Quality Of Life For Children With FM

Fibromyalgia is only just beginning to be seen as a real and debilitating medical condition. Now, it seems, we still have a need to convince the world at large, physicians not excluded, that kids can get it, too. The thing is that kids don’t get FM the same way as adults. They may have the same symptoms, but onset is a gradual process.

Measuring Impact

As the pediatric form of FM receives more recognition, researchers are struggling to create a system that can serve to evaluate the impact of fibromyalgia on children and adolescents with the condition. The medical community is also striving to determine whether or not the current treatments for pediatric FM are effective. Researchers hope to develop a standard whereby pain, quality of life, level of fatigue, quality of sleep, and physical function can be measured, but until now, only adult standards for the condition have been explored.

Since there is no standard method for evaluating fibromyalgia impact on kids and teens, scientists have substituted a variety of general measures, such as the PedsQL 4.0 (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory), Generic Core Scales, PedsQL Multidimensional Fatigue Scale, and PedsQL Rheumatology Module Pain and Hurt Scale as patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures for kids with FM. Researchers administered the PedsQL Scales to 59 families with kids in the pediatric rheumatology clinic in a children’s hospital. The researchers then evaluated the responses and found very few answers had been skipped over and it appeared that these scales were dependable as a method for measuring the impact of the condition on children. Two tests, the PedsQL Generic Core Scales and Multidimensional Fatigue Scale, seemed to highlight major distinctions between kids with FM and healthy kids.

Greater Fatigue

Among the findings of this study, pediatric FM patients reported much lower levels of physical and psychosocial function than pediatric cancer patients undergoing treatment or even those children with other rheumatological diseases. The FM kids also reported greater fatigue than the kids undergoing cancer treatments.

These results suggest that the PedsQL Scales can work well to measure how fibromyalgia is impacting on younger patients. These standard tests also prove that the impairment of pediatric FM patients is more severe than is recognized by the medical community at large. By monitoring FM kids at regular intervals with these standard measures, physicians should be able to assess for those children and adolescents at risk for severe impairment of health-related quality of life. The PedsQL Scales can also serve as a basis for further research and the development of various treatments for the condition.

Finding the right care and treatment is essential if you want to deal effectively with your fibromyalgia syndrome. Unfortunately, the multitude of symptoms associated with the illness often makes finding the right treatment plan frustratingly difficult. And to top it all off, many health care providers aren’t that knowledgeable or understanding when it comes to fibromyalgia. If you are having trouble dealing effectively with your fibromyalgia, you may want to consult with a rheumatologist. Rheumatologists are specially trained in dealing with joint and muscle conditions, and can offer wonderful knowledge and advice when it comes to fibromyalgia.

What is a Rheumatologist?
A rheumatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating rheumatic conditions and diseases. Typically an internist or pediatrician, rheumatologists analyze, diagnose, and treat the different illnesses that affect your joints, bones, and muscles. Rheumatologists often act as long-term health care providers for those facing serious or chronic rheumatic disease.

What Qualifications Do Rheumatologists Have?
Rheumatologists are highly skilled in the area of rheumatic disease. They must complete four years of pre-medical training at college or university and continue on to complete four more years of training at medical school. They must then complete three years in internal or pediatric medicine. In order to become qualified rheumatologists, they must then complete two to three years of specialized education and training in rheumatic disease and treatment. In order to practice their profession, rheumatologists must pass a rigorous exam and become certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, or a similar governing body in their country of practice.

What Does a Rheumatologist Treat?
Rheumatologists specialize in treating rheumatic diseases – but what exactly are rheumatic diseases? Rheumatic illnesses are those that affect the rheumatic system, specifically the joints, bones, and muscles. Rheumatologists are most commonly associated with arthritis diagnosis and treatment, although they also help treat a number of other rheumatic conditions, including:

• musculoskeletal pain
• osteoporosis
• osteoarthritis
• gout
• lupus and other autoimmune diseases

How Can A Rheumatologist Help People with Fibromyalgia?
Though fibromyalgia is not actually a type of arthritis, it is considered a rheumatic disease because it affects the joints and muscles. A rheumatologist is often one of the best practitioners to consult if you think that you have fibromyalgia. Unlike other health care providers, rheumatologists are very familiar with the signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia syndrome. They are able to rule out other rheumatic diseases that may mimic fibromyalgia. They are excellent when it comes to dealing with all-over, widespread pain. Rheumatologists also have more knowledge and diagnostic tests at their disposal to help find the cause for fibromyalgia symptoms, such as morning stiffness and joint immobility. Rheumatologists often play a team leader role when it comes to managing fibromyalgia, and can direct information to your other health care providers.

