Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia which is a disease that causes widespread pain for longer than three months.  For it to be considered widespread pain, it must affect both sides of the body, and above and below the waist.  Fibromyalgia is musculoskeletal pain that can go hand in hand with fatigue, lack of sleep, and memory and mood issues.  Doctors say Fibromyalgia amplifies the painful sensations affecting the way your brain processes pain signals. Fibromyalgia can affect anyone but is more common in women.  

Symptoms

Symptoms to look for in Fibromyalgia are the widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties.  These symptoms may be present after a physical trauma, surgery, infection or significant psychological stress.  Sometimes though there is no trigger and the symptoms can come on gradually. The above symptoms can coexist with irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, painful bladder syndrome, and temporomandibular joint disorders.The widespread pain is described a constant dull ache on both sides of the body and below and under the waist.  The pain must continue for three full months before doctors will even consider Fibromyalgia as the cause. Fatigue can be present even if the patient has slept for long periods of time. You can awake tired, or have your sleep be interrupted. Some people with Fibromyalgia can also suffer from restless leg syndrome or sleep apnea.  The pain can cause people to be woken up in the middle of the night as well. Cognitive difficulties or sometimes known as “fibro fog” is when Fibromyalgia impairs the ability to focus, or pay attention and concentrate.

Causes

There are some main causes of Fibromyalgia.  Genetics plays a role, you have a better chance of getting Fibromyalgia if someone else in your family does.  Some infections can trigger or aggravate Fibromyalgia. Physical trauma as in a car crash, or emotional trauma or physiological stress can trigger the symptoms as well.

Treatment   

There is no cure for Fibromyalgia, but there are treatments to help with the symptoms and improving your overall health.  Your doctor may give you a combination of things to try to help your symptoms. Some medications that your doctor may prescribe are pain relievers, or antidepressants.  Another treatment method is therapy. Which could include physical therapy to help your strength and stamina, or counseling which can help you learn ways to deal with this stressful situation.   There are lots of clinical trials for Fibromyalgia. Your doctor will be able to help determine if you are a good candidate for any of those. Though there is no cure there are a few home remedies you can try.  Reducing your stress, making sure you sleep enough, exercising, and maintain a healthy lifestyle may all help you be able to live a normal life.

Be prepared to see your doctor several times if you feel like you have Fibromyalgia.  It is sometimes symptomatic of other conditions and can take some time to rule down to what it truly is.  Your doctor will want to do a physical exam of you and take a full medical history. Talk with your doctor if you feel like you have any of these signs so they can help you get the treatment you need to raise your quality of life.  

Source: webmd.com