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Pain without a reason What to do with fibromyalgia?
Who has not heard a fellow human being complain of pain in muscles or joints? Behind this is often a so-called fibromyalgia. Literally, this medical term can be translated as "muscle-fiber pain" and describes a state of chronic muscle and joint pain that can occur anywhere on the body. The often very severe symptoms seem to come from nowhere in many cases and can last for several months or even longer. For example, pop icon Lady Gaga suffers from fibromyalgia as one of the most well-known personalities. She had already canceled several concerts due to this disease.
Others complain about persistent aftermath after accidents, surgery or inflammation. You also experience significant limitations in everyday life and work. "Fortunately, with this kind of ailment, the root of the problem is known, so a doctor can quickly find adequate therapy for the patient," Dr. Andreas Biller, one of the managing directors of the northern German family business Loges, which specializes in innovative naturopathy. "However, there are also patients in whom the causes of constant pain can not be determined. The diagnosis is often, as in the case of Lady Gaga, fibromyalgia syndrome. "But what exactly is behind the fibromyalgia?
In fibromyalgia, for example, foot reflexology can provide relief. (Image: Werner / fotolia.com) Disease without cause
Muscle pain throughout the body and discomfort in the tendon approaches are in the foreground of the clinical picture of fibromyalgia. When analyzing the cause of the symptoms, inter alia, a disturbed pain processing in the central nervous system is considered. In addition, doctors discovered that many patients had nerve endings in certain tissue areas. "In principle, a distinction is made between a primary and a secondary syndrome, depending on the cause of the pain", explains Dr. med. Andreas Biller. "Secondary fibromyalgia syndrome is preceded by disease. This can be an autoimmune disease or a viral infection. Malignant tumors or surgeries are also possible as a trigger. In contrast, there is no detectable cause in a primary syndrome. "
Those affected describe this pain quite differently: as dull, sharp or radiating. Similarly, the intensity varies, changing both during the day and in the longer term disease. Certain conditions, such as emotional stress or cold temperatures, often increase symptoms. Often, the disease occurs in those affected between the ages of 30 and 60 years for the first time, but even children get sick. Above all, women seem vulnerable, with eight out of ten patients being female.1 "For a diagnosis, doctors focus primarily on the pain pressure points, also called Tender Points," explains Dr. med. Andreas Biller. "Fibromyalgia increases the sensitivity to pressure at these sites. The human body has 18 of them, distributed on the neck, back, shoulders and hips. If at least eleven tendon points have increased sensitivity to pressure and pain in at least three different body regions, there is a fibromyalgia. "
Real symptoms
"You only imagine that," is the phrase many sufferers hear. A condition without an explainable cause quickly stigmatizes the patient as a hypochondriac. "One should not make the mistake of dismissing the symptoms of these people as fantasies. It's real pain, "warns. Andreas Biller. "Although the disease itself is not curable so far, the symptoms can be treated very well. With individually designed pain therapy, patients can regain much of their quality of life. "The treating physicians make the right choice for the patient from a variety of treatment options.
Because everyone reacts differently to certain applications. For some, physiotherapy helps, while for others, physical activity increases symptoms. Drug components often accompany the treatment additionally. Nature supplies important ingredients for this. "An example is the spigelie, also called Indian worm herb. In homeopathic doses, the phytochemical has proven its worth as part of pain therapy, "reveals Dr. Andreas Biller. "Complex preparations, ie drugs that combine several ingredients, have been particularly successful. Poison ivy, for example, is known for its positive influence on the musculoskeletal system, and the leaves of the coloquinte, a cucurbitaceae, contain a substance with anticonvulsant properties. "
The A and O for patients remains to act quickly after the diagnosis and to seek immediately together with a doctor for the appropriate therapy. Holistic concepts with gentle movement units and an accompanying mediamental therapy are often particularly promising. Homeopathic medicines (such as neuroLoges®) can help you get through life with significantly less pain. (sb, pm)