Fibromyalgia is a chronic (long-lasting) disorder that causes pain and tenderness throughout the body, as well as fatigue and trouble sleeping.
Scientists do not fully understand what causes it, but people with the disorder have an increased sensitivity to pain.
There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but doctors and other health care providers can help manage and treat the symptoms. Treatment typically involves a combination of exercise or other movement therapies, psychological and behavioral therapy, and medications.
Anyone can get fibromyalgia, but more women get it than men. It can affect people of any age, even children, but it usually starts in middle age, and the chance of having it increases as you get older. It occurs in people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds.
If you have other diseases, especially rheumatic diseases, mood disorders, or conditions that cause pain, you may be more likely to have fibromyalgia. These diseases include:
Fibromyalgia tends to run in families, and some scientists believe that certain genes could make you more likely to develop it. However, the disorder also occurs in people with no family history of the disorder.
The main symptoms of fibromyalgia are:
Other symptoms may include:
The cause of fibromyalgia is not known, but studies show that people with the disorder have an increased sensitivity to pain, so they feel pain when others do not. Brain imaging studies and other research have uncovered evidence of altered signalling in neural pathways that transmit and receive pain in people with fibromyalgia. These changes may also contribute to the fatigue, sleep troubles, and “fibro fog” issues that many people with the disorder experience.
Fibromyalgia tends to run in families, so genetic factors are likely to contribute to the disorder, but little is known for sure about the specific genes involved. Researchers believe that environmental (nongenetic) factors also play a role in a person’s risk of developing the disorder. These environmental triggers may include having a disease that causes pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis, or mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression.
Fibromyalgia is diagnosed based primarily on having pain all over the body, along with other symptoms. Currently, there are no specific laboratory or imaging tests for fibromyalgia. The main symptoms—pain and fatigue—are similar to many other conditions, so doctors typically try to rule out other causes for your symptoms.
Doctors may do the following to diagnose fibromyalgia:
Your doctor may order laboratory or imaging tests to help rule out other diseases and conditions.
There is no cure for fibromyalgia, so treatment focuses on relieving the symptoms. Your treatment plan will likely include a combination of psychological and behavioural therapy, medications, and self-management approaches, such as physical exercise and other movement therapies like yoga or tai chi.
Cognitive behavioural therapies. Cognitive behavioural therapy, which aims to change the way you think about pain, can be helpful, especially when combined with other types of treatment. This type of therapy can be either one-on-one or in groups with a counsellor. Other types of mental health counselling may also be helpful.
Medications. A number of medicines can help relieve the pain and improve sleep. Your doctor may prescribe more than one type of medication at the same time.
You may need to try different drug combinations and dosages before finding relief from symptoms, and improvement is often gradual.
Complementary and Integrative MedicalTherapies. Some people seek therapies such as acupuncture, massage, and hypnosis, but many of these have not been well tested in people with fibromyalgia.
Before using these therapies, talk to your doctor about the best options for you.
Fibromyalgia treatment often requires a team approach, but it is primarily treated by:
Other health care professionals who may be involved in your care include:
Having fibromyalgia can significantly impact your quality of life and your ability to do everyday activities. There are things you can do to help you live with fibromyalgia, including:
Exercise is a key component of fibromyalgia therapy. Although pain and fatigue may make exercise difficult, it is important for you to be as physically active as possible. Research shows that regular exercise is one of the most useful ways to combat fibromyalgia, and even modest levels are helpful. Aerobic activity can also improve sleep and lessen anxiety and depression.
You should start exercising at a low level and gradually increase over time. Low-impact aerobic activities—such as walking, biking, swimming, and water exercises—are especially helpful. Activities that engage the mind and body, such as yoga and tai chi, are also helpful. Physical therapists or exercise physiologists can prescribe an exercise program and provide ongoing support.
Be sure to check with your doctor before beginning an exercise routine.
Learn as much as you can about fibromyalgia, and join an online or in-person support group with other people who are dealing with it. Having a support network can help you manage difficult times.
Visit a mental health professional if emotional problems arise. Research has shown that a type of therapy called cognitive behavioural therapy, which teaches skills for better controlling the pain, can be helpful.
Persistent fatigue is one of the most troubling symptoms of fibromyalgia. The following strategies may help you sleep better and feel more rested.
Source:
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). Fibromyalgia.
https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/fibromyalgia
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This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment recommendations specific to your condition.
