| No doubt the majority of people, in the U.S.A. at least, are familiar
with the T.V. series Mythbusters on the Discovery Channel. They take common, everyday
myths and urban legends and set out to either prove, or disprove them. For years, people
exhibiting Fibromyalgia symtoms have endured a myriad of uniformed opinions and diagnoses
disasters at the hands of the very professionals they turned to for help. Many of the
early diagnoses and treatment protocols have turned into myths perpetuated by uneducated,
but well meaning friends, family members and uneducated health care providers.
It would be unfair to put the blame on our health care
providers of the past, medical school did not prepare them for this condition, there were
no studies, tests or medications proven to help this group of people. Thankfully, new
technology has provided scientific evidence on Fibromyalgia and new studies are being done
every day thanks to brave professionals, and grass roots activists who believed.
Despite all of our progress, many of the old myths
about Fibromyalgia remain alive and well. We felt it was time to dispel the myths
surrounding Fibromyalgia.
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Real or Busted?: Fibromyalgia affects
the muscles and joints.
Busted: While the pain from FM feels like it is coming from the
muscles and joints research has failed to show any damage to the musculoskeletal system.
There is no reported damage to the muscles or joints in people with Fibromyalgia.
Real or Busted?: Fibromyalgia is just
another form of arthritis.
Busted: Fibromyalgia has been shown to be a neurologic disease
affecting the central nervous system. Thanks to research we know that FM is not an
inflammatory condition. There is no inflammation to either the muscles, bones or joints.
Real or Busted?: Fibromyalgia is a
womans disease.
Busted: While the numbers have shown a large rate of women
reporting Fibromyalgia symptoms some researchers attribute this to a woman's willingness
to seek medical care, while men tend to shy away from doctors. Many children's aches are
written off as growing pains, but a number of health care providers are taking a child's
claim of pain seriously. In actuality Fibromyalgia affects men, women and children of all
ages. It has also been suggested that since Fibromyalgia is more prevelant in people who
have suffered physical, sexual or mental abuse that more women may suffer as they are the
one of the largest groups of people targeted by abusers.
Real or Busted?: Fibromyalgia is an
autoimmune disease.
Busted: There is no known research to prove that FM is caused by
any virus or bacteria. Nor has it ever been proven to be an immune disorder. (Many people
with FM also suffer with autoimmune disease, such as Chohn's, Sjogren's or thyroid
disease, but no link has been made between the two.)
Real or Busted?: Fibromyalgia is all
in your head, just a psychological problem or depression.
Busted: It is a known fact that the level of Fibromyalgial
patients with depression is no higher than that of people suffering from other chronic
illnesses. The illness causes the depression, not the other way around. Fibromyalgia is a
real disorder with documented biological abnormalities, such as;
Low levels
of serotonin, dopamine, cortisol.
Abnormal
levels of "substance P," a neurotransmitter that helps your brain process pain
signals.
Low levels
of nerve growth factor.
Decreased
blood flow to certain areas of the brain that may help you control your pain sensitivity
and cognitive functions.
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Jane Kohler is not a health care professional. Jane has lived with FM for forty years and
has been a staunch activist for chronic pain patients. She has read every piece of
research available and has talked to numerous health care providers for more years than
she cares to admit to. As always, educate your self but never make any changes to your
health care routine without consulting with your doctor first.
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