Overview

In Fibromyalgia, your muscles and joints hurt throughout your body. It can also cause fatigue and mental symptoms such as memory loss. There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but medical practitioners can help you find treatment options to manage the symptoms.

This article will discuss the signs and symptoms, the triggering and risks, and the best possible treatment options for fibromyalgia. 

What is Fibromyalgia?

A chronic Pain condition, fibromyalgia involves widespread discomfort throughout the body, fatigue, poor sleep, and difficulties with mood, memory, and concentration. Nearly 2% of the people in the U.S. are affected by it, and women are more likely to be affected than men.

It is unknown what causes fibromyalgia, although scientists are looking for possible explanations. In people with fibromyalgia, pain perception processing may be abnormal, meaning their pain threshold may be lower. According to the CDC, people with fibromyalgia are also more likely to have autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Symptoms Of Fibromyalgia 

There may be a variety of symptoms experienced by individuals. However, pain sensation is the most common symptom. The muscles and the bone-muscle junctions are most commonly affected. Those are ligaments and tendons.

Your neck and shoulders can be the first part of your body to feel pain. Symptoms include burning, soreness, stiffness, aching, or gnawing pain. Some parts of your muscles may be sore. There are no signs or symptoms of progression. It may feel like arthritis, but it doesn’t worsen over time. Muscles and bones are not damaged by it.

Fibromyalgia can also cause the following symptoms:

• Tiredness (fatigue) of medium to severe severity
• Lack of endurance during exercise
• Insomnia at night
• Mood disorder
• Stress
• Migraines
• Constipation, diarrhea, and belly (abdominal) pain caused by an irritable bowel syndrome
• Leg pain
• Painful menstrual cramps
• Fibrofog (difficulty thinking clearly)

These symptoms can be mistaken for those of other health conditions.

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Causes of Fibromyalgia

In people with fibromyalgia, repeated nerve stimulation leads to brain and spinal cord changes. An abnormal increase in pain-signaling chemicals in the brain causes this change. Moreover, the brain’s pain receptors seem to learn about pain and become sensitized, which means they can overreact to painful and non-painful stimuli.

Many factors may contribute to these changes, including:

Genetics Due to the tendency for fibromyalgia to run in families, certain genetic mutations may make you more prone to developing the disease.

Infection or Illnesses Fibromyalgia may be triggered or aggravated by certain illnesses.

Emotional or physical events A physical event can sometimes trigger the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Psychological stress can also trigger it.

Fibromyalgia vs.Other Pains

The pain is coupled with fibromyalgia, usually in soft tissues, including muscles and joints. Unlike other diseases, it affects several different sites throughout the body. Brain processing intensifies the pain.

You can get fibromyalgia pain in:

• Neck
• Lower back and middle back
• Arms
• Legs
• Shoulders
• Hips

The pain can vary depending on the time of day and your activity. You might have more pain in the morning or after you exercise. It’s important to note that stress and sleep deprivation can also affect fibromyalgia pain intensity and type. Each person’s pain is different, too. For this reason, it is crucial to pay attention to how you are feeling and note activities or situations that make the pain worse or better. You can describe it as:

• Throbbing
• Aching
• Burning
• Shooting
• Stabbing
• Stiffness
• Soreness

Triggers for fibromyalgia flare-up 

Fibromyalgia symptoms usually come and go during flare-ups. Living with fibromyalgia can sometimes be exhausting and challenging. You may feel good one moment and then suddenly have a flare-up of symptoms the next. The symptoms of fibromyalgia are real, and so are the feelings. An event or change in your life can trigger flare-ups. Some people may not experience symptoms triggered by what triggers symptoms for others. A flare-up can be triggered by anything that increases your stress, including:

• Illness
• Temperature changes
• Hormone imbalance
• Routine changes
• Work, financial or social stress can cause emotional stress
• Diet changes or inadequate nutrition.
• A lack of sleep or a change in sleeping habits.
• Treatment changes or changes in medications for fibromyalgia

Medical conditions associated with fibromyalgia  

Chronic Migraine

Migraines and fibromyalgia are closely related. Fibromyalgia patients are more likely to develop chronic migraines as they age. An article published in BMJ Open in 2019 noted that the two conditions are bidirectionally related. Fibromyalgia may cause chronic migraines by altering chemical messengers in the human body. Serotonin and norepinephrine imbalance lead to headaches and fibromyalgia. Antidepressants may target these brain chemicals to relieve migraine pain. Biofeedback may also help with tension headaches. Biofeedback aims to help people control their involuntary body functions, like heart rate, blood flow, etc.

