Do you have unexplained back pain, fatigue, and other symptoms? If so, has fibromyalgia been ruled out?
Fibromyalgia (also called fibromyalgia syndrome) is a long-term condition that causes pain throughout the body and affects up to 1 in 20 people. In addition to widespread pain, fibromyalgia sufferers may also experience:
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increased sensitivity to pain
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exhaustion fatigue (extreme tiredness)
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muscle tightness and stiffness
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trouble sleeping
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difficulties with mental processing, including memory and concentration problems
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Headaches
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irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
It is important to seek medical attention if you have any of the above symptoms or if you think you may have fibromyalgia. Although there is no known cure for the condition, there are many treatment options available that can help relieve symptoms.
So what causes fibromyalgia?
Although the exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, it is believed to be related to abnormal levels of chemicals in the brain and changes in the way the central nervous system transmits pain messages throughout the body. It is also possible that certain people are more likely to develop fibromyalgia due to genes inherited from their parents. In other cases, the condition is triggered by a physically or emotionally stressful event.
This can include:
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an infection or injury
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the birth of a child
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have an operation
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the breakdown of a relationship
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The death of a loved one
It is important to remember that, despite risk factors, anyone can develop fibromyalgia at any time. The condition usually develops between the ages of 30 and 50, but it can occur in people of any age, including children and the elderly.
How to get a diagnosis
Fibromyalgia is a difficult condition to diagnose, which can mean that many people have it without a diagnosis. There is no specific test for the condition, and symptoms can be similar to several other disorders. However, medical professionals can use a number of evaluations and processes to reach a diagnostic decision.
Treatment tends to be a combination of:
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medications, such as antidepressants and pain relievers
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talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and
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advice on lifestyle changes, such as exercise programs, diet changes, and relaxation techniques
If you are diagnosed with fibromyalgia, there are many ways you can change your lifestyle to help ease your symptoms and make your condition easier to control.
The healthcare professionals treating you can offer advice and support to make these changes part of your daily life. Don’t ignore your symptoms; seeking help is the biggest step on your way to good health