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While fibromyalgia is often considered a form of arthritis, it is actually very different and, in most cases, more painful. An estimated 2% of all Americans suffer from chronic pain associated with fibromyalgia syndrome. The deep, gnawing pain can be felt throughout the entire body, including the muscles, tendons, joints and ligaments. Although the pain is intense and wide-spreading, the bright side is that it can be effectively relieved through a pain management program.

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Fibromyalgia is a syndrome that exhibits multiple symptoms all at one time. It affects muscles and soft tissues, resulting in deep pain, swelling or numbness in the hands, arms, feet and legs, tenderness in certain parts of the body and stiffness, especially upon rising.

>Widespread pain is the most common indicator of fibromyalgia. But there are many other far-reaching and diverse symptoms associated with fibromyalgia syndrome. They include pain; headaches; digestive disorders; memory and concentration trouble; constant fatigue; discoloration in the hands and feet; sleep disorders; anxiety; dryness in the mouth, nose and eyes; urinary problems; stress; irritable bowel syndrome; restless leg syndrome; and depression.

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Diagnosis of fibromyalgia may take several years because the symptoms are often incorrectly diagnosed as something else, such as a structural pain problem, arthritis, lupus, or chronic fatigue syndrome. Unfortunately, there are not many laboratory tests that can properly diagnose fibromyalgia. After testing for other medical conditions to rule them out, many physicians are able to diagnose the problem after the patient provides detailed information about all their symptoms and when they occur. Generally, widespread pain for at least three months, tenderness in 11 of the 18 tender points, fatigue, high stress levels, sleep disorders and depression are the main conditions leading to a diagnosis of fibromyalgia.

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Because fibromyalgia has multiple symptoms, the treatment plan has to be multidisciplinary and all-encompassing to include pain medication, stress management, lifestyle changes and other therapies. Much of the treatment focuses on the trigger points or the areas around the joints that are tender to the touch. It could take time to find the appropriate treatment because often times the trigger points don’t respond to medication or certain therapies.

>Managing chronic fibromyalgia pain can also be challenging because studies show that people who suffer from fibromyalgia have diminished blood flow to the parts of the brain that deal with pain. So many treatments are ineffective. However, a treatment program that combines pain and antidepressant medications with exercise, hydrotherapy, sleep therapies, physical therapy and stress management help to relieve the symptoms.

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Although certain treatments are effective in easing fibromyalgia pain, they might be difficult for fibromyalgia sufferers to do on a daily basis. Aerobic exercise, for instance, might not be helpful for those with trigger points in their foot, hip, or knee. In these cases, another exercise program, such as water aerobics, might be more effective. Likewise, deep tissue massage therapy might be too painful for those with severe pain, so moist heat applications or a Jacuzzi could be better substitutes.

>Other treatments that are available to help minimize chronic pain associated with fibromyalgia are acupuncture, neuromuscular massage, chiropractic care, biofeedback, herbal remedies, meditation and natural dietary supplements.

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People who suffer from fibromyalgia suffer a type of pain like no other. They constantly ache all over, making everyday tasks insurmountable. Although it seems like the pain is never ending, pain management programs can help make the necessary lifestyle changes to help fibromyalgia sufferers gain control of the illness and live a better life.