Our body shows signs when something is wrong with it. It aches, swells, or becomes tender. One such health disorder that shows all such varied signs is fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a chronic and long-term health condition mainly characterized by body ache, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and loss of concentration. Besides, fibromyalgia symptoms are seen more in females rather than in males. Since there is no particular test to diagnose fibro, it becomes all the more difficult to identify and detect whether all that you are experiencing are signs of fibromyalgia or something else.
Let us help you understand all about the different fibromyalgia symptoms and also throw light on some effective treatment options for fibromyalgia.
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is one common health issue affecting the muscles and bones of a person. Joint pain and fatigue are two of the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia. It is also considered to be one of the main causes of chronic and generalized musculoskeletal pain. Broadly speaking, this is a condition that leads to pain in the soft tissues as well as the main muscles of your body.
Signs of Fibromyalgia
The worst thing about fibromyalgia is that it is not that easy to detect this health disorder because most of the signs experienced are similar to the ones experienced in issues like tendonitis, arthritis, bursitis, and lupus. The main symptom of fibro is body ache and stiffness.
Some of the common fibromyalgia symptoms are:
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Body Ache
- Muscle Pain
- Dry Mouth, Eyes, and Nose
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Heat and Cold Sensitivity
- Frequent Urination
- Numbness of Arms, Legs, Face, or Hands
- Fibro Fog or Trouble in Concentration
- Insomnia
- Tiredness Even After Sleeping
- Cognitive or Psychiatric Symptoms
Fibromyalgia in Females
It may sound shocking but more than men, women are more prone to fibromyalgia. Women tend to suffer from fibromyalgia more than men. This is a health condition more prevalent in women during menopause. Some common fibromyalgia symptoms in females are:
- Stress
- Mood Swings
- Irritability
- Painful Menstrual Cycles
- Poor Concentration or Forgetfulness
- IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Frequent Urination
- Increased Sensitivity
Tender Points of Fibromyalgia
We believe that just understanding the fibromyalgia symptoms won’t help unless you are aware of the tender points of your body that can be affected by this disorder. According to healthcare professionals, fibromyalgia generally affects the following tender points in a person’s body:
- Knees
- Hips
- Legs
- Shoulders
- Back of Head
- Upper Chest
- Elbows
Risk Factors for Fibromyalgia
Some research about fibromyalgia has also enabled doctors to acquaint you with some risk factors associated with this health condition. Following are the conditions that are most likely to make one effect with fibromyalgia:
- Females
- Family History
- Middle or Old Age
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Weak Immune System
Fibromyalgia Causes
Identifying the cause of any health issue is very important if one wants to get the right treatment. In the case of fibromyalgia, there is no one particular cause, it may occur due to several reasons. Some such causes of fibromyalgia are:
- Lack of Exercise
- Family History of Fibromyalgia
- You are a Patient of Arthritis
- You are a Patient of Anxiety, Mood Disorder, or Depression
- Females are More Prone to Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia Diagnosis
As such, there is no medical test that can help detect fibromyalgia symptoms. It can primarily be detected by examining the signs experienced by a person. Besides, the doctor may take into account the past medical history and heredity issues to check whether you are suffering from fibro or not. The only thing to note is that much of the symptoms of this health disorder are the same in other health disorders too like arthritis, underactive thyroid, and lupus. In this scenario, your doctor may ask you to get some blood tests done mainly to check your hormone levels.
Treatment for Fibromyalgia
Having detected the early signs of fibromyalgia, your doctor may prescribe you the right treatment such as:
1. Pain Reliever Muscle Relaxer Medications
Your doctor may prescribe you antidepressants and pain relievers like Milnacipran, Pregabalin, and Duloxetine. General over-the-counter pain killers may be prescribed too to offer relief from fibromyalgia symptoms.
2. Moderate Exercise
Apart from the medication, one may try moderate exercises to beat fibromyalgia. You need not indulge in high-intensity activities. All you need to do is start with low-intensity workouts to build on your muscle strength, stamina, and overall endurance level.
3. Alternative Therapies
Another mode of treatment for fibromyalgia is in the form of alternative therapies like acupuncture, chiropractic manipulation, and massage. These alternative therapies will release tension from your aching muscles and body.
Natural Remedies to Beat Fibromyalgia
Besides the above-mentioned treatments for fibromyalgia, there are some natural remedies to try if you wish to beat this health disorder. Some natural remedies for fibromyalgia are:
- A Balanced Nutrition-Rich Diet
- Yoga
- Massage Therapy
- Tai Chi
- Meditation
- Stress Reduction Techniques
- CBT or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
The Bottom Line
Fibromyalgia is a health condition that can be improved significantly by changing your lifestyle. Try exercising and changing your diet. Drink as much water as you can and avoid sugar intake, at the same time, try to ensure a better sleep quality. Above all, try to not stress yourself over different things, if you wish to beat fibromyalgia and overcome its symptoms. If unable to experience relief despite all these efforts, do consult your doctor, as it may be a sign of some other underlying health disorder and not just fibromyalgia.
