Fibromyalgia often comes with a suitcase full of symptoms, and the disease typically proves tenacious in its ability to inflict suffering upon its victims. Yet many don’t realize that fybromylagia affects young people, too.
In fact, 20 percent of fibromyalgia sufferers are under the age of 18. Women are afflicted in much greater numbers than men, although researchers do not understand all the reasons for the divergence. No matter the age of onset, the resulting ‘fibro fog’ exacts a severe psychological toll in addition to the physical pain. A study by the American College of Rheumatology spanning 35 years revealed a three-fold greater risk of suicide for those who suffer from this mysterious and often disabling condition.
With an estimated two to four percent of the population suffering from fibromyalgia, one would think a cure would be in the offing by now, but it has proven elusive to date. That’s why physicians have used an assortment of treatment modalities. Unfortunately, there is no cure in the wings as yet, although researchers continue to explore the mysteries of this disease.
It’s no surprise that fibromyalgia sufferers are tired, distracted and discouraged. When the full brunt of the syndrome manifests, it can result in almost total disability. The brain fog that ensues seriously impacts a person’s productivity and safety. Those distracted by the pain may also suffer a higher level of accidents and injuries.
One team of researchers discovered in 2005 that administering a placebo to test subjects in place of real medication yielded evidence that the subjects’ brains had released more endorphins when they were told the medication was being administered. This is objective proof that physical changes in the brain’s functioning can be triggered by information given to the patient.
A created mirage, for example, could also hold promise for arthritis sufferers. Apparently, playing a trick on the mind actually changes the body’s pain receptors. Such exciting discoveries offer hope that a more global solution to chronic pain from fibromyalgia is on the horizon. Until then, a pain specialist may be able to help you get through the fibro fog and regain a sense of well-being.