Fibromyalgia causes pain throughout your body, constant tiredness, and increased pressure sensitivity. Individuals with fibromyalgia experience a range of symptoms, including chronic pain, persistent fatigue, and heightened sensitivity to external pressure. These symptoms are typically associated with pain in the muscles, tendons, joints, and ligaments. Tender points are most commonly found in the back, elbow, arm, shoulder, knee, hip, and neck areas of the body. Fibromyalgia, also referred to as fibromyalgia syndrome is most commonly associated with women. About 2% of people in the United States suffer from fibromyalgia and this condition is often triggered by a traumatic event.
Causes
Fibromyalgia is a condition that has yet to be fully understood. It is often triggered by physical or emotional stress, an accident or repetitive injury. It can also be caused by infection or illness. Fibromyalgia runs in families and may be linked to conditions such as arthritis, spine disorders, and stress. Other causes include arthritis, spine disorders, stress, and changes in brain chemicals. Some people who have fibromyalgia also have low serotonin levels, which affect mood and sleep, and reduce pain perception. Fibromyalgia patients have high-level substance P in their brains, which sends pain signals to the body. Abnormalities in an autonomic nerve system release a hormone that changes how a person feels pain. Lack of sleep can also worsen fibromyalgia.
Symptoms
Fibromyalgia is syndrome having a combination of symptoms and underlying medical conditions that are not related to a single identifiable cause. Fibromyalgia causes tender point pain and fatigue, as well as a variety of other symptoms such as
- Pain gets worse with stress or any activity
- Pain or burning feeling in the tender points
- Muscle tightness or spasms
- Lack of sleep or sleep disturbances
- Memory problem called as “fibro fog”
- Headaches & jaw pain
- Morning stiffness
- Lightheadedness or difficulty balancing
- Dry eyes or difficulty concentrating on nearby object
- Numbness or tingling
- Itchy or dry skin
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Restless leg syndrome
- Depression & anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Osteoarthritis
- Sensitive to temperature, loud noise, and bright light
- Shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, and chest pain
- Digestive problems
- Urinary issues
- In women, pain during menstruation, pelvic pain, and pain during sex
Diagnosis
Fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose because the most common fibromyalgia symptoms, such as pain and fatigue, tend to co-occur with other conditions. Doctors must rule out other conditions before diagnosing someone with fibromyalgia. Secondly, there is no definitive laboratory test for fibromyalgia. Because standard lab tests can’t pinpoint the exact cause of pain, a doctor who has experience with fibromyalgia can diagnose it based on pain and tenderness at the tender points.
According to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), the diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia is to meet 18 tender points in the body. A fibromyalgia patient should have at least 11 tender points. This is not always the case for men, as tender points in men are not as common as in women. The main focus of the diagnosis is on the characteristics of the pain, as this can help to distinguish between fibromyalgia and arthritis pain. Hypothyroidism, polymyalgia rheumatic conditions (such as aches and stiffness in elderly people) resemble fibromyalgia. To differentiate fibromyalgia, a blood test can be done to measure thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).
Treatment
Fibromyalgia may present with pain and tenderness. It does not harm any of the body’s muscles and is not a life-threatening condition. There is no definitive cure for fibromyalgia, however, the symptoms can be alleviated to improve overall well-being. Upon seeking medical attention, patients may initially be prescribed a painkiller and a sleep-enhancing medication. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed for fibromyalgia.
If the individual is suffering from depression, the doctor may recommend the use of anti-depression medications, such as tricyclics antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors etc. Additionally, benzodiazepine drugs may be prescribed to those suffering from fibromyalgia in order to alleviate the discomfort of the muscles and to stabilize the irregular pulses that impede a good night’s sleep. Furthermore, physical therapy and consultation may be necessary to restore muscle strength, alleviate pain, and manage the condition. Other activities that the individual can engage in to improve their well-being include:
- Do low-aerobic exercises like swimming
- Do not get stressed
- Get a good night’s sleep
- Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption
- Exercise regularly
- If depressed, seek professional help
Outlook
Fibromyalgia is a condition that can affect a person’s ability to lead a normal life. However, a person with fibromyalgia may still be able to enjoy the same activities that a person without fibromyalgia does. Some of the things that a person suffering from fibromyalgia should take care of include scheduling rest time, exercising regularly, eating meals on time, and learning more about the illness and its management. In addition to the therapeutic options available, self-management of fibromyalgia is an essential part of managing the condition, which can lead to significant improvements in symptoms and daily functioning.