Overview
Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues. The pain is often described as a constant dull ache and must occur on both sides of the body and above and below the waist. Fibromyalgia can coexist with other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, migraine, and depression. Although there is no cure, various medications can help control symptoms, and exercise, relaxation, and stress-reduction measures may also be beneficial. The exact cause of fibromyalgia is not known, but researchers believe it involves a combination of genetics, infections, and abnormal pain signal processing in the brain and spinal cord.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
The primary symptoms of fibromyalgia include widespread pain, fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and sleep disturbances. Other common symptoms may include headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, and various other conditions such as anxiety, depression, and postural tachycardia syndrome. It's important to note that fibromyalgia can coexist with other disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. If you experience any severe or unusual symptoms, such as stiff neck and pain when bending your head forward, mental confusion, strange behavior, altered speech, persistent vomiting, difficulty breathing or chest pain, abdominal pain, pain when urinating, or convulsions, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for fibromyalgia include:
- Your sex: Fibromyalgia is diagnosed more often in women than in men.
- Family history: If a parent or sibling has fibromyalgia, you may be more likely to develop the condition.
- Other disorders: Having osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus may increase your risk of developing fibromyalgia.
Development
Fibromyalgia is believed to develop as a result of a combination of factors, including genetics, physical or emotional events, and infections. Researchers believe that repeated nerve stimulation causes the brain and spinal cord of people with fibromyalgia to change, leading to an abnormal increase in certain chemicals in the brain that signal pain. The brain's pain receptors also seem to become sensitized and develop a kind of memory of the pain, causing them to overreact to both painful and nonpainful signals. While there is no single cause of fibromyalgia, these factors contribute to the development and maintenance of the disorder.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
You should see a doctor if you suspect fibromyalgia if you experience persistent widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties that have lasted for at least three months and impact your daily life. Additionally, if you have other co-occurring conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, migraine, or depression and anxiety, it is important to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Diagnosis
To diagnose fibromyalgia, the main factor needed is widespread pain throughout your body for at least three months. The pain must be present in at least four of the five following areas: left upper region, right upper region, left lower region, right lower region, and axial region. Newer guidelines from the American College of Rheumatology do not require a tender point exam. Your doctor may also perform blood tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, cyclic citrullinated peptide test, rheumatoid factor, thyroid function tests, anti-nuclear antibody, celiac serology, and vitamin D.
Management and Treatment
Complications
The primary complication of fibromyalgia is the impact it has on a person's ability to function at home or in the workplace due to pain, fatigue, and poor sleep quality. Additionally, the frustration of dealing with an often-misunderstood condition may result in depression and health-related anxiety.
Treatment
Treating fibromyalgia typically involves a combination of medication and self-care strategies. Medications can help reduce pain and improve sleep, while self-care strategies focus on minimizing symptoms and improving overall health. Some common self-care strategies include practicing good sleep hygiene, exercising regularly, and pacing yourself to maintain a balanced level of activity. Consult with your doctor to determine the most suitable medications and approaches for your specific case.