Autoimmune diseases

Fibromyalgia is commonly associated with inflammatory autoimmune diseases. A few of them are:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
• The Lupus
• Sjögren’s syndrome
• Ankylosing spondylitis

Fibromyalgia risk is higher in people with rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory autoimmune diseases, but fibromyalgia isn’t an autoimmune disease. According to some researchers, central nervous system abnormalities are the main cause of fibromyalgia.

Sleeping problems

People with fibromyalgia commonly experience sleeplessness. It has been estimated that nearly 90% of those with fibromyalgia suffer from sleep problems. There is a negative impact on sleep quality, duration, and efficiency when you suffer from painful symptoms. Daytime sleepiness results from poor sleep quality and can negatively impact life.

Restless legs syndrome

The restless leg syndrome (RLS) constantly causes you to move your legs while sleeping, causing sleep disturbances. Approximately 37% of people with moderate-to-severe RLS symptoms also have fibromyalgia, according to a 2016 study in the Turkish Journal of Neurology. Treatments for fibromyalgia are also helpful for RLS, which may improve sleep quality. 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Fibromyalgia and IBS have the same relationship as fibromyalgia and migraines. Both conditions are related to chronic stress responses and can be triggered by various factors. Symptoms of IBS and Fibromyalgia often overlap, including chronic pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties. Treatment of IBS and Fibromyalgia often involves lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes, stress reduction, and exercise. An article published in 2017 in Medicine found that fibromyalgia increases the risk of IBS by 1.54 times.

Pelvic pain

Fibromyalgia is one possible cause of chronic pelvic pain. Fibromyalgia and pelvic pain are positively correlated, according to research. One study published in Pain Management Nursing in 2015 revealed that women with severe fibromyalgia experienced severe pelvic pain. It is likely because fibromyalgia is a disorder of the central nervous system, and chronic pain is often a symptom of this disorder. Pelvic pain is caused by the same nerve pathways that cause pain in other parts of the body. Fibromyalgia patients are more likely to report symptoms such as bladder irritability, menstrual cramps, and pelvic pain. Some medicines can alleviate symptoms of fibromyalgia as well as those that relieve pain.

Depression and Anxiety

Most people who suffer from fibromyalgia experience mental or emotional problems, particularly depression and anxiety. In 2018, researchers published a study in Neuropsychopharmacology Reports finding nearly 97% of fibromyalgia participants also had co-occurring mental health issues. Serotonin and norepinephrine deficiencies are linked to pain and mood disorders. As a result, many medicines prescribed for treating fibromyalgia are also antidepressants.

Obesity

The relationship between obesity and fibromyalgia is complex, and we cannot ignore it. Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic pain, often leading to a sedentary lifestyle. Those not participating in regular physical activity are more likely to become overweight or obese. Fibromyalgia symptoms can also be aggravated by being overweight. An overweight person places more mechanical strain on their joints, which may result in more pain and aggravate fibromyalgia symptoms. The benefits of exercise for fibromyalgia patients have been found in research studies. According to a study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, women with fibromyalgia who participate in low-intensity physical activity have reduced pain, fatigue, and anxiety levels.

Temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ)

Temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ) occurs in some people with fibromyalgia. A TMJ disorder causes jaw pain. Whenever you open and close your mouth, your jaw will make snapping or popping noises. When chewing or speaking, you may have difficulty opening your mouth fully. In addition to headaches, TMJ can cause ear pain and headaches around the ear.

Risk of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia risk factors include:

• Gender: Women are more likely to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
• A family history: Fibromyalgia can be passed down between parents and siblings.
• In other disorders, fibromyalgia is more likely to develop in people with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus.
• Stress: Stress can’t be measured on a test, but too much stress can be harmful.
• Trauma: Fibromyalgia can develop after physical, emotional, or serious injuries.

Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia

A physical exam and health history are helpful in the diagnosis of fibromyalgia. You’ll be asked about your symptoms. Tests cannot diagnose fibromyalgia. Its diagnosis usually involves a differential diagnosis – an elimination process. A diagnosis will be made by comparing several conditions with similar symptoms. You will receive your final diagnosis as a result of this process. If you have fatigue caused by other causes like anemia or thyroid problems, your provider may recommend blood. 

