Fibromyalgia Information
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that includes a wide range of other symptoms, including fatigue, sleep disorders, cognitive dysfunction, anxiety, and depression. Fibromyalgia can be challenging to diagnose because it is associated with multiple symptoms and comorbid conditions, there is no specific diagnostic test, and laboratory and imaging studies usually have normal findings. Thanks to advances in research, the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia has evolved from an “I know it when I see it” approach to generally agreed-upon diagnostic criteria.
However, even with accepted diagnostic criteria and approved treatments, Fibromyalgia remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. This article outlines the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of Fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia Epidemiology
The reported prevalence of Fibromyalgia differs based on the specific population studied and diagnostic criteria used. It has reported to affect 2% to 8% of the population worldwide. Fibromyalgia is twice as common in women than in men. The incidence of Fibromyalgia is highest in women age 20 to 55 years; the prevalence increases with age. While Fibromyalgia is more commonly diagnosed in older adults, it also can affect children, affecting 1% to 6% of school-age children and adolescents worldwide.
Causes of Fibromyalgia
The causes of Fibromyalgia are poorly understood, but the condition is likely due to a central sensitization phenomenon that causes neurotransmitter and neuroendocrine abnormalities that result in hypersensitivity to pain.
People with Fibromyalgia are more likely to have a history of conditions that cause chronic pain, such as the following:
• Headaches
• Stressful or traumatic events, accidents, or injuries.
• Repeat injuries, such as repeated joint stress from sports or physical jobs.
• Illness, including viral infections.
• Other regional pain syndromes, especially back and neck pain.
Other risk factors for Fibromyalgia include the following:
• Family history of chronic pain disorders;
• Early life stressors (such as illness or trauma);
• Infection (such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV);
• Emotional or physical stress; and
• Psychiatric disorders (such as depression and anxiety).
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
The most common symptoms of Fibromyalgia are:
• Pain and stiffness all over the body.
• Fatigue or tiredness.
• Depression and anxiety.
• Sleep problems.
• Bladder problems
• Problems with thinking, memory, and concentration.
• Headaches, including migraines.
Other symptoms may include:
• Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet.
• Pain in the face or jaw, like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
• Digestive problems, like stomach pain, bloating, constipation, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Fibromyalgia Prognosis
Because Fibromyalgia symptoms vary from person to person, it’s difficult to predict how long you will have the condition and the impact it will have on your life.
Although there’s currently no cure for Fibromyalgia, there are treatments, therapies and self-management techniques that can improve your quality of life. Fadewell Solutions Fibromyalgia Clinic in Tamworth offers a variety of modern treatments to support Fibromyalgia symptoms.
Treatment focuses on symptom relief through lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and supportive care. Early specialist consultation helps tailor management plans to improve function and well-being.
Complications that can develop as a result of Fibromyalgia are marked functional impairment, depression, anxiety, insomnia, obesity, and allodynia. Factors associated with poor outcomes are female gender, low socioeconomic status, and being unemployed.
Triggers for Fibromyalgia flares
At times the symptoms you experience as a result of your Fibromyalgia (such as pain or fatigue) will become more intense. This is called a flare. Flares can be triggered or made worse by several factors including:
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weather changes
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overexertion
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mental stress
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illness or injury
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travelling
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hormonal changes
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changes in treatment.
Triggers vary from person to person. Understanding the things that cause your Fibromyalgia to flare means that you can be prepared and take steps to lessen the effect they will have on you and your life.
Fibromyalgia research
Fibromyalgia research is growing, and it is believed that scientists are finally making progress towards understanding this complex condition. It’s still early days but scientists are excited by their findings and the knowledge that they are moving ever closer to understanding this disease.