Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, causing widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive dysfunction. While fibromyalgia is often linked to issues such as low blood pressure, dizziness, and autonomic dysfunction, some patients report experiencing high blood pressure (hypertension). Although high blood pressure is not a direct symptom of fibromyalgia, research suggests that the nervous system, stress levels,…
Recurrent Infections in Fibromyalgia: Understanding the Link
Fibromyalgia is widely known for causing chronic pain, fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction. However, many individuals with fibromyalgia also report experiencing frequent infections, such as sinus infections, respiratory illnesses, urinary tract infections, and skin infections. While fibromyalgia itself is not classified as an autoimmune disease, it appears to have a profound impact on the immune system, potentially increasing susceptibility to recurrent…
Overdoing Exercise: A Root Cause of Fibromyalgia Flare-Ups
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that affects millions of people worldwide, causing widespread pain, fatigue, and sensitivity to stimuli. While exercise is often recommended as a management strategy, overdoing exercise can actually become a root cause of fibromyalgia flare-ups, worsening symptoms rather than alleviating them. Many fibromyalgia patients struggle to find the right balance between staying active and pushing too hard, leading to increased pain, fatigue, and long recovery times….
Irregular Heartbeat in Fibromyalgia: Understanding the Connection
Fibromyalgia is a complex chronic condition that causes widespread pain, fatigue, and nervous system dysfunction. However, many people with fibromyalgia also experience irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)—a sensation that the heart is skipping beats, beating too fast, or fluttering unpredictably. While these heart rhythm disturbances can be concerning, they are not always linked to heart disease. Instead, they may…
Postnasal Drip in Fibromyalgia: The Overlooked Connection
Fibromyalgia is a complex and multisystem disorder known for causing widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction. However, many people with fibromyalgia also experience chronic postnasal drip—a condition in which mucus from the nasal passages drips down the back of the throat, causing irritation, coughing, and congestion. While postnasal drip is often linked to allergies, sinus infections, or environmental triggers, fibromyalgia patients may experience persistent nasal and…
Why Saying “I’m Not ‘Lucky’ to Be on Disability Benefits Due to Fibromyalgia” Matters More Than You Think
I’m Not ‘Lucky’ to Be on Disability Benefits Due to Fibromyalgia When someone hears about a person receiving disability benefits, especially for an invisible illness like fibromyalgia, the word “lucky” may slip out—sometimes with the best intentions. But let’s be clear: there is nothing “lucky” about battling a lifelong, incurable condition that affects every aspect of daily living. Disability…
Stroke-like Symptoms in Fibromyalgia: Causes, Diagnosis, and Management
Introduction Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition known for widespread pain, fatigue, brain fog, and neurological symptoms. However, some individuals with fibromyalgia report experiencing stroke-like symptoms, such as sudden weakness, numbness, speech difficulties, dizziness, and confusion. While fibromyalgia itself does not cause strokes, its symptoms can sometimes mimic transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or strokes, leading to fear and confusion. Understanding the underlying…
Slow Healing in Fibromyalgia: Why Wounds and Injuries Take Longer to Recover
Fibromyalgia is a complex condition primarily associated with chronic pain, fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction. However, many individuals with fibromyalgia also report that their cuts, bruises, and injuries take significantly longer to heal compared to others. This slow healing process can be frustrating and may contribute to prolonged discomfort, higher risk of infections, and delayed recovery from injuries or surgeries. In this…
What Is Enthesitis? The Painful Arthritis Symptom You Should Know About
If you have ankylosing spondylitis or psoriatic arthritis, you may be familiar with the pain of enthesitis, an inflammation where tendons and ligaments attach to the bone — even if you aren’t aware it has a name. “I didn’t know what it was called!” Monica D. told us on Facebook. “I have pain all the time….
Muscle Knots, Cramping, and Weakness in Fibromyalgia: Causes, Symptoms, and Management
Introduction Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that affects the muscles, soft tissues, and nervous system, causing widespread pain and fatigue. Among the many symptoms, muscle knots, cramping, and weakness are particularly troublesome, making everyday activities difficult for individuals with fibromyalgia. Muscle knots refer to tight, sensitive spots in the muscles, while cramping involves sudden, painful contractions. Weakness, on the other hand, leaves…