There are diseases and syndromes that appear without any explanation. In addition to causing concern, they bring a lot of pain. This is the case with fibromyalgia, which medicine is still working to uncover in detail its causes and how to fight it.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome that causes pain all over the body for a long period, and also increases sensitivity in the joints, tendons, muscles and other soft tissues, accompanied by memory problems, depression, anxiety, fatigue, headaches, and sleep disturbances. Fibromyalgia is more common than we imagine, but its cause is still not fully understood. It is considered a syndrome because it results from several associated factors. The genetic factor is also considered, since several cases of fibromyalgia occur among different people in the same family. Fibromyalgia also affects more women than men, and in the age group between 20 and 50 years old. Although there are many treatments and even medications for fibromyalgia, it is still not possible to say that the disease is curable.

Risk Factors

Because of these findings, the risk factors considered for fibromyalgia are family history and women between 20 and 50 years old. Even though it is a silent disease that can really impact the patient’s quality of life, it is important to pay attention to the symptoms to seek appropriate treatment.

Main Causes of Fibromyalgia

Although fibromyalgia is a very recurrent syndrome, its causes are still not completely defined. It is known that it is related to several factors, commonly associated with this rheumatologic disease. The most evident and already established is its relationship with genetics, which may be due to a gene mutation that triggers the syndrome, although these have not been exactly mapped yet. Other equally important factors also directly related to fibromyalgia are: sleep disorders, sedentary lifestyle, anxiety, depression, as well as post-traumatic stress disorders and some infections. In fact, the causes of fibromyalgia are still very vague, which makes it difficult to have an effective treatment that can achieve a cure. If you notice any of these symptoms, talk to a specialist so you can be examined and get an accurate diagnosis.

Diagnosis

As many of the symptoms of fibromyalgia are very similar to those of various other diseases, it is possible that if you suspect you have it, you may see several specialists before a definitive diagnosis. It is common for a rheumatologist to be the specialist who confirms fibromyalgia. As there are no specific tests capable of diagnosing fibromyalgia, the doctor will actually do a clinical evaluation and some tests that are really intended to rule out the presence of other diseases that could cause the same symptoms. Having widespread pain for more than three months is highly relevant for a conclusive diagnosis of fibromyalgia. This should be your main point of attention if you are suspicious.

Main Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is characterized by causing pain throughout the whole body. These are pains described as neither acute nor very severe, referred to by doctors as “tired” and constant pain. These widespread pains usually last for a long period, around 3 months. These pains are considered widespread because they occur both below and above the waist and on both sides of the body. They leave patients, in many cases, with great discomfort, affecting their daily activities and quality of life. People with fibromyalgia often complain about fatigue. They already wake up in the morning feeling tired, even if they have slept through the night for many hours, which would normally be enough to rest and wake up feeling well.

Signs of Fibromyalgia

This type of event is called “non-restorative sleep.” Other sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome are also related to symptoms presented by people with fibromyalgia. Other symptoms also commonly occur among fibromyalgia patients such as short-term memory problems, difficulty with reasoning, lack of concentration and even language problems, such as remembering or pronouncing a common word. These memory gaps are known by the terms “Fibro Fog” or “Fibro Mist.” Additionally, fibromyalgia is also related to depression, abdominal pain and cramps and headaches. Remember that, even though there is no cure, there are many highly effective treatments that can help reduce each of these symptoms and minimize the impact on the lives of patients with fibromyalgia.

Treatment for Fibromyalgia

Since there is no specific treatment to cure fibromyalgia, the goal is to address the symptoms to minimize their impact and improve the patient’s overall clinical condition, treating whichever symptoms are most present and bothersome. The treatment for fibromyalgia is most effective when it involves specific medications and non-drug therapies. The aim is always to ease symptoms and improve the patient’s overall condition. These therapies may include physiotherapy, gentle anti-stress massages, cognitive behavioral therapy, and physical conditioning exercise programs. Treatment for fibromyalgia always aims for pain relief, emotional balance, better sleep quality, fatigue reduction, and improved physical conditioning, as well as addressing any other imbalances associated with the syndrome.

Important: Only your doctor can prescribe the right type and dosage of medication and the appropriate therapy to treat fibromyalgia. NEVER SELF-MEDICATE

Understanding the Disease

To manage fibromyalgia well, the patient’s attitude and behavior are very important and essential for a good result from any treatment and for managing the disease. First of all, understand everything about the disease, know each symptom so you can learn how to deal with it and minimize its negative impacts and effects on your daily activities. Always clear up any doubts with your doctor, and follow all recommendations including a balanced diet and a good rest routine. Keep confident and take care of yourself — even without a cure for fibromyalgia, it is possible to manage the symptoms and live a strong and healthy life, with longevity and minimal setbacks. See Also: What is Cystic Fibrosis? Photo: Arocamora, SAV vas