What is Fibromyalgia, and how can it be treated?
Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes discomfort in the muscles and joints. It’s marked by muscular and joint pain, tiredness, and localized soreness. In addition, people who have fibromyalgia may suffer from sleep difficulties, cognitive impairment, and mood fluctuations. There is no known cure for Fibromyalgia, but treatments are available to help with its appearance.
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that causes widespread muscle and joint pain, fatigue, and localized tenderness. The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but it is believed to be related to changes in the way the brain processes pain signals. Fibromyalgia is most common in middle-aged women, but it can occur in men and women of any age.
What is the cause of Fibromyalgia?
The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but it is thought to be related to the central nervous system’s abnormal processing of pain signals. This theory is supported by the fact that people with fibromyalgia often have other conditions associated with changes in the central nervous system, such as:
- Migraine headaches,
- Irritable bowel syndrome, and
- Temporomandibular joint disorder (jaw pain).
While experts are not quite sure what leads to fibromyalgia, other theories include:
- Experiencing stressful or traumatic events, such as car accidents
- Sustaining repetitive injuries
- Coming down with illnesses like viral infections
- In some cases, people develop fibromyalgia spontaneously.
- Additionally, it sometimes seems to run in families, so genes may also be involved.
How serious is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is not life-threatening, but it can be highly debilitating. The condition can make it challenging to carry out everyday activities and disrupts a person’s ability to work and socialize.
Common symptoms of Fibromyalgia
People with fibromyalgia often experience:
Widespread Musculoskeletal Pain
This widespread pain is often described as a deep ache experienced throughout the body. However, it may be worse in certain areas, such as the neck, back, or hips.
Chronic Pain
The pain associated with fibromyalgia is often chronic, meaning it lasts for more than three months.
Fatigue
People with fibromyalgia often feel exhausted and may have difficulty sleeping.
Cognitive Dysfunction
This includes memory, concentration, and decision-making problems (sometimes called ‘fibro fog’).
Mood Changes
People with fibromyalgia may also experience depression, anxiety, and mood swings.
In addition, fibromyalgia patients can develop depression – pain – depression cycles that can further impact how pain is perceived.
Your depression can sometimes link to chronic pain.
Tenderness In Localized Areas
People with fibromyalgia may have tenderness in some body regions, such as the neck, back, shoulders, and hips.
Sleep Problems
As mentioned above, those with fibromyalgia often have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. As a result, they may also wake up feeling tired.
As with all things, the severity of symptoms can vary from person to person.
How is Fibromyalgia diagnosed?
There is no single test that can diagnose fibromyalgia. Instead, the diagnosis is made based on a review of symptoms and a physical examination. Your doctor may also order blood tests or imaging studies to rule out other conditions that could be causing your symptoms.
Treatment options for Fibromyalgia
While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, you can treat Fibromyalgia to help lessen its symptoms. These include:
Medication
Over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers, antidepressants, and anti-seizure drugs can help relieve pain and other symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Exercise
A regular exercise program can help improve muscle function and reduce pain.
Counselling
Cognitive behavioural therapy or other counselling approaches can help people with fibromyalgia manage their pain and other symptoms.
Complementary And Alternative Therapies
Massage, acupuncture, Infrared Sauna, and other complementary and alternative therapies may help relieve pain and other symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Making Lifestyle Changes
Getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding stress can help people with fibromyalgia manage their symptoms.
Your doctor will work with you to create a treatment plan that is right for you.
Living with Fibromyalgia
If you have fibromyalgia, it is important to work with your doctor or other recognized health care providers to create a treatment plan that is right for you. There are many ways to manage the symptoms of fibromyalgia, and you may need to try several different approaches before you find what works best for you.
How to exercise when you have fibromyalgia
If you have fibromyalgia, exercise may be the last thing on your mind. But it is actually an important part of managing your symptoms. Exercise or just getting active can help improve muscle function and reduce pain. It can also help you sleep better, increase your energy levels, and improve your mood.
The key to exercising with fibromyalgia is starting slowly and gradually building up. If you try to do too much too soon, you may end up feeling more pain and fatigue. It is also essential to choose an exercise that you enjoy so that you are more likely to stick with it.
Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Find a friend or family member who will exercise with you. This can help you stay motivated and make exercising more fun.
- Choose a low-impact activity, such as walking, swimming, or biking.
- Start with short 10-minute workouts and gradually increase the time as you are able.
- Make sure to warm up before you exercise and cool down afterwards.
- Stretch or use a foam roller to help reduce muscle pain.
Talk to your doctor or recognized health care provider if you have difficulty exercising because of your symptoms. They may be able to recommend other ways to help you get started.
Reduce stress and anxiety when you have fibromyalgia
Stress and anxiety can make fibromyalgia symptoms worse. If you are feeling stressed or anxious, there are several things you can do to help reduce your symptoms:
Exercise
As mentioned above, exercise can help reduce stress, anxiety, pain, and fatigue.
Yoga
Yoga can help improve flexibility and muscle strength and calm the mind.
Meditation
Meditation can help you focus on the present moment and clear your mind.
Breathing exercises
Deep breathing can help relax the body and mind.
Progressive muscle relaxation
This involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in the body to help reduce stress and pain.
Get enough sleep when you have fibromyalgia
Getting enough sleep is essential for everyone, but it is especially important for people with fibromyalgia. Lack of sleep can make pain and fatigue worse. It can also cause mood changes and make it difficult to concentrate.
There are several things you can do to help improve your sleep:
- Establish a routine for yourself and maintain it as much as possible..
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed.
- Exercise during the day, but not too close to bedtime.
- Create a relaxing bedtime routine.
- Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and comfortable.
- Make sure your bed is part of the solution, not the problem.
If you are having difficulty sleeping, talk to your doctor. They may be able to recommend other ways to help you get the sleep you need.
Eat a healthy diet when you have fibromyalgia
Certain foods can trigger symptoms, so you must know which foods you should avoid.
There is no one-size-fits-all diet for people with fibromyalgia, but there are some general guidelines that may help:
- Avoid processed foods, sugary foods, and caffeine.
- Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Choose lean protein sources, such as chicken or fish.
- Limit dairy and gluten.
Talk to your doctor or recognized health care professional if you have difficulty following a healthy diet. They may be able to recommend other ways to help you get the nutrients you need.
Complementary therapies: acupuncture and massage therapy may help relieve fibromyalgia symptoms
While there is little evidence (link to article) of the effectiveness of complementary therapies, they continue to be a popular choice as part of a holistic care process. Some people with fibromyalgia find that these therapies help to relieve pain, fatigue, and stress.
Two popular choices are acupuncture and massage therapy. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves placing thin needles into the skin at specific points. Massage therapy is a type of hands-on therapy that uses different strokes to manipulate the muscles and soft tissues.
Acupuncture and massage therapy may help relieve the widespread pain and fatigue in people with fibromyalgia.
Talk to your doctor or recognized therapist if you are interested in trying either of these therapies. They may be able to recommend a qualified practitioner in your area.
Finally
If you think you may have fibromyalgia, it is essential to see your doctor or other recognized health care providers for an evaluation. There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but treatments are available that can help lessen its symptoms. You can live a full and active life with the right treatment plan.
PLEASE NOTE
PostureGeek.com does not provide medical advice. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical attention. The information provided should not replace the advice and expertise of an accredited health care provider. Any inquiry into your care and any potential impact on your health and wellbeing should be directed to your health care provider. All information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care or treatment.