home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
CD-ROM Today (UK) (Spanish) 15
/
CDRT.iso
/
dp
/
0196
/
01961.txt
< prev
next >
Wrap
Text File
|
1994-01-17
|
5KB
|
86 lines
$Unique_ID{BRK01961}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What can be Done for Trigger Points?}
$Subject{Trigger point Points muscle muscles bursitis tendonitis Fibromyalgia
rheumatism cause causes causing ache aching pain painful trapezius backside
back hip greater trochanter elbow lateral epicondyle knee disease diseases
symptom symptoms headache headaches irritable bowel syndrome syndromes bladder
sleep disturbance disturbances chronic fatigue treat treatment treatments
exercise exercises fitness environment Environmental emotions emotional stress
stresses nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug drugs NSAIDs narcotic analgesic
analgesics corticosteroid corticosteroids tricyclic medication medications
amitriptyline cyclobenzaprine therapy therapies anesthetic}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome*0008402.scf
Exercise has Overall Benefits*0003209.scf
Exercise Helps Strength and Flexibility*0003204.scf
Exercise Stimulates the Brain*0003201.scf}
Copyright (c) 1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
What can be Done for Trigger Points?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: Please write an article in your column about trigger points on the
muscles. I have been diagnosed as having lots of these all over my body. My
doctor always called it either bursitis or tendonitis, but a licensed massage
therapist diagnosed these as trigger points. They are tremendously painful,
and has become so bad that I am limited in some of my house work. What does
this all come from, and what can I do?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANSWER: While your therapist has recognized an important symptom, trigger
points are really only one of the many problems that accompany a mystifying
syndrome called "fibromyalgia". Fibromyalgia is a form of rheumatism that
affects muscles, causing both diffuse aching as well as well defined painful
spots. These tender points (also known as trigger points) can be spread all
over the body, but are most common in the middle of the back (trapezius), in
the backside (gluteal), hip (greater trochanter) as well as the elbow (lateral
epicondyle) and knee. In fact there are 18 defined sites, and pain must be
present on palpation in at least 11 of these for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia
to be made.
Fibromyalgia is a curious disease; in fact, there was some doubt for a
long time that it really could be diagnosed as a legitimate medical entity.
However, as more research became available it was more easily defined, and is
now considered to be a disease that is certainly real, if not life
threatening. Experts estimate that it may affect between 3 and 6 million
Americans, though it is often misdiagnosed, and so the numbers could be
higher. Women are 4 times more likely to be the patient than men, and while
it may occur at any age, it most often appears in the late 40's and after.
Many symptoms can be present, including headache, irritable bowel
syndrome, irritable bladder, and varying symptoms in response to weather
changes. A careful history almost always reveals patterns of sleep
disturbances and chronic fatigue. Many other maladies often present with
these same symptoms and complaints and so the diagnosis of fibromyalgia is a
difficult one to make. And if diagnosis is difficult, then treatment is even
more so. The chances of a complete cure are at best only moderate, and
changes in life style are an important part of the treatment plan. A program
of gradually increasing aerobic exercise can improve muscle fitness, reduce
pain and improve a sense of well being. Environmental and emotional stress
must be reduced to a minimum, and any other illnesses that can contribute to
the pain should be cared for.
When pain persists, a trial of the oral analgesics is in order. Aspirin,
acetaminophen, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are all
possible choices. However narcotic analgesics are not recommended, nor the
use of oral corticosteroids. However, tricyclic medications (such as
amitriptyline) is helpful and may also help promote a more restful sleep
pattern. The muscle relaxant cyclobenzaprine has also been shown to reduce
symptoms, including point tenderness.
Physical therapy as well as massage, acupressure and the use of heat can
provide relief. When all else fails, injecting the trigger point with a local
anesthetic, sometimes mixed with a small amount of corticosteroid, can produce
an immediate reduction of pain, that may last for a short period of time, or
over an extended time in some luckier patients.
----------------
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.