Fibromyalgia is a pain modulation disorder with unknown causes, although there are related factors. Some of these are aches and pains, as well as recurrent injuries or stressful events such as an accident. This disease is characterized by a picture of chronic generalized musculoskeletal pain of a benign nature. This pain, of non-articular origin, presents an increase in the sensitivity of several points.
This disorder affects 2% of the population, while generalized muscle pain extends to 10%-11%. Fibromyalgia affects more women, accounting for 80% to 90% of reported cases. Although most cases are diagnosed at a mature age, it can also occur in children.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Most patients present with severe generalized pain, as well as being deep and diffuse, affecting above and below the waist, and along the entire spine. These symptoms may be worsened by physical exercise, as well as cold and emotional stress. Fibromyalgia as a whole affects all spheres: biological, psychological and social.
The symptoms of fibromyalgia are two, as established by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR). On the one hand we have diffuse musculoskeletal pain, defined as axial, which has about three months of evolution. On the other hand, there is increased sensitivity to pain. This symptom manifests itself in at least 11 of the 18 tender points.
Treatment
In the treatment of fibromyalgia, physical therapy techniques are combined with psychological and educational therapy, the latter called PSICOMEFI. The duration of this treatment is six weeks, with two weekly sessions of a couple of hours each. Aerobic exercises are an important part, and should be done progressively and according to the doctor’s indications.