Cosmetic Implant Dentist Charlotte TMJ Holistic
Paul Plascyk, General Dentist
Fibromyalgia, Charlotte Dentist NC
Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a chronic condition causing pain, stiffness and tenderness of the muscles, tendons and joints. It is also characterized by restless sleep, chronic fatigue syndrome, anxiety, depression, disturbances in bowel function and if left untreated can lead to profound disability. Its cause is unknown. Fibromyalgia usually affects women between the ages of 35-55. It can occur independently or with other diseases. Pain can be treated by the same therapies as myofascial pain. The pain of fibromyalgia is not caused by inflammation. Pain is usually widespread and affects both sides of the body. Patients seem to have a increased sensitivity to stimuli which would not ordinarily cause pain. Patients usually have a low threshold of pain. Tender points are localized tender areas of the body that can bring on widespread pain and muscle spasm when touched.
The above diagram shows tender points commonly seen in patients with fibromyalgia
Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include migraine and tension headaches, numbness and tingling in the body, irritable bowl and bladder. There is no test for fibromyalgia. Diagnosis is made based on the medical history and physical diagnosis. Because there is no test for fibromyalgia, patients are often misdiagnosed as having depression as their primary problem. Since the symptoms of fibromyalgia are diverse and vary among patients. Pain treatment programs must be individualized for each patient.