I’ve fielded numerous inquiries concerning fibromyalgia from people who experience this puzzling and perplexing condition throughout the years. A condition known as fibromyalgia causes persistent, all-over musculoskeletal pain in the body. Those who experience the discomfort characterize it as a persistent dull aching that has lasted for a long time.
Life is awful when you have chronic pain, and one of the most common complaints is that it keeps you up at night, waking you up exhausted. Even worse, being too tired to focus on cerebral work and feeling “foggy” are common symptoms of this kind of exhaustion. Many people with fibromyalgia also have other sleep abnormalities such as restless legs syndrome and sleep apnea. All things considered, poor sleep, no matter what causes it, hangs over the patient and can lead to severe mood disorders.
Sadly, there are no visible wounds or injuries to treat, nor is there a virus or bacteria to fight. Furthermore, there is a wide range of circumstances in which fibromyalgia may manifest. It may do so following a period of extreme psychological stress, a catastrophic infectious disease episode, or a physical trauma such as a car accident or surgery. In contrast, there might not appear to be a triggering event and the beginning could be slow. Rather, a gradual buildup of symptoms occurs. Fibromyalgia is challenging to diagnose because of the wide range of potential causes and manifestations. In actuality, the approach to a diagnosis sometimes involves a lengthy battery of testing to rule out other possible issues, such as vitamin D deficiency, thyroid gland dysfunction, rheumatoid (arthritic) causes, etc.
Is fibromyalgia more common in men or women?
Women experience fibromyalgia at a higher rate than men. Why? We’re not sure. Certain hints indicate that people with tension headaches, anxiety, and depression may be more susceptible, regardless of gender. However, additional data suggests the possibility of long-term medical illnesses such as irritable bowel syndrome or problems related to the temporomandibular joint in the jaw.
There is no recognized treatment for the underlying condition, however painkillers and antidepressants can be used to control symptoms. Regular exercise is at the top of the list of self-help strategies that support stress reduction and relaxation. An efficient exercise regimen can be created with the assistance of a physical therapist; many have discovered that water exercise is especially beneficial. An occupational therapist can help you become more productive at work and with daily duties, which can lessen the overall amount of stress on your body. Support groups and counseling can be beneficial in a variety of ways.