Fibromyalgia

Muscle pain is generally normal temporarily, but in the case of fibromyalgia, this pain becomes chronic and interferes with the daily life of the person.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain in the musculoskeletal system, in addition to the feeling of fatigue. It also increases the feeling of pain when it occurs by affecting the way that the brain and spinal cord process pain.

This condition affects women more than men, and it could occur at any age, even children.

Causes and risk factors leading to fibromyalgia

There isn’t a known reason for fibromyalgia, but experts think that there are genetic mutations in the genes that are responsible for forming the neurotransmitters in the brain.

The risk factors include the following:

• A family history.
• Having other conditions, such as depression, anxiety disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome, migraine, osteoarthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus.
• Some infections.
• Persistent stress.
• Some physical and emotional traumas.

Symptoms of fibromyalgia

Symptoms often come as flare-ups, and they’re triggered due to specific factors, such as hormonal changes, diet change, emotional stress, sleep disorders, weather changes, sickness, and daily routine changes.

The symptoms include the following:

• Fatigue and exhaustion.
• Muscle pain that continues for at least three months.
• Digestive problems like diarrhea and constipation.
• Headaches.
• Face and jaw pain (temporomandibular joint disorders).
• Interstitial cystitis.
• Postural tachycardia syndrome.
• Memory problems.
• Not having enough sleep.
• It could also lead to psychological problems like depression and anxiety.

Diagnosis of fibromyalgia

There isn’t a specific test to diagnose fibromyalgia, and the diagnosis depends mainly on excluding the conditions that have similar symptoms. Also, the patient has to suffer from pain in at least one part and one side of all the body areas.

• Upper area includes shoulders, arms, and jaw.
• Lower area includes hips, buttocks, and legs.
• Axial area includes neck, chest, abdomen, and back.

Management of fibromyalgia

It depends on managing the symptoms, and it includes:

• Medications.
• Psychological therapy.
• Physical therapy.
• Reducing stress as much as possible.
• Following a healthy lifestyle.