Fibromyalgia: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
Have you been experiencing relentless Pain all over your body and cannot sleep? You could be sitting on Fibromyalgia- read on to see symptoms, causes, and treatment.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that will cause you to suffer Pain all over your body. Although anybody could be affected, women are more susceptible than men.
Studies have shown that the most affected age group is 35 to 45 years. If you have been experiencing weird symptoms like Pain that won’t disappear, you may wonder: Do I have Fibromyalgia?
This article has everything you need to know about this condition, including treatment and management.
What is Fibromyalgia?
It is a rheumatic disorder mainly characterized by chronic muscular or musculoskeletal Pain and tenderness in particular body parts. Many other symptoms, including mood changes, tiredness, and trouble sleeping, often accompany this disorder.
Suppose you are suffering from this condition how your brain and nervous system process pain is different. Your brain will misprocess normal Pain and other sensations.
The result is that you will be more susceptible to temperature, pressure, and brightness changes.
Fibromyalgia is very similar to arthritis, as both conditions will cause Pain and Fatigue. However, if you have Fibromyalgia, you won’t experience redness or swelling on your joints.
Now that you understand what this condition is, we will have a look at fibromyalgia causes next.
What Causes Fibromyalgia?
Healthcare researchers are yet to grasp the exact causes of Fibromyalgia. However, the condition occurs when your brain processes Pain incorrectly, causing unnecessary or exaggerated Pain. Below are some of the known causes of this condition:
- Previous Infections
Suffering certain infections could trigger your Fibromyalgia or worsen already existing symptoms.
- Physical and Emotional Trauma
Fibromyalgia has been associated with people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. If you have experienced severe physical trauma from an accident or emotional trauma from abuse, you may be susceptible to Fibromyalgia.
- Stress
If you continually expose yourself to stressful situations, you could suffer life-long consequences, one of which could be Fibromyalgia.
- Genetic Link
Statistics prove that Fibromyalgia is inherited within generations. If your relative suffers from this condition, there is a chance that you may be affected.
What Are The Symptoms Of Fibromyalgia In Females?
As stated earlier, women are more susceptible to this disorder. The main symptom you will experience as a woman is an extreme Pain, which may be more pronounced within the muscles you use most often.
The Pain will feel like a deep ache, burn, or throb, and it may feel worse in the morning. Here is a summary of fibromyalgia symptoms in women;
- · Fatigue
You will wake up every morning feeling tired.
- · Pain
Women who suffer from fibromyalgia state that they experience a dull ache in the muscles that won’t go away. If you have experienced this symptom for over three months, you may be dealing with Fibromyalgia.
- · Cognitive Dysfunction
This symptom is often referred to as “Fibro Fog.” Women who suffer from this condition often state that they cannot be attentive or deliver on mental tasks requiring high concentration levels.
Other symptoms include stiffness, depression, anxiety, and headaches. Women are also likely to suffer painful menstrual periods and mood swings.
How can Fibromyalgia Be Treated?
If you are asking yourself, do I have Fibromyalgia? It would be best to visit a verified rheumatologist for an accurate diagnosis.
Fibromyalgia is treated and managed through several customized treatment plans, which include the following,
- · Medication: Your doctor may recommend medications to treat some of your symptoms. These drugs may include antidepressants or anti-seizure drugs.
- · Diet: Your healthcare provider may ask you to avoid certain foods and eat more of others to help manage your condition. Instructions may include eating high-energy foods to ease Fatigue.
- · Exercise: A well-planned low-impact workout routine will help ease your Pain, stiffness, and tenderness.
- · Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy sessions are excellent at improving mood. Meditation exercises can help ease pain and lower stress levels.
Conclusion
Fibromyalgia is a painful condition. People suffering from this condition require medical attention. If you suspect you may suffer from this condition, you should visit a medical practitioner for an accurate diagnosis.
Although this is possibly a condition you will have for life, there are ways to manage it to lead a productive life.
FAQs
- Is there a cure for Fibromyalgia?
There is no specific treatment for this disorder. However, there are techniques and medications used by medical practitioners to ease the symptoms of the condition.
- Can I lead a productive life if I suffer from Fibromyalgia?
Absolutely. If you follow instructions from your medical practitioner, you can manage your symptoms to a point where you can engage in normal day-to-day activities.