Fibromyalgia is a common chronic pain disorder that affects the central nervous system and causes widespread muscle pain and tenderness. It is accompanied by other symptoms like fatigue, mood changes, and neurological issues. While it can affect people of any age or gender, 80% of fibromyalgia patients are female. There is no definitive test for fibromyalgia, so it is diagnosed based on a patient's ongoing symptoms of muscle pain and tenderness. Treatments aim to relieve symptoms and may include medications, physical therapy, or tailored treatment plans.

1. Fibromyalgia: A Common
But Complex Chronic
Pain Disorder
BY DR. ALI GHAHARY

2. Whether it’s a
headache, a sore back
or joint pain, everyone
experiences pain at
some point in there
lifetime.

3. However, there are
those who suffer from
debilitating forms of
pain on a daily basis.

4. Fibromyalgia is one of the most
common types of chronic pain
disorders. Affecting the central
nervous system, fibromyalgia is
accompanied with widespread pain
as well as other associated symptoms
such as fatigue, changes in mood,
and neurological manifestations
(sensitivity to light and sound,
numbness, tingling.)

5. As of 2010 nearly 500,000
Canadians had been diagnosed
with fibromyalgia according to
data from Statistics Canada, and
while it is a condition that
affects individuals of all ages
and genders, it is most prevalent
in women, as 80% of those in
Canada who are diagnosed with
fibromyalgia are female.

6. Currently there is no appropriate
testing to accurately analyze
fibromyalgia, thus making it a
difficult disorder to diagnose,
and is instead determined by
ongoing symptoms presented
by the patient such as muscle
tenderness and pain throughout
the body.

7. In severe cases, individuals diagnosed
with Fibromyalgia have reported that
they have significant trouble in their
general day-to-day activities such as
preparing meals and doing housework,
and activity being limited as a result of
painful muscles. It also affects one’s
social interactions and ability to work,
which may lead to depression and
other mood-related disorders such as
anxiety, which is commonly linked to
fibromyalgia patients, as well as PTSD.

8. Since little is known about
Fibromyalgia, it is important to find
a health care provider who
understands the symptoms
associated with this chronic pain
disorder. As a qualified physician,
Dr. Ali Ghahary understands the
complexity of dealing with chronic
pain and the importance of tailoring
a treatment plan based on the
symptoms presented by the patient.

9. While there is no specific treatment
for fibromyalgia itself, the
symptoms associated with
fibromyalgia can be treated with
anti-epileptic medications such as
Lyrica (Pregablin) and anti-
depressants like Cymbalta
(Duloxetine.) Physical therapy has
also been shown to ease the pain of
fibromyalgia symptoms.

10. If you suffer from severe or constant
pain, this could be fibromyalgia.
However, there are also many other
conditions that present similarly to
that of fibromyalgia, thus it is
important to book an appointment
with your GP for a thorough medical
examination.