What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by pain, fatigue, sleep problems, mood issues and difficulty concentrating. It sometimes occurs in people with psychiatric issues, such as anxiety, depression or posttraumatic stress disorder.

Symptoms

Pain is a principle symptom of fibromyalgia, and may be amplified or abnormal from how people normally process pain due to a change in how the brain perceives pain. Pain from fibromyalgia comes from tender points on the body around the neck, shoulders, back, elbows, chest, hips, knees and skin.

Although the pain may feel like it originates from the joints, pain from fibromyalgia is not joint pain. The pain can also vary from person to person, as some people with fibromyalgia report a burning, aching or deep pain.

Most people with fibromyalgia also have trouble sleeping. Because sleep is interrupted by pain, people with fibromyalgia may wake up tired and report symptoms like fatigue. In addition, difficulty concentrating is another symptom of fibromyalgia, which is also sometimes called “fibro fog.”

Causes

Although the exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, certain factors may contribute to the chronic disorder, including:

genetics;
repetitive injury;
trauma;
illness; or
disease.

Risk Factors

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, fibromyalgia can occur in anyone. However, certain groups are at a higher risk, including:

women;
people with a family history of fibromyalgia; and
people with other rheumatic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and ankylosing spondylitis.

Additionally, the onset of fibromyalgia usually occurs in middle age, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.

Complications

According to the Mayo Clinic, fibromyalgia is a misunderstood condition which may lead to depression or anxiety among those diagnosed with the disease.

Additionally, the pain associated with fibromyalgia can cause lack of sleep and fatigue which can interfere with the ability to function normally at work or home.

Some people with fibromyalgia may also have other chronic pain conditions, including:

irritable bowel syndrome;

migraines;
tension headaches;
interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome;
temporomandibular joint disorders;
endometriosis;
·vulvodynia; or
chronic fatigue syndrome.

Diagnosis

Fibromyalgia cannot be diagnosed through physical exams, blood and urine tests or imaging tests, though results may be used to rule out other conditions.

Previously, fibromyalgia diagnosis required a tender point exam of 18 specific points on the body.

Diagnosis is much simpler now and can be made based on a medical history of 3 months of widespread pain — with causative underlying conditions ruled out — and one or more other chronic symptom, including:

·ongoing sleep issues;
fatigue; and/or
cognitive or memory problems.

Treatment

Treatment for fibromyalgia centers on relieving pain symptoms and improving general health through medication and self-care. Medications can include:

muscle relaxants;
sleep aids;
pain relievers;
antidepressants; and
anti-seizure drugs.

If fibromyalgia symptoms begin to affect job function or life at home, lifestyle changes may also be necessary, such as:

proper rest;
avoiding caffeine;
eating healthy;
exercising regularly;
reducing stress; and
adjusting work demands.

Alternative Medicine

Fibromyalgia is a chronic, long-term disorder that is generally difficult to treat, according to National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Treatment is focused on managing the symptoms, which can be alleviated with medication and lifestyle changes. lternative therapies and medicine are also available, including:

massage therapy;
movement therapy;
chiropractic therapy;
yoga;
tai chi;
acupuncture; and
diet supplements.

References:

www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibromyalgia/basics/definition/CON-20019243

www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000427.htm

www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Fibromyalgia/fibromyalgia_ff.asp

www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/types/fibromyalgia/what-is-fibromyalgia.php