Seniors Site

Fibromyalgia in Seniors

Generally, fibromyalgia is characterized as chronic, severe pain that spreads throughout the body. A person with this kind of disorder tends to have a heightened, painful reaction to even the slightest of touch. Aside from this major manifestation of fibromyalgia into one’s body, a person suffering from this disorder often finds himself experiencing constant fatigue, has trouble sleeping and always nursing joint stiffness and pain (similar to arthritis). Fibromyalgia can also trigger other bodily responses depending on one’s degree of fitness which include difficulty in swallowing and breathing, motor and cognitive abnormalities, irritable bowel syndrome and overall dysfunction of the central nervous system; all of which lead to severe, emotional depression. There are no established criteria for fibromyalgia yet; doctors make assessments based on symptoms that are brought up by the patient together with certain lab tests to rule out other disorders and illnesses.

BUT, if you’re a senior age 60 and above then that’s another story. Apparently, younger adults experience these familiar pains of fibromyalgia while seniors are most likely to suffer from fatigue and tissue swelling. This, in fact, leads to many misdiagnosed cases of fibromyalgia among older adults. Overall, a person suffering Fibromyalgia at age 60 would find fatigue as the most bothersome symptom of the said disorder. Complaints include headaches, anxiety, irritability and discomfort when doing common physical activities.

Causes of fibromyalgia are yet to be determined but experts suspect that it has genetic factor to it thus the disorder could be passed from one generation to another. As pointed out by these experts, stress is a major trigger of the said disorder. As of the moment, there are no generally accepted medications for fibromyalgia. Prescribed medications are given to sufferers to alleviate pain and help subside the swelling, if there’s any. Self-care is also recommended to avoid pain attacks from happening; both methods are advised by physicians to seniors for two reasons:  one is to avoid pain as much as possible and two, is to improve overall quality of life. Other techniques that may help you with your condition are:  exercise, physical therapies, meditation and stress reduction.

This puzzling—almost baffling—disorder indeed affect our way of lives but rest assured that many healthcare providers are working on fibromyalgia and hopefully soon, they would be able to come up with something that will take away the disease forever. As for now, right diet, adequate exercise and natural therapies can help us get through with fibromyalgia.