Do you often feel pain all over your body? Are you tired all the time, even after getting a good night’s sleep? If so, you may be suffering from fibromyalgia. In this blog post, we will discuss the signs and characteristics of fibromyalgia so that you can better understand if you are suffering from this condition.
What Is Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain and fatigue disorder that affects the entire body. Sleep disturbances, cognitive dysfunction, and mood swings are all common symptoms of fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia symptoms differ from person to person and can be quite unpredictable.
Fibromyalgia Signs And Characteristics
Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, and tenderness in a few specific areas. The symptoms of fibromyalgia can vary from person to person. Some people with fibromyalgia may only experience a few symptoms, while others may experience many.
Another common feature of fibromyalgia is fatigue. This fatigue is often described as being more than just feeling tired – it can be debilitating and make it difficult to carry out everyday activities. People with fibromyalgia may also experience sleep problems, which can contribute to fatigue.
Other common symptoms include:
- Trouble sleeping
- Morning stiffness
- Headaches
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Digestive problems
- Memory and concentration problems (“fibro fog”)
- Tenderness or pain in localized areas, such as the neck, shoulders, back, hips, and knees
Fibromyalgia’s most severe symptoms include:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Stomach ache
- Bloating
- Gases
- Nausea
More unusual signs and symptoms:
- Sensitivity to noise, light, or temperature
- Excessive sweating
- Easy bruising
- Swelling
- Pain in the jaw, chest, and bladder
- Food allergy symptoms such as a stuffed nose, diarrhea, wheezing, or vomiting
- Urgent need to urinate
What Distinguishes Fibromyalgia Pain From Other Types Of Pain?
The most common symptom of fibromyalgia is widespread musculoskeletal pain. This pain is often described as a deep ache or throbbing sensation. It may be worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity. Because of the way the brain processes pain, it becomes more intense.
Fibromyalgia pain can occur in the following areas:
- Arms
- Legs
- Shoulders
- Hips
- Neck
- Middle and lower back
Diagnosis Of Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is often diagnosed based on the presence of certain signs and symptoms. There is no one specific test for fibromyalgia, but doctors may use blood tests, imaging tests, or other diagnostic tools to rule out other conditions.
A diagnosis of fibromyalgia is generally made when all other possible causes of symptoms have been excluded.
There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but there are treatments that can help alleviate symptoms. These include medication, exercise, and lifestyle changes.
Treatments
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved three drugs to treat fibromyalgia:
- Milnacipran (Savella)
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
- Pregabalin (Lyrica)
Some people with fibromyalgia find relief with medications, while others may need to use a combination of treatments. Some common treatments for fibromyalgia include:
Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help relieve pain from fibromyalgia. Your doctor may also prescribe stronger pain medication if necessary.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are often used to treat the fatigue and sleep problems associated with fibromyalgia. They may also help relieve some pain.
Exercise
Exercise is an important part of managing fibromyalgia. A regular exercise program can help improve fatigue and sleep problems and may also help reduce pain.
Counseling
Counseling or therapy can help manage the stress and emotional toll of living with a chronic condition like fibromyalgia.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for fibromyalgia, so it is important to work with your doctor to find the treatment or combination of treatments that works best for you. With proper treatment, many people with fibromyalgia can lead full and active lives.
Conclusion
If you are diagnosed with fibromyalgia, some treatments can help relieve your symptoms. These treatments include pain relief medication, exercise, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
If you think you may be suffering from fibromyalgia, talk to your doctor about your symptoms. With treatment, you can manage your symptoms and live a normal life.