Muscular Disorders - Fibromyalgia - Case Study Example

 Muscular DisordersCase AnalysisIf we look at symptoms described in the case study, we can say that Mrs. Oliver is suffering from fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a medical condition which increases the intensity of musculoskeletal pains. As Makover (2011) states, “fibromyalgia is a common syndrome in which a person has long-term, body-wide pain and tenderness in the joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues”. Researches show that most of the symptoms of fibromyalgia appear in a person when he/she undergoes some form of surgery or a significant psychological stress. Mrs. Oliver also feels more pain during stress, which indicates that she is suffering from fibromyalgia.

She becomes depressed at times, which is one of the symptoms of fibromyalgia. The case also shows that she had been suffering from osteoarthritis in the past. Osteoarthritis is a joint disorder which causes pain in joints. Researches show that in some cases, osteoarthritis can lead to fibromyalgia when pain in joints expands to related muscles. Therefore, looking at these aspects of the case, we conclude that Mrs. Oliver is suffering from fibromyalgia. As Vorvick (2011) states, “one common cause of muscle aches and pain is fibromyalgia”.

Substance P is a neurotransmitter, which plays the role of a pain messenger. This chemical substance is present in the brain of a person. In patients suffering from fibromyalgia, the level of substance P is significantly high as compared to the substance P level of a normal person. Stress is the factor, which increases the substance P level in a person. Researches show that people having problems of osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia usually have high substance P levels. Therefore, as we have concluded earlier that Mrs.

Oliver is suffering from fibromyalgia, we can say that she must be having a high substance P level. According to Clauw (2010), some of the common signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia include chronic fatigue, headaches, painful menstrual periods, numbness or tingling of hands and feet, temperature sensitivity, irritable bowel syndrome, swelling, and sleep disturbances. Chronic fatigue and sleep disturbance are two of the common signs of fibromyalgia. One of the signs, which differentiate fibromyalgia from other related medical problems, such as, arthritis and polymyositis, is that fibromyalgia does not cause damage of muscles and internal organs.

On the other hand, arthritis and polymyositis can cause damage of muscles and joints.Although there is no proper treatment of fibromyalgia in medical science, one can limit the intensity of pain by learning the ways to deal with stress. Researches show that reducing the level of stress is the best way to deal with fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a disease, which becomes painful when a person is in stress. A person suffering from fibromyalgia should try to believe in his/her abilities. One should also consult a psychologist to learn how to deal with anxiety and depression.

There also exist some medications, which can help a person improve his/her sleep and reduce the pain associated with fibromyalgia. Some of the common medications used for this purpose include Antidepressants, Analgesics, and Anti-seizure drugs.ReferencesClauw, D. (2010). Fibromyalgia fact sheet. Retrieved from http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/fibromyalgia.cfmMakover, M. (2011). Fibromyalgia. Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000427.

htmVorvick, L. (2011). Muscle aches. Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003178.htm