Fibromyalgia is a chronic illness that causes pain and discomfort throughout the body. Furthermore, it may keep you awake at night and make you tired. Fibromyalgia patients are more sensitive to pain, but doctors aren’t sure what causes the condition.
How widespread is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia can affect anyone, but it affects more women than men. Although it can strike at any age, it usually begins in middle age. The likelihood of developing it increases with age. It affects people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds.
If you have other diseases, particularly rheumatic ones, mood disorders, or pain-causing conditions, you may be predisposed to fibromyalgia. These illnesses are as follows:
• Rheumatoid arthritis
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (commonly called lupus).
Ankylosis with spondylitis.
Osteoarthritis (OA).
Depression or anxiety.
Consistent back pain
Irritability of the bowel.
Despite the fact that fibromyalgia frequently runs in families, it can occur in people who have no family history of the condition.
What are the signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia?
The primary signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia are widespread, persistent pain throughout the body. Pain frequently affects the arms, legs, head, chest, belly, back, and buttocks. Many people describe it as throbbing, scorching, or painful.
• A profound feeling of exhaustion
• Sleep problems.
stiffness in the muscles and joints
Sensitivity to touch.
Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs.
Memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and lack of clarity of thought (also known as “fibro fog”).
Increased sensitivity to temperature, odours, light, and sound.
Bloating or constipation
What causes fibromyalgia?
According to doctors, there is no known cause of fibromyalgia. The disease makes people more sensitive to pain.
Given that fibromyalgia frequently runs in families, genetic factors undoubtedly play a role in the condition’s development. However, environmental (nongenetic) factors may also influence a person’s proclivity to develop the condition.
Fibromyalgia treatment
Because there is no known cure for fibromyalgia, treatment focuses on symptom management. Your treatment plan will most likely include a combination of psychiatric and behavioural therapy, medicine, and self-management techniques such as physical activity and other movement treatments such as yoga or tai chi.
Treatments that make use of cognitive behaviour. Cognitive behavioural therapy, which aims to change the way you think about pain, can be especially helpful when combined with other forms of treatment. This type of therapy can be done one-on-one or in a group setting with a therapist. Other types of mental health counselling may also be beneficial.
Medications
Several medications can alleviate pain and improve sleep. You may be given more than one type of medication at the same time.
Antidepressants. Even if you are not depressed, antidepressant medications may help with fibromyalgia. Doctors may prescribe one of several antidepressants, including Lyrica 300 mg and Lyrica 150 mg.
anti-epileptic medications These medications can help you sleep better and reduce pain. They work by preventing the brain from receiving pain signals.
Analgesics (pain relievers) (pain-relieving medicines). They may be used for those who require additional pain relief. Because fibromyalgia does not cause tissue inflammation, anti-inflammatory pain medications are used. Drugs are usually ineffective, but they may help with other painful illnesses that coexist with fibromyalgia.
You may need to experiment with different medication regimens and dosages before experiencing symptom relief, and improvement is frequently gradual.
Complementary and integrative medical treatments Some people seek out therapies such as acupuncture, massage, and hypnosis, but many of them have not been thoroughly studied in fibromyalgia patients. Before using these therapies, consult with your doctor about the best options for you.
What is the treatment for fibromyalgia?
A collaborative approach is frequently required to effectively treat fibromyalgia.
arthritis specialists and other conditions affecting the bones, joints, and muscles Fibromyalgia is commonly treated by rheumatologists because the symptoms are similar to those of arthritis, despite the fact that it is not a type of arthritis and does not harm the bones, joints, or muscles.
Other healthcare specialists who may be involved in your care include exercise physiologists, who are trained to study the body’s response to physical activity.
experts in mental health who help people overcome challenges at home and work that may be caused by medical illnesses With the help of a counsellor who has received cognitive behavioural therapy training, you can learn strategies and methods to better manage your pain.
Pain management professionals who have received training in assessing and treating pain.
Physical therapists improve the quality of life of patients by providing them with directed exercise, direct care, and education.
Primary healthcare practitioners, such as family physicians, internists, or paediatricians, manage ongoing conditions and coordinate treatment with other healthcare professionals who specialise in sleep issues, sleep disorders, and sleep hygiene.
