|
Fibromyalgia and Rheumatoid Arthritis are not directly linked in the sense that one causes the other. Fibromyalgia affects about 5 to 7% of Americans, according to the National Fibromyalgia Association. Rheumatoid Arthritis affects over 2.1 million Americans or about 1 to 2% of the world population. Both conditions are much more prevalent in women than in men.
While there does not appear to be a directly causative relationship, it is evident that many people have both conditions. It does appear, however, that those with Rheumatoid Arthritis are more likely to develop Fibromyalgia than vice versa. The causes of both Fibromyalgia and Rheumatoid Arthritis remain unknown, although autoimmunity plays a central role in the chronicity and progression of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is one of the more serious conditions overlapping with Fibromyalgia. Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory degenerative autoimmune disease that manifests in the body's joints. The joints, especially those of the hands and wrists, become swollen and warm, and there is an interference with range of motion. Over time, if untreated, the joints become damaged. Rheumatoid Arthritis can also affect the lungs, the eyes, and other organs as is common in autoimmune diseases.
Fibromyalgia, unlike Rheumatoid Arthritis, does not involve inflammation. While those with this condition have widespread pain in their muscles and joints, the joints move normally and are not swollen. Those with Fibromyalgia also have multiple tender points or sensitive spots causing pain in the neck, shoulders, chest, back, arms, and legs. While Rheumatoid Arthritis is in itself painful, those having Fibromyalgia as well experience a significant increase in pain.
It is important that those with Fibromyalgia are aware of the signs and symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis. People with Fibromyalgia are used to pain and their doctors are used to hearing about their pain. Accordingly, they might not become aware of the existence of Rheumatoid Arthritis in a timely manner. Early diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis is critical because early intervention can protect joint damage and the organ complications associated with this disease.
If one has Fibromyalgia, he or she must be particularly watchful for Lupus symtpoms:
- Joint swelling with warmth
- Loss of appetite
- Limited range of motion
- Joint deformities
There are a variety of treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis. While they do not stop joint destruction, non-pharmacological interventions of use include physical therapy, orthoses, occupational therapy, and nutritional therapy. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, such as steroids, help suppress symptoms while disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs can stop the underlying immune process and long-term damage. Biologics, a new group of treatment options, are also proving helpful. Biologic drugs, unlike other immunosuppressants which work by suppressing the entire immune system, selectively target certain cells involved with causing the disease.*
*Biologic drugs are now being studied for their potential to treat lupus. These drugs, including Benlysta, a new drug which received FDA approval in March 2011, target B cells. B cells are immune system cells making antibodies to invading pathogens, such as viruses.
To learn more about Dr. Ravicz's work purchase a copy Thriving With Your Autoimmune
Disorder below.
|