Fibromyalgia is a long-term pain and sensitivity disorder characterised by fatigue and sleep disturbances. Scientists are unsure what causes it, but those who suffer from it are more sensitive to pain.
There is no cure for fibromyalgia, although doctors and
other healthcare providers can assist manage and treat the symptoms. Treatment
often includes exercise or other movement therapies, psychiatric and
behavioural therapy, and medicines.
Fibromyalgia: What Causes It?
Fibromyalgia can affect everyone, although women are more
likely than men to develop it. It can affect persons of any age, including
children, but it is most frequent in middle age, and the risk increases with
age. People of all races and ethnicities are affected.
If you have other diseases, especially rheumatic diseases,
psychological 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).
- Osteoarthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Depression and anxiety
- Chronic back pain
- IBS.
Fibromyalgia occurs in families, and some scientists feel
that certain genes may predispose you to illness. The illness, however, can
occur in people who have no family history of it.
Fibromyalgia Symptoms
The most common fibromyalgia symptoms are as follows:
Chronic pain that spreads across the body or in multiple
locations. Pain frequently affects the arms, legs, head, chest, tummy, back,
and buttocks. Aching, burning, or throbbing are common symptoms.
- Tiredness or the sense of being fatigued
- Sleeping difficulties
- Additional symptoms and indicators may include:
- Muscle and joint stiffness
- Sensitivity to touch
- Arm and leg numbness or tingling sensations
- Problems with attention, clarity of thought, and memory (also known as "fibro fog").
- Sensitivity to light, sounds, odours, and temperature has increased.
- Digestive problems such as bloating and constipation
Fibromyalgia Causes
Fibromyalgia has no known cause, but studies suggest 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
discovered signs of aberrant signalling in neurological networks that transmit
and receive pain in people with fibromyalgia. These changes may also contribute
to fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive difficulties that affect many
people with the disorder.
Because fibromyalgia runs in families, genetic factors are
very certainly involved, but the exact genes involved are unknown. According to
studies, environmental (nongenetic) factors may also have a role in a person's
risk of developing the illness. Having a pain-causing disease, such as
rheumatoid arthritis, or having mental health issues, such as anxiety or
depression, are examples of environmental influences.
Fibromyalgia Treatment
Fibromyalgia is currently thought to be incurable.
Medication, self-care practises, and lifestyle modifications
are used instead to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
You should also seek advice and guidance. Two examples
include attending a support group or seeing a therapist.
Fibromyalgia medication
Medications can improve your sleep and reduce your
discomfort. Pregalin 50mg is a commonly used fibromyalgia therapy.
Pregabalin 100mg (Extended Release) tablet is used to treat
pain caused by a damaged nerve in the arms, hands, fingers, legs, feet, or toes
in people with 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.
Fibromyalgia is diagnosed by a doctor based on your symptoms and physical exam.
Simple blood tests are advised to rule out other possible causes of tiredness,
such as anaemia or thyroid problems. The diagnosis is based on your symptoms,
as well as your family and medical history.
Fibromyalgia patients are typically extremely sensitive to the discomfort that would not affect most people. Your provider may count tender
patches (areas of your body that are particularly sensitive to touch). A
diagnosis requires three months of widespread pain, tiredness, and other
symptoms such as memory and concentration problems, poor sleep, depression
symptoms, and irritable syndrome.
How is fibromyalgia managed or treated?
Fibromyalgia has no known cure. These medications and
lifestyle modifications may help with symptom relief:
Antidepressants
• As a result of cognitive behavioural therapy, sleep habits
improved.
Prescription and over-the-counter pain medications; stress
management techniques; and strength training and exercise
What are the fibromyalgia complications?
Fibromyalgia is not a terminal illness. Living with chronic
pain and exhaustion is difficult. Work and daily activities become more
difficult if fibromyalgia is not treated.
What can I do to keep fibromyalgia at bay?
Because no one knows what causes fibromyalgia, there is no
way to prevent it.
- Reducing stress is still a good idea.
- Consume a well-balanced diet.
- Get enough sleep; and
- Keep a healthy weight.
- Maintain regular physical activity and exercise;
- treat arthritis, depression, and other disorders.
What is the outlook for people suffering from fibromyalgia?
Medication and lifestyle changes can help most people with
fibromyalgia. If you take steps to reduce stress, your symptoms may go away.
Symptoms may reappear amid stressful situations. A small number of people are
unable to work owing to severe pain or tiredness.
When should I see a doctor?
You should see a doctor if you have any of the following
symptoms:
- Suicidal ideation or depression
- Migraines or headaches.
- Memory issues.
- Pain.
- Sleep issues or tiredness
