Fibromyalgia affects 5 to 8 percent of the U.S. population, according to author Catherine Goodman in "Pathology: Implications for the Physical Therapists." This debilitating condition can be extremely painful. It can affect an individual's ability to work, play or enjoy their life. Individuals affected by fibromyalgia are searching frantically for a cure or at least a way to minimize their symptoms. Exercise has emerged as one of the leading treatment options when performed at an adequate intensity level.
Risk Factors
Women are more often affected by fibromyalgia. Triggering events for this condition may be stress, trauma, hypothyroidism and viral infections. A strong correlation exists between this condition and depression, but it is uncertain if one leads to the other. Additionally, the more physically fit an individual, the less likely they are to have fibromyalgia.
Cause
While no cause has been determined, the initiation of fibromyalgia is most likely multifactorial. Due to the association with stress and depression, there has been debate about whether this condition is simply psychological. The most likely physical cause is the overproduction of interleukins, which are key components of the immune system. This overproduction has been linked to musculoskeletal pain, fatigue and memory problems, according to D. Wallace's research entitled "Cytokine and Immune Regulation in FMS."
Symptoms
Fibromyalgia is most often characterized by aching or burning muscle pain. This pain is either described as tender points in the back, neck, jaw and arms or as a general body-wide pain. Other common symptoms are sleep disturbances, visual problems, mental fatigue and anxiety.
Treatment
Due to the multisystemic nature of fibromyalgia, no specific treatment has been found to be totally effective. J.C. Lowe found in his research, "The Metabolic Rehabilitation of Fibromyalgia Patients," that administering thyroid hormone demonstrated long-term benefits for fibromyalgia patients. Stress management courses or relaxation techniques may also help alleviate symptoms. Additionally, physical therapists can provide modalities such as heat or electrical stimulation to alleviate pain in specific points while also prescribing safe exercises.
Beneficial Exercise
Those people with fibromyalgia who are physically fit have fewer symptoms than those who are deconditioned, according to Goodman. Exercise, therefore, is often prescribed by physicians and physical therapists to their patients with fibromyaglia. According to Fibromyalgia Support, fibromyalgia patients who perform exercise often reports the following benefits: reduced stress, increased energy levels, better sleep patterns and better range of motion. The best exercise for fibromyalgia is low to moderate intensity aerobic exercise such as cycling, jogging, swimming or walking three to five days per week. In addition, physical therapy, yoga, and movement therapy are appropriate options.
Harmful Exercise
Some exercise can exacerbate symptoms of fibromyalgia. Performing strenuous activity, particularly if deconditioned, can lead to increased pain and stiffness. Instead, begin exercise at a lower intensity and only perform the exercise every other day. Weight training is often listed as contraindicated for patients with fibromyalgia, according to Fibromyalgia Exercise. Fibromyalgia will not prevent you from participating in fun activities such as rock climbing, basketball, or mountain biking, but it is important to understand when it is too much for your body. Any exercise can be difficult at first, but continue and you will begin to feel more healthy and notice that you have more energy.
References
- "Pathology: Implication for the Physical Therapist"; Goodman; 2003.
- "Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Practitioner's Guide to Treatment"; The Metabolic Rehabilitation of Fibromyalgia Patients; Lowe, JC; 2000.
- "Arthritis Rheum"; Cytokine and Immune Regulation in FMS; Wallace, D; 1989.
- Fibromyalgia Support: Fibromyalgia Exercises
- Health-Cares: What Fibromyalgia Exercise is Suggested?
- Fibromyalgia Exercise: Fibromyalgia Exercise
