Chronic Pain Legacy: The History of Fibromyalgia – Part II

During 1970’s the researcher Hench noted that in this syndrome muscle and tendnous connective tissues are usually subjectively involved, and for the first time introduced the term Fibromyalgia. One decade later another researcher named Muhammad B. Yunus proposed the need of a unified classification system and a diagnostic criteria. Yunus later emphasized the “biopsychosocial perspective” of FMS which synthesized the contribution of genes, personal and medical history, stress, posttraumatic and mood disorders, coping skills, self- efficacy of pain management and social support towards the functioning and dysfunctioning of the central nervous system in relation to pain and fatigue.

The first controlled clinical study with validation of know symptoms and tender points was published in 1981 and the importance concept that FMS and other similar conditions are interconnected was proposed in 1984. Serotonergic / Norepinephric drugs were first show to be effective in 1986.

Finally in 1990 the American College of Rheumatology established firm criteria for the classification and diagnosis of Fibromyalgia. In that same year were developed the neurohormal mechanisms with central sensitization.

Unfortunately, FMS has also been called a “waste basket” diagnosis and a fad disease. In 1997 medical books, also those used in University, did not even recognized FMS. This is due with the health experts inability to see FMS as a medical related problem. Although, speculation in the ambit took also on a new expedition which led to research and ongoing studies about the syndrome. A better understanding is slow in coming and more and more medical schools are educating new doctors about fibromyalgia symptom.

The XXI century has brought new laboratory tests and brain-imaging technology that has being proven FMS as a real physical disorder caused by a malfunction of the central nervous system. And as more effective treatments could be in the near future, hopefully is expected that one day the history of fibromyalgia could be just and only… past history.

While there’s no treatment, recent research shows that a balanced healthy diet is paramount to successfully reduce the symptoms and a more specific fibromyalgia diet focuses on food which doesn’t aggravate the condition and also introduces best practices like getting quality sleep and generally offers improvement through a conscious healthy lifestyle. Sticking to a fibromyalgia diet will also make you aware of nutrients and how the substances within affect you.

Technorati Tags: cfs, chronic fatigue, fatigue, fatigue relief, fibro, fibromyalgia, fibromyalgia diet, fibrositis, pain, pain history, pain relief