Fibromyalgia is a chronic (long-term) pain and tenderness disorder characterised by fatigue and difficulty sleeping. Scientists aren’t sure what causes it, but people who suffer from it have increased pain sensitivity.
Although there is no cure for fibromyalgia, doctors and other healthcare providers can help manage and treat the symptoms. Treatment commonly includes exercise or other movement therapies, psychological and behavioural therapy, and medications.
Fibromyalgia: What Causes It?
Fibromyalgia can affect anyone, but women are more likely to develop it than men. It can affect people of any age, including children, but it usually starts in middle age, and the chances of getting it increase with age. People of all races and ethnicities are affected.
If you have other diseases, especially rheumatic diseases, mood disorders, or pain-causing conditions, you are more likely to have fibromyalgia.
- Rheumatoid arthritis is one of these diseases.
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) (commonly called lupus).
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Anxiety and depression
- Persistent back pain
- IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) (IBS).
Fibromyalgia runs in families, and some researchers believe that certain genes may increase your chances of getting it. The disorder, however, can occur in people who have no family history of it.
Symptoms
The most common fibromyalgia symptoms are as follows:
Pain that is chronic and spreads throughout the body or in multiple locations. Pain frequently affects the arms, legs, head, chest, abdomen, back, and buttocks. Aching, burning, or throbbing are common descriptions.
- Tiredness or a feeling of exhaustion
- Sleeping issues
- Other signs and symptoms may include
- Muscle and joint stiffness.
- Sensitivity to touch.
- Numbness or tingling in the arms and legs.
- Problems with concentration, clarity of thought, and memory (also known as “fibro fog”).
- Increased sensitivity to light, noise, odours, and temperature.
- Bloating and constipation are two examples of digestive issues.
Causes
Fibromyalgia has no known cause, but studies show that people with the disorder have increased pain sensitivity, causing them to feel pain when others do not. Brain imaging studies and other research have revealed evidence of altered signalling in neural pathways that transmit and receive pain in people with fibromyalgia. These changes may also contribute to the fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive problems that many people with the disorder experience.
Because fibromyalgia runs in families, genetic factors are likely to play a role in the disorder, but the specific genes involved are unknown. According to researchers, environmental (nongenetic) factors may also play a role in a person’s risk of developing the disorder. Having a pain-causing disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, or having mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, are examples of environmental triggers.
Fibromyalgia treatment
Fibromyalgia is currently incurable.
Medication, self-care strategies, and lifestyle changes are used instead to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
You might also want to seek advice and guidance. Attending a support group or seeing a therapist could be examples of this.
Fibromyalgia medication
Medications can improve your sleep and relieve pain. Pregalin 50mg is a popular fibromyalgia medication.
Pregabalin 100mg (Extended Release) tablet is used to treat pain caused by a damaged nerve, also known as (Neuropathic Pain), which can occur in your arms, hands, fingers, legs, feet, or toes if you have diabetes or postherpetic neuralgia (PHN; the burning, stabbing pain or aches that may last for months or years after an attack of shingles).
How is fibromyalgia identified?
There is no test that can accurately diagnose fibromyalgia. This disease is diagnosed clinically based on your symptoms and physical exam. Basic blood tests are advised to rule out other possible causes of fatigue, such as anaemia or thyroid disease. The diagnosis is based on your family and medical history, as well as your symptoms.
These disease patients are often extremely sensitive to pain that would not bother most people. Your provider may count the number of tender points (or areas of your body that are extremely sensitive to touch) on your body. For a diagnosis, widespread pain, fatigue, and other symptoms such as memory and concentration difficulties, poor sleep, symptoms of depression, and irritability syndrome must be present for three months.
Fibromyalgia is managed or treated in what ways?
Fibromyalgia does not have a cure. These medications and lifestyle changes may help to alleviate symptoms:
Antidepressants.
- Improved sleep habits as a result of cognitive behavioural therapy
- Pain medications, both prescription and over-the-counter;
- stress management techniques; and
- strength training and exercise.
What are the fibromyalgia complications?
Fibromyalgia isn’t a life-threatening condition. Living with chronic pain and fatigue can be difficult. Work and daily activities become more difficult if fibromyalgia is not treated.
What can I do to avoid fibromyalgia?
Because no one knows what causes fibromyalgia, there is no way to prevent it. Still, it’s a good idea to: • Reduce stress.
- Consume a well-balanced diet.
- Get enough rest.
- Keep a healthy weight.
- Treat arthritis, depression, and other ailments.
- Stay active and exercise on a regular basis.
What is the prognosis for people suffering from fibromyalgia?
Medications and lifestyle changes can help most people with fibromyalgia. When you take steps to reduce stress, your symptoms may disappear. Symptoms may reappear during stressful situations. A small number of people experience such severe pain or fatigue that they are unable to work.
When should I consult a doctor?
If you have any of the following symptoms, you should contact your doctor:
- Suicidal ideation or depression
- Migraines or headaches.
- Memory issues.
- Sleep issues or fatigue
