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What is Fibromyalgia Syndrome? Fibromyalgia Syndrome or FMS is widespread musculoskeletal pain, aching and stiffness with associated sleep disturbances and fatigue. FMS sometimes begins from a triggering event such as physical or emotional trauma, illness or prolonged sleep disturbance, but can also begin without any reason.
FMS is characterized by periods of flare-ups and remissions, and with the right knowledge and encouragement most patients can manage their own symptoms.
How is it diagnosed?
Contrary to some opinions, there is no proven blood test to confirm FMS. Rather these tests are used to rule out other diagnoses. A thorough patient history combined with a history of widespread pain for at least 3 months, and pain in at least 11 out of 18 pre-determined tender points is used to diagnose FMS. Tender points are painful when touched but do not cause pain to be referred to any other part of the body.
Why do I feel worse sometimes?
FMS goes through cycles of flare-ups and remissions. Many people describe different factors such as weather changes and stress that can cause or contribute to a flare-up. As you become more in tune to your body, you will begin to recognize an approaching flare-up. Practicing all of your good habits and pain control techniques becomes even more important.
Here are some tips to help prepare for a flare-up:
 Cook extra food and freeze it, so that you can conserve energy through the flare-up
Make extra appointments with your physician, physical therapist or massage therapist
Simplify your schedule and try to avoid stressful situations
Talk to your family, friends, and health care team
Schedule fun activities
Perform your relaxation techniques
Keep a journal, so that you can try to prevent a pattern of flare-up from reoccurring
What can I do to help myself?
SLEEP DISTURBANCES:
Sleep disturbances are common complaints of people with fibromyalgia syndrome. Here are some things that you can do to have a more restful sleep:
Medications, ask your doctor for one that is right for you
Listen to a relaxing tape before bedtime
Keep a sleep log
Follow a bedtime ritual
Eliminate caffeine after 12:00 P.M.
Perform aerobic exercise early in the day
Avoid late-day naps
Eliminate smoking (remember nicotine is a stimulant)
Avoid alcohol because it disrupts deep sleep
PAIN:
Pain can affect your emotional and physical health. It is very important to learn ways to manage it that will work for you. Here are some ideas to try:
Heat. Heat can be very relaxing and effective with pain management. You can use a heating pad or you can fill a sock with rice and heat it in the microwave for about 1 minute.
Soak in an Epsom salt bath with warm water
Relaxation, meditation and massage
Conserve your energy. Only do the tasks that are most important and take frequent rest breaks to avoid fatigue.
Use a TENS unit. Ask your physical therapist how to order one, and they will customize it for your pain.
Maintain good posture. Slouching puts a lot of stress on your spine, shoulders and jaw. Your physical therapist can help you use good posture and give you a customized exercise program to help you maintain it.
Stretch. Your physical therapist can teach you ways to stretch specific muscle groups.
Laugh. Laughing releases endorphins, which are the body's natural painkiller.
Learn. Educating yourself is the first step to managing your own symptoms.
Get out and do things. If you are in pain, you might as well be in pain doing something you enjoy.
This information is just the beginning for you and your educational journey. There are many resources available for you to learn from, and new research regarding FMS is published all the time. Make sure you choose healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable about FMS, so they can better understand and help you.
Remember, knowledge is a powerful tool to help you manage your symptoms and maintain control of your life!
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