Fibromyalgia, also known as fibromyalgia syndrome, is a long-term disease which causes widespread pain across the body. Although the precise reason is unknown, psychological, environmental, and genetic variables are thought to be involved. The goal of fibromyalgia treatment is to control symptoms using medicines, dietary adjustments, and counselling.
Causes of Fibromyalgia
The exact reason leading to the causes of fibromyalgia is still unknown. However, many researchers claim that repetitive stimulation in the brain might trigger fibromyalgia. Certain factors might lead to fibromyalgia. Here are some of them.
Abnormalities
Serious abnormalities in the immune system, such as chronic inflammation, can trigger fibromyalgia.
Genetics
Genetic mutations can be one of the leading factors that might lead to fibromyalgia, as this disease tends to run in the family for generations.
Psychological Stress
Certain psychological stress can also trigger fibromyalgia as it is related to nerve stimulation.
Nervous System
Since the disease is related to nerve stimulation, any minute dysfunction in the nerve fibres could result in fibromyalgia.
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
Often, the fibromyalgia symptoms are mistaken for the symptoms of joint inflammation or arthritis. The following are some common fibromyalgia symptoms.
Headaches
The constant stiffness and pain in the body might result in frequent headaches. Its severity could range from mild to severe migraines.
Pain
One of the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia is the widespread pain, which could be worse in certain areas, including the neck or the back of the body. The pain might occur continuously and could get severe at times.
Sleep Problems
Fibromyalgia tends to affect the quality of the sleep cycle as this condition might prevent one from having sound sleep.
Mood Problems
Mood fluctuations, such as feeling extremely low or depressed, could be an indication of fibromyalgia.
Cognitive Issues
These issues are related to mental health and might include certain symptoms, such as difficulty in remembering or concentrating on a particular work.
Fatigue
One might experience tiredness or feel exhausted. This might drain the energy from your body, leading to decreased productivity at work.
Diagnosis & Tests of Fibromyalgia
There is no exact test conducted to determine if the person has been suffering from fibromyalgia. Therefore, medical examiners study certain symptoms to understand whether the person has fibromyalgia.
Tenderness Points
The doctor identifies the tender points on the patient's body after which pressure is applied to those areas to examine if the patient reacts to the pain felt on those tender points.
Pain Patterns
The doctors identify the patient’s widespread body. This test helps them to determine the condition of fibromyalgia.
Management and Treatment of Fibromyalgia
Since there is no exact cause behind fibromyalgia, no cure that completely eradicates the condition. Hence, the medical examiners suggest various strategies that help with fibromyalgia treatment.
Stress Management
Try reducing stress by practising certain physical activities such as yoga or regular exercise. Talking with a therapist also helps reduce the stress from the body.
Medication
Only in the cases of severe pain, you might take the help of the prescribed medications. In case you are feeling depressed, then anti-depressants will help in reducing the fatigue from the body.
Self-care
Following a healthy lifestyle and opting for stress management therapy helps reduce fibromyalgia symptoms and improve overall health.
Exercise
Regular exercise helps with this condition. It reduces stiffness, which eventually relaxes your body.
Preventions of Fibromyalgia
Continuous research is being conducted to find the exact cause of fibromyalgia. Till then, here are a few simple strategies that might help in fibromyalgia prevention.
- Maintaining a proper sleep schedule will help the nerves to relax.
- Practising yoga and exercising reduces the level of stress.
- Maintaining a properly balanced diet ensures that your body receives the required dose of vitamins.
Conclusion
Fibromyalgia is a complicated, long-term ailment marked by tiredness, musculoskeletal pain, and other symptoms. Effective care, along with a multidisciplinary approach as per each patient's needs with an emphasis on diminishing the fibromyalgia symptoms and enhancing the quality of life is the key to managing this condition.