Joint Pain - To Treat it,

Joint Pain, Muscle Pain and Aching? (Fibromylagia)
Can it be treated?

Fibromyalgia (pronounced FI-bro-my-OWL-jah) is a complex, chronic, and disabling disorder that causes widespread pain and stiffness in the muscles, tendons and ligaments, along with un-refreshing sleep and fatigue. Most patients with fibromyalgia say that they ache all over. Their muscles may feel like they have been pulled or overworked. Sometimes the muscles twitch and at other times they burn. More women than men are afflicted with fibromyalgia, but it shows up in people of all ages. The pain comes from the connective tissues, such as the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Fibromyalgia does not involve the joints, as does rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

The following conditions are commonly associated with fibromyalgia:
Viral infection
Inadequate sleep
Depression and anxiety
Physical or mental stress
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Eating disorders
Irritable bladder
Severe menstrual cramps
Physical or sexual abuse
Irritable bowel syndrome
Premenstrual syndrome
Under active thyroid (hypothyroidism)
Raynaud's disease, which impairs blood flow to the hands and feet
Tension headaches
Tempromandibular joint disease (TMJ)
Restless leg syndrome
Migraine headaches
Lightheadedness or balance problems
Skin complaints (itchy, dry or blotchy skin)

Fibromyalgia is one of the more common problems seen in a general family medical practice. It is characterized by muscle pain, which may be generalized, and tender points, which are localized to known specific locations. Unlike arthritis, no inflammation is present and joints are not directly affected. The associated pain may cause aching or burning and is unpredictable in nature. In some people, the pain can be severe and disabling; in others there is only mild discomfort.

Although there is no known cause of fibromylagia, its onset may be related to physical or mental stress, inadequate sleep, injury, exposure to cold and dampness, infections, and occasionally rheumatoid arthritis. The condition seems to run in some families although no genetic component has yet been identified. Current thinking suggests that patients with the disease may have lower levels of serotonin, which explains the problem with sleep and an exacerbation of the response to pain. It may affect 4% of the general population.

Treatment and prevention
Treatments for fibromyalgia are limited, and usually aim to relieve the discomfort caused by the symptoms. Medications for fibromyalgia include antidepressants, muscle relaxants, pain relievers and energizers. These medications help to relieve pain, depression, fatigue and to improve sleep. Besides, it is very important to exercise and get adequate sleep. Medical studies has shown that sleep is a powerful treatment for fibromyalgia. Other self care remedies include use of heat to relieve pain and stiffness, relaxation techniques and nutritional sound diet.

New Discovery
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a disease characterized by mild to severe chronic pain and fatigue. There is strong signs it is immune system related and has historically been poorly understood and commonly misdiagnosed.
Researchers have discovered that FM patients have three times the normal amount of substance P (a chemical that tells the body how much pain it feels) in their spinal fluid, as well as lower than normal levels of serotonin (a pain moderating chemical), melatonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, and other chemicals that help control pain, mood, sleep and the immune system. Scientist found that if a person has a Natural Killer cell activity below 20%, they are felt to be more susceptible to acute or chronic illnesses, or to have a compromised ability to recover from existing illnesses. All of the nine volunteers having Fibromyalgia had Natural Killer cell function of less than 20% activity with a range of 6 to 13%, and an average of the group of 10% activity.

Natural Killer Cells: Natural Killer cells are the first line of defense in our innate immune systems. Natural Killer cells are lethal lymphocytes containing granules filled with potent chemicals. They do not need to recognize a particular antigen but rather attack "nonself". They protect against and target tumor cells and a wide variety of infectious microbes, particularly virally infected cells. NK cells kill by binding to their targets and delivering a lethal burst of chemicals that produce holes in the target cell's membrane. Fluids seep in and leak out and the cells burst and die.

Hence based on the above research scientist believes enhancing our immune system forming the basis for treating Fibromyalgia.