Extreme pain, exhaustion, and mental impairment are only some of the symptoms of this chronic condition. Fibromyalgia symptoms might mimic those of arthritis or joint inflammation, leading to misdiagnosis.
It is not an autoimmune condition, however it often occurs with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Although it can not directly cause inflammation or muscle damage, it can make existing symptoms much more intolerable.
Some known facts of fibromyalgia include:
Women are more likely to suffer with fibromyalgia than men. Extensive pain, exhaustion, and restless sleep are only a few of the symptoms, along with physical, cognitive, and mental aspects. Although there is no definitive test for fibromyalgia, a doctor may do blood work or imaging to rule out less specific causes of pain. There is no one, identifiable trigger for fibromyalgia. Disorders of sleep and mood, in addition to heredity and traumatic experiences, have all been linked to the illness. Fibromyalgia is presently incurable. However, symptom relief and improved sleep quality may be achieved with medication, physical activity, acupuncture, and behavioral therapy.Overview
Fibromyalgia is a prevalent cause of chronic generalized musculoskeletal pain. Roughly 5 million Americans aged 18 and above suffer with fibromyalgia. Studies show that fibromyalgia is more common among natal females than natal men. A person’s likelihood of developing fibromyalgia after sustaining a severe injury is thought to rise. Lupus, RA, and other autoimmune disorders, as well as genetic predisposition, have all been linked to an increased risk of developing RA.Symptoms
The following are common manifestations of fibromyalgia:
- Post-sleep joint and muscular stiffness are a leading cause of headaches.
- Disrupted sleep schedules
- Sensation loss and paralysis in the legs and feet
- Syndrome of Restless Legs
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Heat Sensitivity, Memory Impairment (sometimes called “Fibro fog”), and Fatigue.
Additionally, the following is possible:
- Vision impairments
- Problems with nausea, urination, and the pelvic area
- Rapid growth of weight
- Dizziness
- Signs and symptoms of a cold or flu
- Troubles with the skin
- Thoracic discomfort
- Stress and melancholy
- Affective Disorders Related to Trauma
- Problems breathing
- The majority of cases occur between the ages of 30 and 50, however symptoms may appear at any time.
Treatment
- Scheduled low-impact workouts
- Psychotherapy based on acupuncture
- Massage as Practiced in Chiropractic
- Tension-relieving physical therapy exercises
- Medications, include tranquilizers, painkillers, and antidepressants
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other forms of psychotherapy
Medications
Medication may be prescribed by a doctor to alleviate certain symptoms. Pain relievers available without a prescription are one example. The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) revised its recommendations for treating fibromyalgia in 2016 to discourage the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Doctors may also recommend antidepressants like duloxetine (Cymbalta) or milnacipran (Savella) or anticonvulsants like pregabalin 50 mg. All of a patient’s prescriptions should be disclosed to their doctor to prevent unwanted side effects and drug interactions. Non-invasive and Home-Based Therapies Fibromyalgia symptoms may be managed with a combination of medication and non-pharmaceutical approaches.Causes
Fibromyalgia’s exact cause is still unclear. However, modern rheumatological thought holds that results from CNS pain processing dysfunction. There are a lot of variables that might raise a person’s chance of acquiring fibromyalgia.Source Reliable: Repetitive injuries are common after experiencing extreme stress or trauma, such as in a vehicle accident. When a person has RA or another autoimmune condition like lupus, it may disrupt the way their genes regulate how they respond to very painful stimuli. It’s possible that fibromyalgia runs in families. it is more common in women if they have a close relative who also suffers from the disorder. The risk of developing fibromyalgia is higher in those who have rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or spinal arthritis (also known as ankylosing spondylitis).Misconceptions abound when it comes to fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia is a common disorder that causes chronic pain and tenderness in the muscles and joints. A common symptom of fibromyalgia is widespread, chronic pain and tenderness whose severity ebbs and flows over time. Fibromyalgia symptoms extend well beyond pain and include:- Constant weariness
- Depression
- Headaches and migraines
- Period pains
- Chronic intestinal inflammation
- Rigidity upon waking
- Treatment options for fibromyalgia expansion
