Fibromyalgia is a disorder primarily characterized by long and widespread pain across the body. It’s exact causes are yet to be discovered but scientists believe that this disorder aggravates the sensation of pain, thereby affecting or influencing the way both the brain and spinal cord process pain.
It could either be triggered by specific events such as surgery, stress, or physical trauma. Otherwise, it could be accumulated over time and not triggered by any specific event. Women are more likely to suffer from this disorder than men.
It is often misdiagnosed because it’s symptoms are not very specific and there isn’t any particular test used in its diagnosis. There have been arguments centered around whether or not fibromyalgia truly exists.
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
Individuals suffering from fibromyalgia usually present the following symptoms;
- Fatigue; people suffering from fibromyalgia typically sleep for longer hours but still wake up very tired. Sometimes, they experience restless leg syndrome and sleep apnea.
- Pain in several parts of the body; This is a widespread pain that has lasted for a while, from a couple of months to years. .
- Cognitive disorder; they easily lose focus and are incapable of paying attention for long periods.
Other conditions associated with fibromyalgia include;
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Temporomandibular joint disorder
- Postural tachycardia
- Migraines.
Causes
The actual causes of fibromyalgia are not known, but some factors are known to precipitate it.
- Changes to chemicals in the central nervous system.
This changes the way the brain and nervous system process pain. A change in the central nervous system processes lead to a very low pain tolerance hence the reason why people suffering from this disorder are always in pain.
- Genetics
The aspect of genetics explains why some people develop this condition after being triggered.
- Hormone Deficiencies
Fibromyalgia has been associated with low levels of serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine which regulate mood, appetite and behavior. Increasing the levels of this hormone can help in controlling the disorder.
- Sleep Disorders
Poor sleep patterns lead to fatigue which is a symptom of fibromyalgia. People suffering from pain can barely sleep so they’re constantly tired. Sleep problems can therefore contribute to some of the symptoms.
- Triggers associated with this condition include; infections, surgery, physical trauma etc.
Diagnosis
There isn’t any test available to diagnose fibromyalgia. Diagnosis will involve ruling out other conditions like; multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis or chronic fatigue syndrome.
You should have had pain in multiple areas of your body for more than 3 months, and no other reason has been found for this for it to be diagnosed as fibromyalgia.
Treatment
Fibromyalgia treatment options involve a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. You may have to see several specialists such as a psychologist, neurologist and rheumatologist since it’s the symptoms that are going to be treated.
Lifestyle changes involve psychotherapy, aromatherapy, massages etc. Medications include; painkillers, muscle relaxants, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, antipsychotics and sleeping pills.
Different pain fibromyalgia treatment combinations will work for different people so it’s essential to find yours.
