IBS and the FMS (Fibromyalgia Syndrome) Connection

Why does a large portion of people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) complain of disorders which can be called 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.

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Managing IBS Pain

Pain associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is usually relieved with bowel movement. However, a person may continue to feel unexplained tenderness, contractions and aching, unconnected with bowel movements. Abdominal uneasiness or pain of this nature is usually a key indication of IBS. This uneasiness/pain may be present anywhere in the region between hips and chest which can change over a period of time. IBS pain is described as a cramp-like, sharp stabbing pain, also known as a stomach migraine.

In general IBS pain is directly associated with our bowel movements. This explains why we feel a reduced amount of pain after moving bowels. Also, when there is a change in the regular cycle of bowel movements the uneasiness manifests. Similarly when there is a change in the composition of stools, soft or harder, the pain and uneasiness is usually felt.

During a recent study on 1,966 people suffering from IBS, done by IFFGD in association with the UNC Center for Functional GI and Motility Disorders, it was discovered that this pain is one of the basic factors which adds to the harshness of their IBS. Eighty percent of the study patients confirmed that it is the sharpness of pain which makes their condition severe.

Among other factors, 74% referred to bowel movements, 69% to bloating and another 69% to the diet or eating restrictions which are noted as the reasons for the severity of IBS pain. It is common for people with IBS to experience frequent abdominal pain, while some feel it in a continuous manner. The people who participated in this survey have described this pain in various ways calling it as unbearable, intense, excruciating or merely awful.

The most important aspect of IBS pain is that it changes from time to time, day to day, hour to hour, and even minute to minute. As noted above, IBS pain may be felt along the entire region of the abdomen, and essentially it can be classified as upper abdominal pain, which is felt as a result of bloating, with a tendency to worsen after every meal or a cramping pain which is usually felt around the belly button and lower parts of abdomen, and lastly the lower abdominal pain which generally reduces with bowel movement.

IBS pain can change instantaneously, the range of pain can fluctuate from mild to constant to unbearable. IBS has been described as a wrenching ache which feels a “stitch-like”, stabbing pain. It is also described as frequent aches, tenderness when you feel the area, and the discomfiture associated with bloating.

The parts of abdominal area, where the IBS pain manifests distinguishes it from other digestive malfunctions: After-meal pain felt from behind the sternum, which worsens when you lie down is likely to be heartburn, after-meal pain below the sternum, on top of abdomen may be due to indigestion. It is important note these characteristics of IBS pain.

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Foods to Avoid for IBS

Below is a list of foods that haven been identified as being the foods that cause the most common symptoms to IBS sufferers such as abdominal pain and discomfort, diarrhea or constipation, gas and bloating and are on the to avoid list.

Common Foods (to avoid)

• Dairy products (ex. milk and cheese)
• Alcohol
• Beans
• Trans Fats or fried foods
• Caffeinated beverages
• Bagels
• Onions

Keep a journal of the foods you eat and any symptoms that occur that aggravate your system and you will start to notice certain types of foods that either agree or disagree with your system, you can then adjust your diet accordingly. Some foods may have a light symptom and some may present a heavy symptom and can be the difference between an IBS attack or having a slight intolerance to that particular food.

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