Fibromyalgia is a complex syndrome characterised by chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain through the entire body. It involves different factors that will impact and disrupt a person’s daily life. According to several research and studies, fibromyalgia is believed to be more prevalent in females and will increase pain sensations felt by changing the way the brain processes and interpret pain signals.
While some goes through a variety of pain symptoms, most symptoms begin with physical trauma, surgery, infections and other forms of psychological stresses. Rarely will symptoms accumulate with no definite triggering event. Studies have shown that experiencing tension headaches, anxiety and depression, irritable bowel syndrome and other frustrating symptoms such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is common among people with fibromyalgia.
There are variety of medications that help people living with fibromyalgia control the symptoms as there is currently no cure found yet. Some methods such as exercise, relaxation techniques and stress reduction methods can help manage the symptoms.
Common Symptoms:
Widespread pain: Constant dull ache that lasts for at least three months occurring on both sides of the body, above and below the waist.
Fatigue: People with fibromyalgia will often wake up tired even with long periods of rest sleep. Their sleep would usually be interrupted by pain. Most will have other sleep disorders such as restless legs syndrome and sleep apnea.
Causes of Fibromyalgia
Genetics
Infections
Physical and emotional trauma
Risk Factors
Gender
Physical ailments
Diagnostic tests
There is no definite diagnostic test available to determine fibromyalgia currently. However, there are some physical and lab tests that can be done to rule out other conditions mistaken as fibromyalgia
Medication
Some types of medication are prescribed to treat symptoms associated with fibromyalgia
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: to relieve pain and inflammation
Antidepressants: to reduce pain, improves sleep and treat underlying mood disorders
Treatment
Studies have shown that dealing with fibromyalgia requires necessary professions, which includes doctors, specialists and therapists, to minimise the varying symptoms and improving general health.
