Fibromyalgia (FM) can’t occur in
men because it’s a woman’s disease, right? In fact, if a man claims to have FM,
then he is simply lying (probably just trying to get out of working and/or on
disability), right? Unfortunately, that's what MANY people (and even some
doctors) believe!
Though it is true that FM is
primarily a woman’s disease, actually nine times more likely, it does INDEED
affect men. FM affects 2-4% of the population (an estimated 5 million adults)
in the United States (US) with as few as 10% of victims being men. But, that’s
still 500,000 men in the US
alone, and that doesn’t include an estimated 20% that go undiagnosed (mostly
because “men are men”)! The onset, like that for women, can occur, “….out of
the blue.” Case studies show a man (or woman), can be highly engaged in an
active lifestyle that may include golfing, bowling, or working on a hobby car,
when suddenly and for no apparent reason, intense chronic pain can arise and,
“…take over the life” of this previously very healthy, vibrant, active man.
We’ve all learned that FM is
diagnosed primarily by excluding other disorders after running many tests
including x-rays, various scans, lab tests, and more. When all the tests come
back negative, the diagnosis of FM is even then only sometimes entertained. The
word, “SOMETIMES” should be strongly emphasized as MANY doctors, as well as the
general public, STILL have a hard time wrapping their heads around the
diagnosis of fibromyalgia. This happens even more when a male patient presents
with the FM cluster of symptoms. A male patient may attend a FM support group
and be the only man in the room. The National Fibromyalgia Association has only
one male board member who reportedly was not initially welcomed! This
particular male reported that a neurologist refused to see him, as he did not
support the diagnosis and openingly accused him of trying to get disability
payments. He stated that it was particularly challenging to find professional
care as well as community support. Even his best friend, a doctor, told him
that men couldn’t get FM!
The cause of FM remains elusive.
Why do so few men compared to women suffer from FM? Though certain types of
viral infections, trauma after car accidents, and emotional stress have all
been reported to trigger FM, it can also strike without warning. According to
Dr. Muhammad B. Yunus, MD (professor of medicine at U.
of Illinois , College of Medicine ),
FM is characterized by an imbalance of brain chemicals described as, “…a
neurochemical disease.” He found that FM patients have higher than average
levels of substance P (a neurotransmitter that signals pain), and lower levels
of serotonin (a neurotransmitter that inhibits pain). Genetics and hormones
(particularly estrogen, which is higher in women) also play a role both with
causing the disease and with the gender discrepancy found in FM. Estrogen has
also been found to reduce pain thresholds, a problem associated with FM, thus
making women more susceptible to the disease. Like in women, men can have similar
complications including (but not limited to) chronic fatigue, difficulty
sleeping, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, restless leg syndrome, and
memory and concentration problems. But, it has been reported that men with FM
usually have less wide-spread or, “…hurt all over” pain and may not suffer from
as much fatigue, but in some cases, can still be more disabled from FM than
women. Depression and suicidal thoughts are reportedly common in men with FM.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment continues to be the recommended course in order
to obtain ideal management results!
As chiropractors we can offer
management, treatment, exercise training, dietary consultation, and coordinate
care.
If you, a friend or family member
requires care for Fibromyalgia, we sincerely appreciate the trust and
confidence shown by choosing our services!
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