About this topic
Fibromyalgia is also known as FMS. It is a long-term health problem where you feel muscle pain all over your body. Based on the name, fibromyalgia means: � �
- Fibro � � � Fibrous tissues of the body, like tendons and ligaments
- My � � � Means muscles
- Algia � � � Means pain
With FMS, you feel very tired, have trouble sleeping, and have muscle pain. You may feel tender points when you are touched in the neck, shoulders, arms, back, hips, and legs. You may have morning stiffness, headaches, and problems thinking or with memory. This is sometimes called a "fibro fog. " � This illness is often misunderstood. Some doctors say that the health problem is all in a persons head. Others say it causes real pain and tiredness. There is no cure for FMS. Doctors treat it with drugs, exercise, and changes in lifestyle to help you control it. � �
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- If you have pain in your knees and legs, you may need to learn how to use a cane or crutches to help you walk until the pain goes away.
- Stay in a quiet room that has dim lights where you can rest or sleep comfortably. Make sure you use the bathroom before lying down so you wont have to get up while resting.
- Before getting out of bed, try to stretch your arms and legs.
- Wear shoes with support. Do not wear high heels that may cause foot and calf pain.
- Talk to you family and friends about your FMS. Talk about ways they can be of help to you.
- Learn how to cope with stress. Some people enjoy exercise or meditation. Others will play with pets, listen to music, or get a massage. Find what works best for you.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor may send you to a physical therapist or a muscle and joint specialist to help you control FSM.
- Your doctor may send you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to help with stress and pain.
What drugs may be needed?
Your doctor may order drugs to: � �
- Help with pain
- Help you relax
- Help you sleep
Will physical activity be limited?
Stay away from activities that may cause muscle pain, like sports and other tiring activities. � �
What problems could happen?
- Feeling very tired or weak
- Low mood
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Keep a positive outlook on life. Your outlook has a big effect on how you feel pain.
- Get 8 hours or more of sleep each night.
- Do stretching exercises to keep strength in your arm and leg muscles.
- Stay active by walking, biking, or swimming.
- Being overweight makes FMS worse. Try to loose weight by watching eating healthy and exercising often.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Pain that gets worse
- Numbness and tingling in your hands and legs
- Slur your words when speaking
- Have walking and balance problems
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Helpful tips
Massage your muscles and joints after doing hard activities. � �
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: � �
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have numbness or tingling in my hands or legs, walking or balance problems, or I slur my words when speaking.
Where can I learn more?
Arthritis Foundation � �
http://www.arthritis.org/conditions-treatments/disease-center/fibromyalgia-fms/ � �
Arthritis Research UK � �
http://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/arthritis-information/conditions/fibromyalgia.aspx � �
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases � �
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Fibromyalgia/fibromyalgia_ff.asp � �
National Organization for Rare Disorders � �
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/266/viewAbstract � �
NHS Choices � �
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Fibromyalgia/Pages/Introduction.aspx � �
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. � �
Copyright
Copyright � � 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. � �