The Fibromyalgia is a disease that causes pain in bones and muscles of the entire body and that in most cases generates fatigue and problems with sleep, memory and mood. It also, in many cases, causes headaches, anxiety, depression and also irritable bowel syndrome. One of the features of this disorder is that it affects women more than men.
Normally it is a gradual process that shows, at first, mild symptoms that later become more severe. In a smaller percentage, there are also cases of people suffering from fibromyalgia due to a triggering event such as trauma, surgery or stress.
Causes of fibromyalgia
It’s still a mystery
To date, the causes of fibromyalgia have not been identified. There are indications that allow us to outline a set of causes that could be behind the appearance of this disease.
– Genetic factor. It is proven that fibromyalgia is usually hereditary, which has led to the belief that some genetic mutations may play a role in the appearance of this disorder and make those who have them a person more predisposed to developing it.
– Stress. There are times when suffering from a situation of psychological or physical stress (trauma) activates fibromyalgia.
– Infections. In some cases, an infection can be the trigger or aggravator of the disease.
In general, women are more likely to suffer from this disorder. It is also common to find cases of people who have developed fibromyalgia after starting to have lupus, arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
Symptoms of fibromyalgia
Fatigue, pain, concentration problems,…
Fibromyalgia has some very clear and easy to identify symptoms. On the other hand, its development is frequently associated with other disorders or diseases that develop at the same time.
– Feeling of fatigue. It is the most common symptom and occurs even when the patient has been able to sleep or rest for many hours. Furthermore, in many of these patients, some sleep disorder, such as apnea, is also detected.
– Uninterrupted pain. Another very common symptom in fibromyalgia patients is continuous pain that is felt throughout practically the entire body.
– Fibrofog. It hinders cognitive skills, such as the ability to pay attention and concentrate.
– Headache. It is very common to suffer from migraines or frequent headaches that must have their own treatment.
– Irritable bowel syndrome. It is another of the conditions that are often associated with fibromyalgia.
Diagnosis of fibromyalgia
Pain is the key
The rheumatologist is the specialist doctor who diagnoses fibromyalgia. The diagnostic method used is the presence of diffuse pain with a continuity of more than three months and sensitivity to pain in at least eleven of the 18 pain points or trigger points.
Fibromyalgia treatment and medication
Drugs and relaxation
The definitive cure for fibromyalgia has not yet been achieved, but the administration of some medications can help control the symptoms. Reducing stress and relaxing is very convenient, as is exercising moderately.
Each treatment must be personalized, since there is no standard medication that works for all patients. The goal is to reduce symptoms and allow a better life. Below is a list of the most used ones.
– Painkillers. The typical paracetamol and ibuprofen serve to improve the general condition of the body and reduce pain. Currently the use of narcotics has been discarded.
– Antidepressants. They help reduce pain and fatigue.
– Muscle relaxant. They serve, above all, to ensure that the hours of sleep are effective.
– Anti-epilepsy medications. Medicines to treat epilepsy often reduce pain.
Additionally, there are several treatments to reduce the effects of fibromyalgia.
– Physiotherapy. Exercises to increase strength and be more flexible and resistant.
– Psychological advice. It allows the patient to better deal with the illness and optimize the attitude with which they must face the illness.
Fibromyalgia Prevention
Work on flexibility and respect rest
Certain habits help prevent the onset of fibromyalgia. Among them, sleeping regularly and respecting the necessary hours. Also do sports and physical exercise in a moderate way, with special attention to exercises that increase flexibility. And also try to escape depression and have a kinder and more optimistic view of life.
#fibromyalgia #symptoms #treatments
