What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain in the muscles and tissue across your whole body. This condition can have flare-ups that come and go and can sometimes be triggered by certain events. Fibromyalgia is more commonly seen in middle to older aged women but can affect any age or gender.
What causes Fibromyalgia?
Researchers have not been able to pinpoint the exact cause of Fibromyalgia. There are some studies that say it could be a condition that is genetically passed down while other say it could be stress or immune related.
Fibromyalgia Symptoms
The symptoms and severity of symptoms for fibromyalgia vary between all patients. Symptoms can vary from physical to mental. One common symptoms is widespread pain which is when you’re experiencing pain on both sides of your body as well as above and below your waist. Additional symptoms that may be present include:
- Fatigue
- Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
- Headaches/migraines
- Irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea or constipation
- Anxiety/depression
- Brain fog
- Difficulties sleeping
Diagnosing Fibromyalgia
While there is not a direct test for Fibromyalgia, there are measures your doctor can take to get a better idea of if you are experiencing Fibromyalgia or something else. They will likely start by ask about your health history as well as what symptoms you are experiencing and the severity of these symptoms. Depending on the symptoms, they may recommend certain blood tests to rule out other conditions.
Fibromyalgia Treatment Options
Be sure to speak with your Rheumatologist to figure out the best treatment option for the symptoms you are experiencing. You may be recommended to try any of the following methods:
- Over-the-counter pain reliever
- Antidepressants
- Exercise to improve your cardiovascular system
- Massage
- Physical therapy
If you are experiencing any symptoms that relate to Fibromyalgia, call our Rheumatology department at 515.875.9790.