Fibromyalgia can be a debilitating and painful condition. It has the potential to result in pain that radiates throughout the body, fatigue, memory loss and countless other issues. Although there is currently no cure for this condition, it is possible to treat the symptoms that it can cause. This can help individuals affected by Fibromyalgia to live a normal, healthy life. We will answer the question, “What is Fibromyalgia?”, as well as discuss the symptoms of Fibromyalgia, risk factors and management.
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a complex condition. Researchers believe that it affects the way the body experiences pain, which can alter common sensations. This converts them into painful ones. The most characteristic symptom of this condition is pain that originates within the connective tissue of the body. Some of the more common areas this condition affects include the following:
- shoulders
- arms
- hips
- knees
Also, it is worth noting that Fibromyalgia is not Arthritis. Both conditions causes pain, Arthritis does so from increased inflammation in the joints. However, Fibromyalgia is a condition that affects how you feel without manifesting itself physically.
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
Quite simply, the main symptom of this disorder is pain. This pain tends to exist without swelling or signs of trauma. However, this makes diagnosis relatively difficult. Fatigue, headaches and nausea are also frequent symptoms common with this disorder. In addition, noticeable symptoms range minor nuisances to debilitating problems.
Other symptoms of Fibromyalgia include the following:
- Difficulty moving upon waking
- Headaches and migrains
- Irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive conditions
- Memory problems
- Restless leg syndrome
- Sensitivity to bright lights or loud noises
- Tingling in the hands and feet
- Trouble sleeping
Risk Factors
Fibromyalgia affects more than 5 million Americans. It primarily affects women — 80 to 90 percent of the people affected by it are female.
Women with relatives who have Fibromyalgia may be more likely to develop the disorder than other people. The reasons for this is unclear. However, researchers suspect that this resolves around a genetic predisposition for an increased sensitivity to pain.
Managing Fibromyalgia
By treating some of the symptoms of Fibromyalgia, our patients tend to experience a marked increase in their quality of life.
Positive lifestyle changes for individuals with Fibroymyalgia include the following:
- Acquiring more restful sleep
- Committing to a regular exercise regimen
- Eating a nutritionally sound diet
- Reducing stress
Fortunately, our doctors here at AOCBV can prescribe you with a treatment plan to help with the symptoms of Fibromyalgia.
Since the condition affects everyone differently, it is important to opt for a personalized treatment plan. Therefore, our experts will work with you to help reduce your symptoms through lifestyle changes and the use of medication.
These are just the basics of “What is Fibromyalgia?”, symptoms of Fibromyalgia, risk factors and managing this condition. If you are having difficulty managing your Fibromyalgia or have questions about treatment options, contact us today. Our trained doctors can provide you a customized treatment plan to meet your needs, or point you in the direction of someone that can.