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Treatment for Fibromyalgia

Following are some treatment options that can help manage symptoms of the disease:

Medical treatments

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia may be relieved by medications. However, it is important to remember that medications may not completely resolve all of the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. Additionally, medications may come with side effects, so talk to your doctor and carefully weigh the risks and benefits of each option. Exercise and lifestyle modifications can also help to reduce symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Medications for fibromyalgia

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three drugs to treat fibromyalgia. They include:

• Pregabalin (Lyrica), an antiepileptic and gamma agonist that may calm overactive nerves, is a popular pill for treating epilepsy.

• Duloxetine (Cymbalta) inhibits the reuptake of neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine to reduce pain.

• Milnacipran (Savella), another SNRI that reduces pain

The right combination of drugs or dosages for people with fibromyalgia may require them to try several. Tell your doctor if you experience any side effects and how long the medication takes. Several weeks are needed for some drugs to take effect.

Antidepressants

In 2017, the research found that people with low serotonin levels were more likely to develop fibromyalgia. A few fibromyalgia symptoms may be helped by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which increase the amount of serotonin in the brain.

Fibromyalgia patients with pain, fatigue, and sleep problems have little evidence that SSRIs ease these symptoms.

Research suggests that SSRIs might relieve depression in people with depression and anxiety caused by this condition. In some cases, antidepressants may help people manage pain more effectively by improving their mood.

For people with fibromyalgia, doctors prescribe SSRIs such as:

• Prozac, Sarafem (fluoxetine)
• Paxil, Brisdelle, Pexeva (paroxetine)
• Sertraline

Sleeping pills

Fibromyalgia pain can make sleeping difficult, and sleep deprivation can make it worse. Doctors may prescribe sleep medication if strategies like going to bed don’t work.

Narcotic pain medication

Painkillers like opioids change how the brain responds to pain. Fibromyalgia pain can be relieved with them, but they’re not effective. In the abovementioned study, pregabalin relieved pain better than opioids in people with fibromyalgia. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American College of Rheumatology warn against opioids for fibromyalgia pain.

In addition to mood shifts, sleep disruptions, and memory problems, fibromyalgia also manifests as a side effect of opioids. To minimize the risks of opioid addiction, it is crucial to speak with a doctor before taking these drugs. Other treatments may be recommended first by the doctor.

Non-narcotic pain medication

Research into other fibromyalgia treatments is ongoing. For example, a 2020 study that included 74 fibromyalgia patients found that intravenous lidocaine produced long-lasting pain relief.

Meditation and Mindfulness

Meditation, particularly mindfulness meditation, which encourages increased awareness of the present moment, may help with fibromyalgia symptoms. According to a 2014 study, mindfulness relieved many fibromyalgia symptoms, including insomnia and stress. There was less pain associated with fibromyalgia among those who practiced mindfulness. Participants also reported a lower perceived burden as well as less severe symptoms. People with fibromyalgia will benefit from mindfulness practices focusing on acceptance, nonattachment, and nonjudgmental awareness. Mental stress, such as anxiety and stress, may also be reduced by meditation. Psychological stress can trigger fibromyalgia.

Lifestyle changes

Fibromyalgia symptoms can be improved with some self-care strategies. The following tips are included:

• When working at a desk, it is important to sit in a comfortable but ergonomically sound chair
• Posture is important
• Sleep hygiene, including regular bedtimes.
• Pillows and mattresses that are comfortable

Nutritional Strategies

Vitamin D deficiencies may worsen fibromyalgia symptoms. Studies have shown that supplementing vitamin D with 20 weeks duration reduced the pain of women with fibromyalgia who had low vitamin D levels. A study is being conducted to examine whether magnesium deficiency contributes to fibromyalgia and if magnesium supplements might help to reduce the condition’s symptoms.

In addition to soy, S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe), and creatine, other natural substances have been studied to treat fibromyalgia. These products need more evidence to prove their effectiveness.

Excessive amounts of vitamins and minerals (such as vitamin D and magnesium) can be harmful.

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When to Consult a Doctor for Fibromyalgia?

Getting body aches for unexplained reasons might indicate an undiagnosed condition like fibromyalgia. If you have fibromyalgia symptoms, consult a doctor for the diagnosis and best treatment choices to manage the symptoms and help relieve pain.

Your doctors online have a team of professionals that have diagnosed several patients with hidden signs of fibromyalgia and treated them most appropriately. You can also get help from our doctors today!

FAQ About Fibromyalgia Answered by Your Doctors Online Team 

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