Fibromyalgia

Medicine and Health

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain in muscles and soft tissues all over the body. It is an ongoing (chronic) condition. It can a ect your neck, shoulders, back, chest, hips, buttocks, arms, and legs. The pain may be worse in the morning and evening. Sometimes, the pain may last all day long. The pain may get worse with activity, cold or damp weather, anxiety, and stress. This condition is more often diagnosed in people between the ages of 20 and 50. It is most common in middle-aged women.

What causes   Fibromyalgia?

The cause is unknown.Researchers think there may be a link with sleep problems and stress. It may also be linkedto immune, endocrine, or biochemical problems.

What are the symptoms of  Fibromyalgia?

Each person’s symptoms may vary. But chronic pain is the most common symptom. The pain most often a ects the muscles and the points where muscles attach to bones. These are the ligaments and tendons.

Pain may start in 1 part of your body, such as your neck and shoulders. But any part of the body may be a ected. The pain ranges from mild to severe, with " are ups" and times of improvement. The discomfort from Fibromyalgia may feel like burning, soreness, sti ness, aching, or gnawing pain, often times with sore spots in certain parts of your muscles. The pain may feel like arthritis. But it doesn't damage muscles or bones.

Other common symptoms of   Fibromyalgia include:

• Less exercise endurance
• Sleep problems at night
• Depressed mood
• Anxiety
• Headaches
• Irritable bowel symptoms, such as belly (abdominal) pain and bloating ,diarrhea, and constipation
• Restless legs
• Painful menstrual periods
• Trouble thinking clearly (called " bro fog")
• These symptoms can seem like other health conditions. Make sure to see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How is Fibromyalgia diagnosed?

There are no tests that can con rm a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia. Instead, diagnosis is based on your symptoms, a physical exam, and possibly ruling out other conditions.

How is Fibromyalgia treated?

Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.

There is no known cure for fibromyalgia, but symptoms can be managed. Mild cases may get better with stress reduction or lifestyle changes. More severe cases may needto be treated with a healthcare team approach. This may includeyour primary healthcare provider, a specialist called a rheumatologist, a physical therapist, and a pain management clinic.Treatment may include:

Treatment may include:

• Anti-in ammatory medicines to ease pain and help you sleep
• Other pain medicines
• Medicines approved for treating  fibromyalgia (duloxetine, pregabalin, and milnacipran)
• Medicines to ease depression (antidepressants)
• Exercise (low impact) and physical therapy to stretch muscles and improve cardiovascular  tness
• Relaxation methods or cognitive behavioral therapy
• Heat or cold treatments
• Alternative treatments, such as acupuncture and chiropractic or massage therapy

 

Talk with your healthcare providers about the risks ,bene ts, and possible side e ects of all medicines.

Living with Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition, but it may be managed by working with your healthcare providers. In addition to medicines, lifestyle changes can help symptoms. These include getting enough sleep and exercise.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

If your symptoms get worse or you have new symptoms, tell your health care provider.

Key points about Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain in muscles and soft tissues all over the body.

• Researchers think it may be linked to sleep problems, stress, or immune, endocrine, or biochemical problems.
• Symptoms may also include lack of energy (fatigue), sleep problems, depression, headaches, and other problems.
• There is no known cure, but symptoms can be managed.
• Treatments may include medicine, exercise, relaxation, heat or cold, and massage.