Fibromyalgia is a condition marked by widespread musculoskeletal pain, often accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbances, memory issues, and mood imbalances. Researchers posit that fibromyalgia intensifies the perception of pain by influencing the processing of both painful and non-painful signals in the brain and spinal cord.
Symptoms typically emerge following an event, such as physical trauma, surgery, infection, or significant psychological stress. Alternatively, in some instances, symptoms progressively build up over time without a specific triggering event.
Women are at a higher risk of developing fibromyalgia compared to men. Individuals with fibromyalgia often experience coexisting conditions such as tension headaches, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, as well as anxiety and depression.
While there is currently no cure for fibromyalgia, a range of medications are available to effectively manage its symptoms. In addition to medication, incorporating exercise, relaxation techniques, and stress-reduction measures into one’s routine can also be beneficial.
Written by Stephanie Aramburo: A Fibromyalgia Advocate
Fibromyalgia can affect anyone, but it is more commonly diagnosed in women than in men. While it can impact individuals of any age, including children, it typically begins in middle age and becomes more prevalent with increasing age. This condition is observed in people from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.
If you have other medical conditions, particularly rheumatic diseases, mood disorders, or ailments causing pain, you may have an increased likelihood of developing fibromyalgia. These conditions encompass:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (commonly called lupus)
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Osteoarthritis
- Depression or anxiety
- Chronic back pain
- Irritable bowel syndrome
Symptoms
The main symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
- Widespread pain: The pain linked with fibromyalgia is frequently characterized as a persistent, dull ache lasting for a minimum of three months. For it to be classified as widespread, the pain must be present on both sides of the body and both above and below the waist.
- Fatigue: Individuals with fibromyalgia frequently experience fatigue. Despite sleeping for extended periods, they often wake up feeling tired. Pain frequently interrupts their sleep, and many fibromyalgia patients also suffer from other sleep disorders, including restless legs syndrome and sleep apnea.
- Cognitive difficulties: Patients with fibromyalgia often experience cognitive difficulties, commonly known as “fibro fog,” which can hinder their ability to concentrate, focus, and pay attention to mental tasks.
Causes
Many experts in the field posit that recurrent nerve stimulation leads to alterations in the brain and spinal cord of individuals with fibromyalgia. This transformation entails an atypical elevation in the levels of specific chemicals in the brain that serve as pain signals.
Furthermore, it has been observed that the pain receptors in the brain tend to retain a form of memory related to pain and become more sensitive over time. This heightened sensitivity can lead to an exaggerated response to both painful and non-painful stimuli.
There are probably several factors contributing to these changes, including:
- Genetics: Fibromyalgia may have a genetic component since it often runs in families. Certain genetic mutations could potentially increase the likelihood of developing the disorder.
- Infections: Certain infections seem to be associated with the onset or exacerbation of fibromyalgia, as per available data.
- Physical or emotional events: Fibromyalgia may be initiated by either physical or emotional occurrences. For instance, a car accident can sometimes trigger the condition. Additionally, prolonged psychological stress can also be a triggering factor for this condition.
Complications
The pain, fatigue, and poor sleep quality experienced by individuals with fibromyalgia can significantly impact their daily functioning at home and work. Coping with this frequently misunderstood condition may also lead to feelings of depression and health-related anxiety.
