vision issues

· Myofascial Pain Syndrome

· Weight management difficulties

· Restless Leg Syndrome

· And more… (There are hundreds of associated symptoms)

How is Treatment Approached?

Living with Fibromyalgia is a journey and often needs a multi-facetted approach to management. There are no specific pathways for fibro treatment, but 3 of the primary treatment approaches as listed by the NHS are:

* Exercise

* Talking Therapies

* Medicines

So, what can a clinic like Southcote offer Fibromyalgia patients?

We have several modalities that together and separately may provide some support for the journey:

* Massage and Aromatherapy

* Counselling

* Craniosacral Therapy and Reiki

* Chiropractic and Osteopathy

* Herbal Medicine and Nutritional Therapy

* Some of our practitioners also offer 1-2-1 guidance on exercise regimes tailored to the individual needs of a client too such as Yoga, Pilates and movement meditation.

To learn more about our team and the services we provide, please visit our website: https://www.southcote.com/ or call reception on 01622 661883.

by Jasmin Mulvey (Herbal Medicine & Reiki Practitioner at Southcote)