URBAN LIFESTYLE AILMENTS

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The metro lifestyle could be the reason behind your continual body pains. Ever heard of fibromyalgia an urban ache


Muscular aches and pain are common among people across all age groups. But when this pain is persistent and hinders your dayto-day activities, it could become a cause for worry. Fibromyalgia may not be a household name, but it affects 30 per cent of the population. While fibro stands for fibrous body tissues, algia stands for aches. So, fibromyalgia essentially means continual pain in body tissues. Here's what the problem is all about and how to deal with it.

WHAT IS IT

Fibromyalgia is a muscular ailment that is characterised by muscle pains, fatigue and tenderness in areas such as the spine, neck, shoulder and hips (also known as tender points ). These points hurt throughout the day, especially when one is doing strenuous activities like lifting a heavy bucket, studying with the head bent down or working on the computer.

WHO CAN IT AFFECT

Of the 30 per cent of population affected by fibromyalgia, most are women. Among men it is most likely to affect those indulging in excessive physical activity revolving around one joint.
Even though it can occur at any age, people between the the age of 20-35 years are more prone to fibromyalgia. This especially includes working professionals who have sedentary lifestyles.

SYMPTOMS

Difficulty in sleeping Feeling tired even after sleeping all night Frequent headaches Numbness in the hands and feet Stiffness in the body Difficulty in waking up/laziness Sometimes it can result in irritation and severe depression in the patient Aches in different parts of the body, particularly near the upper back, shoulder blade and neck.

CAUSES

There is no absolute cause that can pinpoint why fibromyalgia occurs. But an accident, childbirth, stress or faulty sleeping habits can trigger it. It can also occur when the muscle or ligaments in the body are severely strained over a period of time. Research has found that deficiency of serotonin in the central nervous system leading to an imbalance is also responsible for its occurrence.

TREATMENT

There are a number of ways to deal with fibromyalgia. There are oral muscle relaxant pills and pain-relieving ointments that are prescribed to the patient.
If the fibromyalgia is on a more serious level, then regular physiotherapy is also administered.
In some cases when fibromyalgia leads to depression, anti-depressants are prescribed.
Clinical healing through heat or vibration treatment can also be given to the patient.

COPING WITH IT

Since fibromyalgia has no permanent cure, only the symptoms can be treated by effectively managing them. Heres how to cope with it.

Stretching exercises:

Fibromyalgia often causes stiffness. This can be treated by doing simple stretching exercises.
Try active stretching (stretching through yoga) instead of using gym equipments. You could even workout on the gym ball. However, make sure you inform your trainer about your weak spots.

Swimming:

Swimming relaxes the mind and energises the body. It will equally help stretch the entire body at one go.

Hot water bath:

If you feel lazy after waking up, massage your body with scented oils and have a hot water bath to refresh yourself.


Relaxation:

Take short breaks while working for a long period of time. This will calm down strained muscles.