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SHAKING THE ACHES
Sufferers of chronic pain and fatigue could be
undiagnosed fibrositis patients.
Magazine: American Fitness, January, 1995
Section: Features
It's no wonder at today's hectic pace 3 to 6 million people in the United
States experience some sort of muscle aches. Many suffer pain, stiffness, fatigue and
exhaustion, tension and migraine-type headaches.
Though most people are unaware, these symptoms are linked to fibrositis,
sometimes called fibromyalgia, a pain syndrome that is often
difficult to diagnose.
You may have fibrositis and not even know it. The cause remains
mysterious, but doctors and patients are learning how to cope with this debilitating
condition.
Fibrositis is a rheumatic disorder that most often strikes women between
ages 20 and 50. The most frequent complaints are chronic aches and pains in the back of
the neck, low back and lateral hip areas. About 75% of patients also experience sleep
disturbances, which explains why an estimated 80% battle ongoing fatigue.
Although these primary symptoms affect most fibrositis victims,
misdiagnosis is common. Patients may be told they have arthritis, rheumatism or chronic
fatigue syndrome (CFS). "Many patients go from one doctor to another without getting
a proper diagnosis," says rheumatologist Frederick Wolfe, M.D. "By the time I
see them, many are angry and hostile. Often, they begin to feel better just by knowing
what they have is real and not in their heads."
Other experts agree. "Fibrositis is a real and painful disorder, but
not a disease," explains Paul Davidson, M.D., author of Chronic Muscle Pain Syndrome:
Understanding and Treating Fibrositis, the Body's Powerful Reaction to Deep Stress (Random
House Villard, 1989). "It's a syndrome, a collection of symptoms."
Fibrositis and CFS may be the same disorder, according to a study reported
at the 1989 meeting of the American College of Rheumatology. Yet in private practice,
Davidson hasn't found support for this theory. "A lot of people with fatigue fall
into the category of fibrositis, but not CFS," he says. "They don't have swollen
lymph nodes or low-grade fever."
In 1989, the American College of Rheumatology approved criteria to aid
doctors in diagnosing fibrositis. According to the new guidelines, a tip-off to fibrositis
is pain in 11 or more of 18 "tender points." Other warning signs, according to
Davidson, are the presence of muscle aches, pain or stiffness for at least three months,
and the absence of any other underlying disorder that would explain muscular symptoms
derived from lab studies and X-rays.
Since there seems to be no physical or psychological cause for the
syndrome, lack of exercise and stress are blamed. The good news is fibrositis can be
treated and prevented. Recovery depends on discovering your underlying tensions and
learning to cope with them in a healthy way.
Chill Out
Fibrositis is a stress-related phenomenon more likely to affect
over-achievers or type-A personalities, according to Davidson. "There are many ways
to get fibrositis--through anxiety, depression, tension or stress, whether physiological
or psychological. It often comes from self-generated stress such as perfectionism."
To prevent or treat fibrositis, many people find yoga and meditation
helpful. Others prefer biofeedback. Trying a variety of de-stress methods is suggested.
The most beneficial techniques are those you will use consistently, says Davidson.
Learning how to respond to stress is vital to fibrositis recovery, adds
Davidson. Settling unresolved conflicts, which may require some counseling, and dealing
with psychological problems are important in the treatment of fibrositis, he says.
If the workplace is the source of stress, Davidson advises patients to
direct efforts toward improving relationships with coworkers. He also suggests stretching
exercises and learning to operate any work-related equipment with less strain on the
muscles.
Two other important stress-reducers to help reverse the muscle miseries of
fibrositis are rest and relaxation. It's important to know the difference and benefits of
each, according to Davidson. "Rest is a period of repose, inactivity or sleep, a
release of muscle tension and a relief from intense concentration, hard work or
worry," he says. "The term relaxation embraces the recreation that can bring
about this state."
Cultivating a sense of humor and allowing yourself a little fun are also
antidotes. "Always looking at the serious side of life can be depressing and, in
itself, a source of stress and pain," he says. "Smiles and laughter help release
tensions and make the world look a lot more hopeful."
Get In Shape
"Many fibrositis patients are sedentary and out of shape, and that
may contribute to fatigue," says Davidson. "For these patients, normal
activities may be fatiguing, such as going up and down stairs or going to work."
Aerobic exercise can improve the symptoms of fibrositis, including sleep
disturbances, fatigue and pain. Muscles need a chance to relax which can be done by muscle
stretching, muscle fitness, massage, heat, cold and liniments. "As muscle aches and
pains begin to subside, patients experience an increased sense of well-being and
diminished fatigue," says Davidson. "Many also notice sleep improves, and they
awaken more refreshed and rested."
According to the American Heart Association's booklet titled Exercise and
Your Heart, the benefits of regular exercise are overwhelming. They include increased
energy, help in coping with stress, improved self-image, resistance to fatigue, less
anxiety, tension and depression, more relaxation, improved ability to sleep and muscle
toning.
Early diagnosis and treatment are keys to preventing fibrositis from
becoming a chronic and debilitating illness. If one suspects they are suffering from
fibrositis symptoms, they should visit a rheumatologist who specializes in arthritis and
related disorders.
Most importantly, part of Davidson's philosophy is to never give up hope.
"Always remember it will take some effort on your part to control your
fibrositis," he says. "But you can control it."
~~~~~~~~
By Cal Orey, M.A.
Cal Orey, M.A., covers health and nutrition topics for several national
women's magazines.
EATING SMART FOR ENERGY
Unhealthy eating habits make you tired. Your body needs the right kind of
fuel to function optimally, according to Martin Yadrick, R.D., a spokes-person for the
American Dietetic Association (ADA). Here are some ADA healthy eating tips.
Iron
--The current iron RDA for women is 15 milligrams a day. If you're not
getting enough iron you may feel fatigued. Increase your intake of iron-rich foods such as
dried fruit, legumes, liver and dark green leafy vegetables such as broccoli and spinach.
Sugar
--Instead of eating a candy bar for quick energy and ending up with a
"sugar low," try a piece of fresh fruit, bagel or some popcorn.
Caffeine
--"It's a low-level addiction," says Yadrick. "Your body is
used to getting a stimulation from caffeine. Without it your body will feel
fatigued." Try to keep coffee to a minimum. Replace the addictive stimulant with
healthy overall diet and exercise.
Erratic Dieting
--"We recommend people cut down on the fat in their diets and still
include plenty of carbohydrates," says Yadrick. Choose lower fat items, like skim
milk. Try to eat three meals a day. If you skip a meal you may end up over-compensating
later.
~~~~~~~~
By Cal Orey, M.A.
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