Why do a large portion of people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) complain of disorders which can be referred to as extra intestinal symptoms such as rashes, headaches, and muscular pains? Findings from research have established that around 60% of IBS patients also have Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS). Conversely, around 70% of FMS patients also have complained of IBS symptoms. Is their a relationship between these two conditions and what is the connection between both of these? There have been a number of studies in various parts of the world to establish this connection.
Fibromyalgia is a functional disorder which affects the musculoskeletal system, which is related to such complaints as general muscular aches, stiffness, fatigue, and poor sleeping habits, with varied conditions of severity and duration; the pain may be dull or stabbing like, intermitted or constantly lingering. This is recognized as a functional disorder similar to IBS. An estimated 3.35% females and 5% males suffer from FMS.
Now to find out whether there is a connection between these two conditions of IBS-FMS, especially in the wake of co-existence of IBS and FM in a number of people. Going by statistics we should say that there is possibilities of both have a connection. The similarities between these two conditions, beyond the fact that IBS confines to the gastrointestinal tract while FMS to the musculoskeletal system, have to be considered. Both of them are not organic diseases; since they are construed as functional disorders. In both the cases it is the women who suffer from these conditions very often, and when it sets in it is considered a very stressful period. Both the conditions are prescribed with Cognitive behavior therapy and certain types of prescription drugs.
Both type of patients, as per studies; respond to pain in a very different manner, than other persons without these conditions. IBS sufferers seem to have a different response to the intestinal pain, while FMS condition throws up another type of response to skin and muscle pain. Studies have also in expected manner shown that people having both these symptoms have a different kind of response to both kinds of pain.
Though the studies point out to a common mechanism for both the conditions, their origins are still shrouded in mystery. In fact medical fraternity has very recently recognized both IBS and FMS as functional disorders with some legitimacy and not as psychosomatic problems. Since studies on these conditions are still in their primary phase, and studied connecting both have been sparse researchers will hopefully take renewed interest in establishing the connection between IBS and FMS.
Heath Medcalf helps you understand the dynamics of Coping with IBS, Detailed information on the different aspects of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can be found at http://ibs-solutions.info
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Author: Heath Medcalf