Fibromyalgia is a condition which is defined by fatigue, widespread musculoskeletal pain, insomnia, mood imbalance, and difficultly remembering things. Further, a large percentage of individuals with fibromyalgia have depression, anxiety, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorders), and tension headaches. Research shows that this malady amplifies the way that sufferers feel pain, as it impacts the means through which their brain and spinal cord processes signals related to pain [1].
Individuals could be more inclined to develop this condition if one of their parents or sibling has it; or if they suffer from lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or osteoarthritis [1]. If you think that you may have this condition, a thorough examination by an experienced Pain Specialist with long-standing experience in the field, such as those at the London Pain Clinic, is essential. They will go through your medical history on your first appointment, and conduct any necessary tests. You will then be told about the different treatment options, and a personalised treatment plan to suit your schedule will be arranged.
Symptoms to Look Out For
Certain events can bring on this condition, and women are more likely to be affected than men. These events include: infection, surgery, physical trauma, or considerable psychological stress. In addition, fibromyalgia can come about without a particular triggering event, and as a result of gradually accumulating symptoms over an extended period of time [1].
The Main Fibromyalgia Symptoms
•Feeling pain and a continual dull ache on both sides of the body, below and above waist level, for a minimum of three months.
•Fatigue. Often waking up feeling tired and drained, even after having slept for many hours. Sleep is frequently disrupted by pain, and sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and other sleep disorders, are prevalent.
•Cognitive issues. “Fibro fog” is a terminology which describes sufferers’ impaired ability to focus, pay attention and concentrate on mental tasks.
Does Fibromyalgia Co-exist With Other Conditions?
The answer to this is “it can do.” Research shows that these conditions are:
•IBS
•Chronic fatigue syndrome
•Various types of headache, including migraine
•Painful bladder syndrome (interstitial cystitis)
•Anxiety
•Depression
•Postural tachycardia syndrome
•TJD [1].
Putting the Spotlight on the Causes of Fibromyalgia
Medical studies have led scientists to come to the conclusion that continual stimulation to the nerves of individuals with fibromyalgia changes their brain and spinal cord. This modification relates to an irregular rise in the degree of special brain chemicals which work to communicate pain. Moreover, the pain receptors in the brain have been shown to become sensitised, and generate a form of pain memory, thus rendering them over reactionary towards to both non painful and painful signals [1]. There are multiple factors that generate these transformations. These comprise:
•Hereditary. Specific genetic mutations could be responsible for making suffers more susceptible to developing fibromyalgia
•Infection. Certain types of illness seem to aggravate or bring about fibromyalgia
•Emotional or physical events. This can include chronic mental stress or a road traffic accident [1].
Reference
[1]. Mayo Clinic (2020). “Fibromyalgia.”
