Fibromyalgia is typically not properly diagnosed and understood. Its most prominent symptoms are joint and muscle pain, as well as fatigue.There’s no solution. But a combination of medicine and exercising, managing stress and lifestyle can ease your symptoms so as to allow you to live an active and normal life.
In contrast to many organ diseases such as the lungs, the heart or the liver, fibromyalgia cannot be detected with an examination of the blood. The symptoms can fluctuate and wane, and are often similar to other ailments like rheumatoid arthritis and Lyme disease.
In addition to being difficult to identify, fibromyalgia is often thought to be undiagnosed. Doctors have a hard time diagnosing fibromyalgia for nearly 50% of patients suffering from the condition, as per an investigation conducted in 2019.
Fibromyalgia isn’t uncommon with approximately 2 and 4 percent of Americans It is also found more frequently among women than men.2
Since the outbreak of the pandemic worldwide, the fibromyalgia condition is now more common as COVID-19 patients are showing signs according to Rajat Bhatt, MD, Rheumatologist at the Prime Rheumatology located in Pearland, Texas. Experts are claiming that fibromyalgia can cause as much as 10 percent of COVID-19 patients.”
Fibromyalgia does not have an autoimmune condition however it may make you feel tender and painful everywhere, similar to other autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. It could be a sign of exclusion due to other health issues that must be excluded before deciding.
If you suffer from fibromyalgia there are medicines as well as a range of treatments that can help to improve the quality of your life and enhance the quality of your life.
Signs and symptoms
Around 22% of US adults suffer from fibromyalgia.The condition itself isn’t necessarily fatal however it’s associated with a higher likelihood of suicide.
Studies have shown that between 27 percent and 58% of patients with fibromyalgia experience feelings of despair, depression as well as thoughts about suicide.
Researchers believe this is due to the fact that it’s difficult to deal in the pain. FMS sufferers are often tired and are suffering from mental and emotional issues. People are often unaware of health issues. Doctors aren’t sure what causes fibromyalgia. there’s no cure. Some symptoms are given below :
- Muscle discomfort, burning, twitching or tightness
- The threshold for pain is low or there are tender points
- Fatigue draining
- It is a problem with concentration and recall It is also known as “fibro fog”
- Sleeping problems
Fibromyalgia may feel like osteoarthritis, bursitis and tendinitis. However, instead of causing pain in one specific spot the stiffness and pain may be all over your body.
Other fibro-related symptoms could be:
- The belly is painful, and bloating constipation, queasiness, along with diarrhoea (irritable constipation syndrome)
- Headaches
- Dry mouth, nose and eyes
- Sensitivity to heat, cold or light
- The frequency of peeing is increasing.
- A tingling sensation or feeling of numbness is felt in your arms, face or legs, hands or your feet
Causes
The precise cause of fibromyalgia remains unclear. There is a higher sense of pain or sensitivity to a trigger.
There are a myriad of risk factors that could be a factor, such as:
- A stressful, traumatizing emotional or physical trauma, like a car crash
- repetitive injuries
- Central nervous system (CNS) issues with the central nervous system (CNS).
- It is also possible that it is hereditary. Females with an immediate family member with the condition have a higher chance of being affected by it.
Diagnosis
The doctor will check you and inquire about any medical conditions you have had in the past as well as other family members.
There is no test to identify if you suffer from fibromyalgia. Because the symptoms are similar to other ailments the doctor will want to rule out conditions like an underactive thyroid as well as different forms of arthritis, as well as the lupus. Therefore, you could undergo tests on your blood to determine hormone levels and indicators of inflammation, and the X-rays.
If your doctor cannot identify a reason why your body feels, then they’ll apply a two-part scoring system to gauge how prevalent the pain is and the extent to which your symptoms impact your everyday life. Based on these results, you’ll develop strategies to treat the problem.
Treatment
Based on your condition depending on your symptoms, your doctor might prescribe pain relief, antidepressants such as muscle relaxers, as well as medicines that can help you sleep.
The three medications specifically approved for the treatment of fibro pain are:
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
- Milnacipran (Savella)
- Pregabalin (Lyrica)
Painkillers available over the counter can be helpful also. More powerful medications, such as opioids tend to not work well over time and can make you dependent on them.
Exercise regularly and moderately is essential in reducing the effects of the fibro. It is important to engage in activities that are low-impact, which build your endurance, build and stretch your muscles and enhance your ability to move freely including yoga, tai-chi, Pilates and walking. Exercise releases endorphins which help fight stress, pain and feeling depressed.
It is possible to try alternative therapies like massage, acupuncture, or chiropractic manipulation to relieve tension and pain. A therapist, counselor, or support group could assist you in dealing with difficult emotions and help you describe to others what’s happening for you.