Fatigue and body pain may be a sign of fibromyalgia...
Fibromyalgia, which manifests itself with widespread body pain, fatigue and sleep disturbance, is one of the most common rheumatic diseases after arthritis. Stating that depression accompanies the disease in some cases, experts point out the importance of informing the patient. Patients are advised to live a regular life, comfortable bed, regular exercise, avoid alcohol and caffeine.
Üsküdar University NPISTANBUL Hospital Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Specialist Dr. Aydın Ender Süzer said that fibromyalgia, a rheumatic disease, is the most common disease after arthritis.
Dr. Aydın Ender Süzer said, "Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease characterized by widespread body pain, tenderness, fatigue and sleep disturbance. In addition to these, symptoms such as bowel disorders, persistent headaches, depression, anxiety, restless leg syndrome, jaw joint disorders, chronic fatigue and bladder disorders
accompanied. Fibromyalgia is the second most common rheumatic disease after arthritis."
Morning fatigue and depression may be observed
"Initially, it was thought to be caused by inflammation in the muscle and connective tissue, but later it was seen that the most important finding was hypoxia (lack of oxygen in the tissue), not inflammation," said Dr. Aydın Ender Süzer and gave the following information about fibromyalgia:
"The most basic symptom of fibromyalgia is diffuse body pain. Although the pain is mostly seen in areas such as neck, shoulders, hips and thighs, it can also be felt in the hands and feet. Patients may complain of joint swelling (subjective swelling), but there are no objective findings observed by the physician. Sleep quality disturbances may be observed in the form of fatigue, frequent awakenings at night or difficulty falling asleep. Morning fatigue may be severe and morning stiffness is common. Short-term memory loss and concentration disorders may be observed. Loss of balance, dry mouth and eyes, discoloration of the hands can be seen frequently. Depression may accompany."
Personalized treatment is planned
Stating that the aim of fibromyalgia treatment today is to provide the best functional status for the patient by reducing symptoms, Dr. Aydın Ender Süzer said, "There is no gold standard in treatment and it is planned individually. It helps patients to explain that fibromyalgia has good and bad days; treatment can improve symptoms but may not disappear completely. The importance of reducing stress and exercise should be clearly explained."
Behavioral problems should be corrected
Stating that adequate information of the patient will increase the patient's compliance with the treatment, Dr. Aydın Ender Süzer made the following suggestions:
"In cognitive behavioral changes, the patient's behavioral problems are corrected and activities are regulated. The patient should be advised to lead a regular life, comfortable bed, regular exercise, quitting smoking, not drinking alcohol and caffeine are the most important behavioral patterns. The role of exercise is increasing day by day. Exercises should be started at low intensity and increased gradually to prevent injuries and not trigger pain."
Üsküdar University NPISTANBUL Hospital Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Department offers services in the fields of neurological rehabilitation, orthopedic rehabilitation, arthritis, musculoskeletal pain, fibromyalgia and pain treatment. The Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation has an agreement with SSI.