Musculoskeletal pain Flashcards
What is fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS)
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic musculoskeletal pain disorder characterized by widespread pain affecting both sides of the body, upper and lower, for at least 3 months. Symptoms include muscle or soft tissue pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, anxiety, and depression.
What is the typical age of onset for fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS)?
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic musculoskeletal pain disorder characterized by widespread pain affecting both sides of the body, upper and lower, for at least 3 months. Symptoms include muscle or soft tissue pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, anxiety, and depression.
What other conditions are often comorbid with fibromyalgia?
FMS is often comorbid with other ‘functional’ pain syndromes such as irritable bowel/bladder syndrome or with other musculoskeletal pain conditions like rheumatoid or osteoarthritis.
What are the proposed causes and mechanisms of fibromyalgia?
The causes and mechanisms of FMS are not well understood, but genetic predisposition, physical or psychological trauma, central nervous system dysfunction, autonomic and peripheral nervous system dysfunction, and immune system involvement are proposed factors.
What is central sensitisation and how is it related to fibromyalgia?
Central sensitization refers to increased sensitivity in the central nervous system, leading to heightened pain perception. It is believed to play a key role in fibromyalgia, with patients showing increased temporal summation of pain and reduced conditioned pain modulation.
What treatments are commonly used for fibromyalgia?
Treatments for FMS include medications like anti-epileptic drugs, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and analgesics. Lifestyle approaches such as group exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are also used.
Why is finding effective treatment for fibromyalgia challenging?
Finding effective treatment for FMS is challenging because of the variation in symptom profiles and treatment response between patients. It often involves a trial-and-error approach to find suitable treatment combinations.
What is osteoarthritis (OA)
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition caused by mechanical or biological events that lead to the breakdown and loss of articular cartilage, resulting in joint pain, stiffness and limited functionality
What are some risk factors for developing osteoarthritis (OA)
Risk factors for OA include age, hereditary predisposition, obesity, female gender, high bone mineral density, and low estrogen levels (e.g., in post-menopausal women).
What are the treatment options for osteoarthritis?
Treatment options for OA include patient education, local analgesics, systemic analgesics (e.g., NSAIDs), physical and occupational therapy, and, in some cases, surgical intervention like joint replacement (arthroplasty).
What is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by bilateral symmetrical pain and swelling of the small joints, typically of the hands and feet, along with symptoms like morning stiffness, weight loss, and fatigue.
What is thought to be the cause of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
The exact cause of RA is not fully understood, but an exaggerated autoimmune response, likely involving a genetic component, plays a role in its pathogenesis.
What treatments are used for rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
Treatments for RA include Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to slow disease progression, and corticosteroids for their direct anti-inflammatory effects.
What is gout and what causes it?
Gout is a condition characterized by increased serum levels of urate, which deposits in joints, causing inflammation and pain. It commonly affects the first toe but can affect any joint. Risk factors include alcohol overconsumption, particularly beer, and genetic predisposition.
How is gout treated?
Gout is treated with NSAIDs and corticosteroids during acute inflammation. Long-term management includes lifestyle changes (diet and weight loss) and urate-lowering agents for patients with recurrent, severe attacks.
