Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Faculty of Health Sciences, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department academic staff member Assist. Prof. Dr. Sevim Öksüz released a statement regarding the 12 May International Fibromyalgia Awareness Day. Assist. Prof. Dr. Öksüz’s statement reads as follows:
Fibromyalgia syndrome, also known as 'soft tissue rheumatism', affects 3% of the population. It is also seen in childhood and in men, and more frequently affects women. Although the causes are not fully known, the latest research shows that it is caused by genetic tendencies that affect triggering factors such as infection, physical or emotional trauma, and stress. The most popular theory that emerged in recent years is that the brain for some reason lowers the pain threshold and sensations that weren't painful become very painful over time. Another theory states that nerves overreact to pain signals. As a result of these theories, the brain and nerves in individuals may misinterpret normal pain signals or overreact.
There is no laboratory test or imaging method that can detect fibromyalgia syndrome. For this reason, it is either seen as a mental disorder or not accepted as a "real" disease as a result of the inaccurate and common beliefs of the individual's relatives and social environment. This affects the individual's social life. In addition to musculoskeletal symptoms including chronic, widespread pain, stiffness, tender points in various parts, fatigue and so forth; mood changes, effects on memory and cognitive problems, not being able to wake up in the morning rested as a result of sleep disorders, hypersensitivity to external stimuli may accompany the picture. As a result of these symptoms, disability increases, activities of daily life and mobility are affected, leading to a decrease in life quality.
Since fibromyalgia syndrome has psychological and social effects as well as biological effects, the treatment process is complex. In order to achieve success in the management of symptoms, multidisciplinary team members including health professionals such as rheumatologists, physiotherapists, psychologists and dietitians should work together and a patient-centered management should be targeted. Safely recommended non-drug treatment approaches are physical activity and exercise programs organized by physiotherapists together with cognitive behavioral therapies given by psychologists. False beliefs such as physical activity and exercise increase pain should not be given credit to. It should be noted that these can only trigger pain if the amount is not well adjusted. Two types of exercise are emphasized in the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome; namely, aerobic exercises and strength training. Aerobic exercises such as walking and swimming reduce fatigue and affect mood positively. In addition to these, activities such as Pilates, Yoga, Tai-chi that provide body awareness are also very effective if they are monitored by trained individuals. The most important factor here is to plan and gradually increase the intensity of physical activity and exercise in order to prevent the triggering of symptoms. It is important to do it regularly and throughout life to increase success in symptom management; therefore, activities that the individual can enjoy and continue should be preferred.
Since information not obtained from the right source will increase fear and anxiety, patient training should be started as soon as the diagnosis has been made. The focus of the treatment should be learning how to live with this syndrome. Instead of letting symptoms control life, management of symptoms should be taught. The increase in symptoms to be experienced from time to time in this life-long struggle should not be seen as a failure, but should be regarded as a sign to return to self-management skills. In chronic pain management, it is necessary to recognize and remove the factors that trigger pain, to break the excessive activity-rest cycle, to increase sleep quality and to provide relaxation training. Fibromyalgia is a real disease and individuals are not alone in the symptom control process for quality life.