What Will A Rheumatologist Examine?
If you decide to visit with a rheumatologist, she will likely examine different aspects of your bones, muscles, and joints. In particular, she will look for:

• areas of muscle pain
• tender points
• redness and swelling
• stiffness
• range of motion

Tests Performed by A Rheumatologist
In order to help form a diagnosis, rheumatologists rely on a variety of diagnostic test procedures. These procedures help them to analyze specific areas of your joints and muscles. Some commonly-performed tests include:

• x-rays
• joint ultrasound
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
• electromyography
• joint aspiration and fluid analysis
• bone density tests

What To Expect When You Visit a Rheumatologist
If you choose to visit a rheumatologist, you may be a little apprehensive about the procedures he will perform. Here are a few things to expect when you get to the office:

• Your rheumatologist will ask you about your medical history and your current symptoms.
• He will likely perform a physical examination. He will examine your joints, looking for areas of swelling or deformity. He will also test your muscle stamina, strength, and range of motion.
• Your rheumatologist may suggest performing some diagnostic tests, including blood tests, joint aspiration, and imaging tests.
• Your rheumatologist will likely suggest a treatment regimen to help you deal with your symptoms. Treatment is often multi-faceted, and may include the use of pain medication along with physical therapy and exercise.

Finding a Rheumatologist
In order to see a rheumatologist, it is likely that you will require a referral from your general health practitioner or another medical doctor. She may be able to recommend a good rheumatologist who practices in your area. To find a rheumatologist in your area, you can also contact your local College of Rheumatology. These organizations maintain a list of all qualified practicing rheumatologists in your state or country.

Fibromyalgia tends to be a very difficult illness to treat. Because there are so many different symptoms of fibromyalgia syndrome and because no cause has yet been identified, it is often impossible to effectively treat this illness. Your best bet is to look to a number of different health practitioners in order to find the treatment options that work best for you. A neurologist can often be very helpful in helping to diagnose your illness and in recommending appropriate treatments.

What is a Neurologist?

A neurologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing nervous system disorders. Neurologists deal with medical problems that occur in the two parts of the nervous system: the central nervous system (which includes the brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system (which includes the nerves, nerve roots, and muscles). They often perform tests and special examinations on various parts of your nervous system in order to properly diagnose and treat illness.

What Qualifications Does a Neurologist Have?

Neurologists need to complete years of special education and training in order to become board licensed and certified. All certified neurologists have completed four years of pre-medical training, four years of medical school training, and a one-year internship in internal or surgical medicine. They have also completed three years of specialized education in a recognized neurological residency program. All neurologists must then be licensed after completing a lengthy test. In the United States all neurologists are licensed by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology or by the American Board of Medical Specialties.

What Conditions Does a Neurologist Treat?

Neurologists can help treat a variety of different conditions, ranging from minor aches and pains to serious illness. Neurologists often deal with patients suffering from:

• headaches
• facial pain
• head injury
• stroke or tumors
• Parkinson’s Disease
• epilepsy
• Multiple Sclerosis and other muscle diseases

How Can a Neurologist Help Fibromyalgia Sufferers?

Neurologists often form an integral part of the diagnosis and management of fibromyalgia. This is because many of the symptoms of fibromyalgia may actually be related to a disorder of the central nervous system. Researchers have theorized that fibromyalgia is actually the result of a pain processing disorder within the brain. Based on this information, a neurologist is one of the best medical practitioners a fibromyalgia patient could see. A neurologist can help to narrow down the cause of your pain and treat it specifically.

What Does A Neurologist Examine?

Neurologists examine specific aspects of your health and wellness in order to determine how efficiently your nervous system is working. If you visit a neurologist, she will likely assess your:

• head and neck nerves
• reflexes
• memory and cognition
• speech and language
• muscle strength and movement
• balance

What Tests Does a Neurologist Perform?

