About Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a debilitating disorder that is uniquely classified as a functional somatic syndrome. Essentially, it skews the process by which pain signals are transmitted throughout the nervous system.
This grave disruption in pain perception gives rise to its characteristic symptoms, chronic body pain and severe fatigue. While pain is the primary mechanism by which fibromyalgia debilitates its sufferers, other symptoms accompany this condition.
Cause
In terms of the fundamental cause behind this condition, a definitive theory does not exist. However, the medical community purports that a single factor is not wholly responsible for the systematic onset of this disease. There are, in fact, several factors that give rise to this life altering condition. A single, catalytic trigger has not yet been identified.
It is widely accepted that accidents, rheumatoid arthritis, and viral infection have the potential to induce this disease. Accordingly, research has also alluded to neurological abnormalities which may be partially responsible for this disease.
Specifically, some researchers contend that abnormal hormonal and chemical activity in the brain accounts for the presence of this condition. And of course, another theory that has prodded researchers and achieved widespread circulation in the medical community is the notion of serotonin deficiency.
Deficiencies in serotonin, often colloquially termed the “happiness chemical”, may be partly responsible for this disorder.
Another intriguing revelation is that fibromyalgia afflicts men and women differently. Perhaps the widespread susceptibility to depression among women (and hence, the prevalence of low serotonin) may account for the severity of symptoms in the female population. This article will investigate symptoms that specifically afflict men, however.
Symptoms
The most pervasive symptoms associated with this disease include the following:
Pain is one of the most identifiable features of this condition. Pain is a complex phenomenon because it draws on both the power of the psyche and the central nervous system.
Generally, both men and women with this condition develop muscular pain and aches, as well as stabbing pains and stiffness. The pain is often so disruptive to sleep that it induces severe fatigue, another notable symptom of this condition.
Fatigue, of course, can impede one’s capacity to concentrate on a given task. Other symptoms of sleep disturbance complicate the pain and generate the notable fatigue experienced among sufferers. Hence, there appears to be an interwoven network of symptoms that interact with one another in a cyclical fashion.
Another key symptom experienced by men and women is that of sensory sensitivity, in which the perception of odors, light and sound overwhelms the individual. And finally, chronic headaches afflict many fibromyalgia sufferers, while irritable bowel syndrome subjects about 40-70% of this population to its uncomfortable episodes.
Gender Differences
It appears that men and women are not stricken with this disorder in equal numbers, as women comprise approximately 90% of all cases. Of course, the meager 10% of men who suffer from this condition should not be shrugged off as an insubstantial segment of the population. 10% equates to millions of male sufferers.
The clear discrepancy between male and female sufferers has imposed limitations of gender related, fibromyalgia research. Furthermore, most studies appear to be conducted on female test subjects. And of course, many physicians discount the possibility that men can develop this disease in the first place.
Symptoms Exclusive To Men
Although studies in this field of research have been fairly limited, there are noteworthy differences in terms of gender, and how these symptoms are experienced by males and females. For example, men generally experience more manageable pain, fewer tender points, and lower incidences of depression.
However, they are susceptible to an increased likelihood of disability. Men who experience incessant pain generally suffer from pressure-triggered hyperplasia. But, what can account for these gender differences? Continue reading to learn more.
Hormonal and Brain Difference
The distinct, symptomatic profile of men and women may hinge on their hormonal and neurological differences. For example, painful bouts of this condition often arise during the menstrual cycle, and other hormonal occurrences. It appears that male hormones impact pain in a very distinctive fashion, as testosterone interacts differently with pain signals than estrogen and progesterone do.
Some researchers have concluded that estrogen facilitates muscle recovery, repair and pain, as well. Furthermore, men and women possess different levels of cortisol, which is generally low in fibromyalgia sufferers. And finally, environmental factors impact men and women in different fashions.
As noted above, fibromyalgia may be associated with a decrease in serotonin, a neurotransmitter that encodes for elevated mood states. Serotonin also plays an indispensable role in sleep cycles, pain, as well as the relative management of both anxiety and depression, as well. Some have even purported that the function of serotonin is impacted by gender.
According to one study, men possess a smaller quantity of serotonin receptors than women do, which makes reuptake more effective and expeditious. Reuptake is the process by which a transmitter is recycled and reused. When there is a delay in reuptake, depression can ensue.With this said, there is a good possibility that women have more serotonin receptors than men.
However, many such patients are prescribed serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and serotonin reuptake inhibitors. These medications are designed to facilitate the process of reuptake.
Doctors acknowledge the stark distinctions between the male neurotransmitter processes and that of women. For this reason, doctors have recommended controlled studies that administer these drugs on women and men to gauge the differences. Of course, the medical world requires far more progress, in terms of truly deconstructing these patterns and differences among men and women.
Treatments
While this disease is not curable, both men and women can benefit from treatment. For example, there are a multitude of both holistic and conventional medical treatments that can alleviate the pain associated with this condition.
These include anti-inflammatory medications, deep tissue massage, physical therapy, antidepressants, and much more. Furthermore, the exercise and dietary lifestyle of a sufferer should be modified accordingly to suit the ailing needs of this condition.
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