People with fibromyalgia tend to have a heightened sense of pain.
This feeling is sometimes described as a constant muscle ache.
(1)
Fibromyalgia isnt a progressive disease, which means that it wont steadily worsen over time.
Its also not an autoimmune disorder a condition in which the bodys immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues.
To complicate matters, fibromyalgia can also occur seemingly spontaneously, in the absence of trauma.
Genetics may also play a role.
You may have any of these symptoms and more if you have fibromyalgia.
But genes alone arent responsible for fibromyalgia.
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How Is Fibromyalgia Diagnosed?
This was called a tender point exam.
However, doctors are moving away from the tender point exam in thediagnosis of fibromyalgia.
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At present, there are no tests that can be used to definitively diagnose fibromyalgia.
However, your doctor may recommend a blood test to rule out other conditions.
(6) Nor does it damage muscles or organs or directly cause death.
Many people with fibromyalgia live with widespread pain and debilitating fatigue for many years.
Treatment and Medication Options for Fibromyalgia
A variety of types of medical specialists treat fibromyalgia.
Some family practice doctors or internists (internal medicine specialists) can recognize and manage the condition.
Not all pain management specialists, rheumatologists, or neurologists are knowledgeable about fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia is often best treated with a combination of approaches.
For some people, certain types of prescription medication can help reduce symptoms.
Medication Options
No one medication works for all of the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
In addition, certain types of antidepressants have been found to work on fibromyalgia pain and reduce fatigue.
Other antidepressants can help you sleep better.
Your doctor may also suggest muscle relaxants or even anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) to relieve pain.
Gentle stretching and aerobic exercise can relieve pain and prevent deconditioning or getting weaker from lack of exercise.
It can also improve sleep.
The best approach to being physically active when you have fibromyalgia is to start low and go slow.
Generally, working with a physical or occupational therapist can be helpful in getting started with an exercise regimen.
Specifically, a physical therapist can teach you exercises designed to improve your strength, flexibility, and stamina.
Water-based exercises might be particularly beneficial for people with fibromyalgia.
The longer the duration, the greater the benefits.
One possible way to reduce stress is to undergo counseling.
They can reduce fatigue by helping you identify your stressors and your limiting beliefs.
Improvements in sleep, pain, and fatigue have also been observed.
Mindfulnessis a contemplative practice emphasizing moment-to-moment awareness as a means of working through stressful events.
Healthy DietLike everyone, people with fibromyalgia should eat foods that support their body.
In general, you should discuss nutritional approaches with a registered dietitian nutritionist or your doctor.
There have been several studies on the usefulness of acupuncture as a natural remedy for fibromyalgia symptoms.
Although this treatment seems to offer some functional improvement in people with fibromyalgia, the results are not long-lasting.
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MassageOther types of alternative and complementary approaches that can be used in fibromyalgia include massage therapy.
ReikiThe Japanese techniqueReikihas been used for pain control, relaxation, and stress relief.
Its thought to work with a system of energy that flows through the body.
Its helpful for many painful conditions when its used along with other therapies.
Prevention of Fibromyalgia
Theres no proven way to prevent fibromyalgia.
And, sticking to your doctor-prescribed treatment plan is the best way to keep symptoms in check.
This is often known as fibro fog.
HospitalizationPeople with fibromyalgia are about twice as likely as others to be hospitalized for any reason.
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Research and Statistics: Who Has Fibromyalgia?
(14,15)
Although fibromyalgia can occur in anyone, its more common in women.
Between 75 and 90 percent of people diagnosed with the disorder are women, the NFA estimates.
The disorder affects people of all races and ethnicities.
Even children can have fibromyalgia.
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The researchers identified fibromyalgia in 1.75 percent of participants overall.
Related Conditions
Having certain other medical conditions may raise the risk for fibromyalgia.
The pain of fibromyalgia tends to be widespread, seemingly coming from many points of the body at once.
Each condition is treated differently.
However, staying physically active can be helpful in both.
Another hazard is that the fibromyalgia goes untreated.