Neurologists need to be able to get a good look at all aspects of your central and peripheral nervous system. This means that your neurologist will likely perform a number of different diagnostic tests. These tests often help to produce visual images of the way your brain, muscles, and nerves are functioning. Some common tests performed by neurologists include:

• CAT scan (computed axial tomography)
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
• EEG (electroencephalography)
• EMG (electromyography)

These diagnostic procedures often involve the use of high-tech, and sometimes frightening-looking equipment. However, most of these tests are completely pain free.

What To Expect When You See a Neurologist

If you decide to see a neurologist, you should expect to receive a proper evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment plan for your fibromyalgia. Typically, treatment is ongoing, so you can anticipate to return to your neurologist on a regular basis for follow-up appointments.

Your neurologist will begin diagnosis by examining your medical history as well as your symptoms. He will likely perform a variety of blood tests in order to rule out disorders that are commonly confused with fibromyalgia, like rheumatoid arthritis. You may also be given a lumbar puncture (or spinal tap) to assess the quality of your spinal fluid. You will likely undergo a variety of other diagnostic tests, such as an MRI and CAT scan.

After diagnosis, your neurologist will recommend a treatment plan in order to relieve your specific symptoms. Neurologists often recommend combination therapy, which includes physical therapy, exercise, and medical treatments. Medical treatments commonly offered by neurologists for fibromyalgia include:

• trigger point injections
• nerve blocks
• pain medications

Finding a Neurologist

The best way to find a neurologist is to ask your current health care provider for a referral. Most neurologists work out of hospitals or in a private practice. Be sure to inquire about your neurologist’s qualifications and about his experience in treating fibromyalgia. You may want to ask your local fibromyalgia organization or support group for the names of qualified neurologists in your area.

Pain Specialists

One of the most obvious symptoms of fibromyalgia syndrome is that relentless nerve and muscle pain. Most fibromyalgia sufferers experience chronic and widespread pain that can get worse when they are exposed to certain aggravating factors. Treatment of this chronic pain is essential in order to improve muscle strength, range of motion, and overall quality of life. Unfortunately, treating fibromyalgia pain isn’t always easy. A pain specialist can help to diagnose the cause of your pain and provide you with a comprehensive treatment program thereby reducing your pain symptoms.

What is a Pain Specialist?
A pain specialist is a medical doctor who has expertise in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of both acute and chronic pain. Pain management specialists offer a variety of treatment services, and may design treatment programs that incorporate medical, psychological, and behavioral therapies. Pain specialists usually work out of private pain treatment centers or pain treatment centers affiliated with hospitals or university medical centers.

Qualifications of a Pain Specialist
Pain specialists are typically practicing medical doctors who already have experience in a particular area of medicine, such as neurology, physiatry, anesthesiology, or orthopedics. This means that pain specialists have undergone years of training in basic medical practice and in specialized fields of medicine.

In order to become a pain specialist, doctors must spend at least one year completing intense training in the field of pain management. They must then complete a rigorous exam before becoming certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology or the American Board of Pain Medicine.

What Can a Pain Specialist Treat?
Pain specialists can treat a wide variety of painful injuries and illnesses. They often treat acute pain that occurs after an injury or surgery, but most pain doctors specialize in the treatment of chronic pain. Some conditions that a pain specialist might treat include:

• back pain
• neck pain
• arm and leg pain
• spinal stenosis
• nerve damage
• cancer pain
• neurological pain

How Can a Pain Specialist Help Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a very difficult illness to treat, particularly because so few health care practitioners are familiar with its symptoms. Pain specialists are particularly helpful for fibromyalgia sufferers because they are very familiar with the different aspects of the disease. This makes it easier for them to locate and treat sources of pain.

Pain specialists are also more familiar with and have easier access to a wide range of treatment therapies, including opioids. Unlike primary physicians, pain specialists are more willing to aggressively treat pain in order to provide you with relief. Pain specialists are also able to take on a leadership role when it comes to treating you fibromyalgia.

Your pain specialist will likely correspond with your other treatment providers in order to keep them up to date and on track with your treatment regimen.

What Tests Will a Pain Specialist Perform?
In order to diagnose the source and cause of your pain, a pain specialist will likely perform a number of different tests including:

• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
• skin temperature monitoring
• muscle and nerve x-rays and imaging

These tests can help pinpoint areas of pain and may help to identify areas where muscles or nerves are operating abnormally.

What To Expect When you See a Pain Specialist
If you decide to see a pain specialist for your fibromyalgia pain, you may be a little nervous. Don’t worry though. The appointment will be much like your typical health care appointments, only in much greater depth.

