People with fibromyalgia may be more sensitive to pain than people without fibromyalgia. This is called abnormal pain perception processing. Fibromyalgia affects about a million adults. The cause of fibromyalgia is not known, but it can be effectively treated and managed. Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain all over the body, also referred to as widespread pain, sleep problems, fatigue, and often emotional and mental distress.
Fibromyalgia symptoms can be confused with those of arthritis, or joint inflammation. However, unlike arthritis, it has not been found to cause joint or muscle inflammation and damage. It is seen as a rheumatic condition, in other words, one that causes soft tissue pain or myofascial pain.
Common symptoms include widespread pain, jaw pain and stiffness, pain and tiredness in the face muscles and adjacent fibrous tissues , stiff joints and muscles in the morning, headaches, irregular sleep patterns, irritable bowel syndrome, painful menstrual periods, tingling and numbness in the hands and feet, restless leg syndrome, sensitivity to cold or heat, difficulties with memory and concentration, known as fibro-fog and fatigue.
The following are also possible:
problems with vision
nausea
pelvic and urinary problems
weight gain
dizziness
cold or flu-like symptoms
skin problems
chest symptoms
depression and anxiety
breathing problems
Symptoms can appear at any time during a person’s life, but they are most commonly reported around the age of 45 years.
Known risk factors include:
Age. Fibromyalgia can affect people of all ages, including children. However, most people are diagnosed during middle age and you are more likely to have fibromyalgia as you get older.
Lupus or Rheumatoid Arthritis. If you have lupus or rheumatoid arthritis , you are more likely to develop fibromyalgia.
Some other factors have been weakly associated with the onset of fibromyalgia, but more research is needed to see if they are real. These possible risk factors include:
Sex. Women are twice as likely to have fibromyalgia as men.
Stressful or traumatic events, such as car accidents, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Repetitive injuries. Injury from repetitive stress on a joint, such as frequent knee bending.
Illness (such as viral infections)
Family history
Obesity
Medical attention is needed because fibromyalgia can be difficult to manage. As it is a syndrome, each patient will experience a different set of symptoms, and an individual treatment plan will be necessary. Treatment may include some or all of the following:
an active exercise program
acupuncture
psychotherapy
behavior modification therapy
chiropractic care
massage
physical therapy
low-dose anti-depressants, although these are not a first-line treatment
People with fibromyalgia need to work with their doctor to come up with a treatment plan that provides the best results.
