Millions of people all over the world have fibromyalgia, which is characterised by painful, tender points along the body, fatigue, sleeplessness, and cognitive issues known as fibro fog. Fibromyalgia is diagnosed more often in women than in men. You may be more likely to develop fibromyalgia if a relative has the same condition. If you have autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, and obesity, you may be more likely to develop fibromyalgia.
Symptoms of fibromyalgia include
Widespread pain: The pain associated with fibromyalgia is often described as a constant dull ache that has lasted for at least three months. To be considered widespread, the pain must occur on both sides of your body and above and below your waist. Fatigue: People with fibromyalgia often wake up tired, even though they report sleeping for long periods of time. Sleep is often disrupted by pain, and many patients with fibromyalgia have other sleep disorders, such as restless legs syndrome and sleep apnea. Cognitive difficulties: A symptom commonly referred to as “fibro fog” impairs the ability to focus, pay attention and concentrate on mental tasks. Other problems: Many people who have fibromyalgia may also experience depression, anxiety, migraine (headache), and pain or cramping in the lower abdomen due to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)Causes
As of yet, the exact causes of fibromyalgia are unknown, but it most likely involves a variety of factors working together. These may include:
Genetics: Because fibromyalgia tends to run in families, there may be certain genetic mutations that make one more susceptible to developing the disorder. Other illness: Some illnesses appear to trigger or aggravate fibromyalgia, such as IBS, migraine, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, hypothyroidism. Physical or emotional trauma: Post-traumatic stress disorder has been linked to fibromyalgia.Where does it hurt?
Diagnosing fibromyalgia can be tough. Pain is highly personal, so one person’s “I hurt all over” isn’t necessarily the same as another person’s “I hurt all over.”
That’s why doctors often check for certain tender points on the body when it comes to diagnosing fibromyalgia. These 18 points (nine pairs) tend to be painful when pressed, and may spread pain to other body parts.
The nine pairs of points of tenderness are:
Back of the neck Elbows Front of the neck Hips Lower back Knees Upper back Shoulders ChestAmerican College of Rheumatology guidelines suggest that people with fibromyalgia have pain in at least 11 of these tender points when a doctor applies a certain amount of pressure. In the past, doctors would check 18 specific points on a person’s body to see how many of them were painful when pressed firmly. Newer guidelines don’t require a tender point exam. Instead, a fibromyalgia diagnosis can be made if a person has had widespread pain for more than three months – with no underlying medical condition that could cause the pain.
Blood tests for fibromyalgia
While there is no lab test to confirm a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, your doctor may want to rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms. Blood tests may include:
Complete blood count – CBC Erythrocyte sedimentation rate – ESR Thyroid function testsThe everyday challenges of fibromyalgia
The general, treatments for fibromyalgia include both medication and self-care. The emphasis is on minimising symptoms and improving general health. No one treatment works for all symptoms.
Medications
Medications can help reduce the pain of fibromyalgia and improve sleep. Common choices include:
Pain relievers
Antidepressants
Anti-seizure drugs
Lifestyle and home remedies
Self-care is critical in the management of fibromyalgia.
Reduce stress. Get enough sleep. If needed, take a sleeping pill. Exercise regularly. Swimming is very good for fibromyalgia.Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eat healthy foods. Limit your caffeine intake. Do something that you find enjoyable and fulfilling every day.