Your pain specialist will begin by taking a detailed medical history. This will include any illnesses or pain that you may have experienced prior to your fibromyalgia. Your pain specialist will also ask you some specific questions about your pain. Common questions include:

• What does your pain feel like?
• Where is your pain located?
• How long does your pain last?
• What makes your pain better? What worsens your pain?

Your pain specialist will also perform a physical exam and may run some diagnostic tests in order to come up with a treatment regime. Pain management specialists usually offer comprehensive treatment programs, which can include a combination of medications, physical therapy, and psychological therapy. Typical treatments include:

• nerve blocks
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
• physical therapy and massage
• depression treatment

Finding a Pain Specialist
If you are interested in seeing a pain specialist, you will need to get a referral from your primary health care provider. He will be able to recommend a pain specialist in your area. If you can’t find a pain specialist, speak to the anesthesiology department of your local hospital or contact your local governing board.

Finding the right health care provider to treat your fibromyalgia can be a very challenging process. Not only are there dozens of different types of medical specialists to choose from, few are actually familiar with the terrible symptoms caused by fibromyalgia syndrome. This leaves many fibromyalgia patients suffering needlessly. In the past few decades, though, there has been a surge in the number of fibromyalgia specialists out there. If you are suffering from fibromyalgia aches and pains, a physiatrist may be one specialist that can help you.

What is a Physiatrist?

A physiatrist is a doctor who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R). Physiatrists are specially trained to diagnose, manage, and treat symptoms of acute and chronic pain. They also treat injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems. Physiatrists generally practice out of hospitals, private clinics, and rehabilitation centers. They offer comprehensive, non-surgical treatment programs that help to treat your whole body, not just your areas of pain.

Qualifications of a Physiatrist

In order to become a physiatrist, you must undergo years of education and training. All physiatrists must first complete four years of undergraduate study at a college or university. They must then complete four years of medical school, receiving either their M.D. or D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathy). To become physiatrists, these doctors must then complete four additional years of training in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation. After passing a rigorous written and oral exam, physiatrists are then certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

What Can a Physiatrist Treat?

Physiatrists are trained to diagnose and treat a number of different injuries and illnesses. From minor aches and pains to chronic diseases, physiatrists have the in-depth knowledge required to effectively treat many medical conditions. In particular, physiatrists often treat:

• muscle injuries and sprains
• low back pain
• neck pain
• tendonitis
• arthritis
• osteoporosis
• multiple sclerosis
• brain injuries, including stroke

Can a Physiatrist Help Fibromyalgia Patients?

Next to pain specialists, physiatrists are one of the leading medical specialists when it comes to treating fibromyalgia. This is because of their understanding of both the neurological and musculoskeletal systems in your body. Because fibromyalgia involves both of these systems, a physiatrist has the knowledge required to make educated treatment recommendations for fibromyalgia sufferers.

Physiatrists also make excellent fibromyalgia health care providers because they offer comprehensive treatment programs directed at caring for your whole body. And because fibromyalgia syndrome doesn’t just affect one part of your body, these treatment programs can work wonders. Physiatrists are also qualified to take a leadership role in the overall treatment of your fibromyalgia. Physiatrists can help to put together a team consisting of a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, and a pain specialist to help improve your overall function and quality of life.

Tests Performed by Physiatrists

In order to get a better picture of your pain, physiatrists rely on imaging tests to help make accurate diagnoses and treatment decisions. In particular, physiatrists rely on electrodiagnostic studies to provide information about how your nerves and muscles are working inside of your body. Electrodiagnostic studies can locate areas of weakness and numbness, or pain and cramping. Common electrodiagnostic studies include:

• EMG (Electromyography)
• NCS (Nerve Conduction Studies)
• SSEP (Somatosensory Evoked Potentials)

What to Expect When You See A Physiatrist

At your first appointment, your physiatrist will take a detailed medical history from you and will ask you to describe your symptoms in detail. You will be asked how your symptoms have affected your quality of life and your physical function. Your physiatrist will also perform a physical exam, which may include palpation or massage of particular areas of your body. Diagnostic tests can also be performed in order to locate any muscles or nerves that may be functioning irregularly. By performing these exams, your physiatrist will be able to get a better picture of your injuries and pain.

Your physiatrist may come up with a treatment plan right away or decide to consult with another physiatrist before offering treatment. Physiatrists offer comprehensive treatment programs that address the whole body, not just the areas affected by pain or stiffness. Treatment programs typically involve:

• pain medications
• trigger point injections
• physical therapy
• occupational therapy
• exercise
• acupuncture

Finding a Physiatrist

Finding a physiatrist is usually fairly straightforward – just ask your general practitioner or regular health care provider for a referral to one in your area, or contact your local hospital for information. If you are having trouble finding a physiatrist, try contacting the board responsible for their certification (in the United States it is the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation).

Family Physician

If you have just been diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome, than you are probably looking to start up a treatment program to help ease the symptoms of your illness. One of the most important facets of an effective fibromyalgia treatment program involves finding health care providers that are knowledgeable about all aspects of the syndrome. A family physician can help you to successfully manage all of your physical symptoms, as well as improve your mental and emotional wellbeing.

What is a Family Physician?
A family physician is a health care professional who provides clients with primary medical care. Sometimes known as a general practitioner (or a GP), a family physician possesses concrete knowledge in all aspects of general medicine, including pediatrics, obstetrics, and internal medicine. Capable of treating men and women of all ages, your family doctor will be able to diagnose, treat, and follow up a range of common medical problems and physical injuries.

What Qualifications Do Family Physicians Have?
Family physicians are qualified medical doctors. They have completed a four-year undergraduate degree at a recognized college or university and have then gone on to complete four years of medical school. In order to become an accredited family doctor, each physician must then go on to complete a three-year internship in family medicine.

In order to practice medicine legally, all family physicians must be certified in family medicine In the United States, certification is offered by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) or by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Medicine (AOBFP). In order to get this certification, all family doctors must pass a series of rigorous exams. Family physicians must also be re-certified every seven years.

What Does a Family Physician Do?
A family doctor can diagnose and treat a wide range of health problems. In particular, family doctors assess, diagnose, and treat:

• acute illnesses
• chronic illnesses
• physical injuries
• mental health issues

Another important responsibility of a family physician is to provide preventative care to his patients. Preventative care may include vaccinations, nutritional advice, weight management tips, and other health advice.

Family Physicians and Fibromyalgia
Though family physicians are not always recognized as being good care providers for those suffering from fibromyalgia, your family doctor can provide you with solid care for a variety of your fibromyalgia symptoms. The key is to find a family doctor who is familiar with the syndrome and it’s possible causes. Thanks to new research in the area, family doctors are now becoming much more aware of fibromyalgia and the effects that the syndrome can have on a person’s mental and physical state.

Personalized Treatment
Family physicians are an excellent type of health care provider to have on your fibromyalgia treatment team. Family physicians are there to provide you with ongoing health care throughout all the stages of your life. This means that you can develop a close and ongoing relationship with your family physician, unlike other health care providers. And because family physicians are more accessible than specialists, your family physician will be able to monitor your various symptoms and revise treatment programs according to your needs.

Wide Ranging Treatments
Because family physicians have training in multiple types of physical and mental illnesses, she will also be able to provide you with more comprehensive treatment. In particular, she will be able to provide medical treatment for:

• widespread pain
• fatigue
• sleep disorders
• depression
• irritable bowel syndrome

What To Expect
When you visit your family physician for the first time, he will probably want to find out more about your medical and personal history. You may be asked to fill out a number of forms describing any illnesses that you have, including your fibromyalgia. Your family doctor will also want to know what other health care providers you are seeing and what kind of treatments they have recommended.

Each time you visit with your family physician, you can expect her to perform a quick physical exam to evaluate the progression of your symptoms. She may check your weight, blood pressure, and heart rate, and will probably evaluate your joints for range of motion. Your family doctor will also look more closely at any particular symptoms that are bothering you.

After assessing your symptoms, your family doctor will be able to provide you with various suggestions for treatment. Family doctors can write prescriptions for various pain medications, sleeping aids, and other pharmacological treatments. Your family doctor can also refer you to another treatment provider should you require more specialized treatment.

Finding a Family Physician
Unfortunately, it can be difficult to find a good family physician who is accepting new patients. If you are looking for a new family doctor, you may want to ask your other health care specialists for a referral. Alternatively, you can contact your insurance provider for a list of family physicians in your area. Your local fibromyalgia support group may also be able to provide you with the names of some family physicians who are particularly familiar with fibromyalgia that are close by.