Fibromyalgia Symptoms & Complications
Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, as well as tiredness, sleep, cognitive, and mood problems. Fibromyalgia, according to researchers, increases painful feelings by altering how your brain and spinal cord receive painful and nonpainful impulses.
Traumatic events such as severe illness, surgery, physical trauma or considerable psychological stress may lead to fibromyalgia. In other conditions symptoms may develop gradually over time with no specific trigger event.
Fibromyalgia tends to appear more frequently in women compared to men. Fibromyalgia is associated with depression and anxiety tension headaches, , irritable bowel syndrome, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues.
Although there is no cure for fibromyalgia, a number of medications can help manage symptoms. Stress-reduction techniques, relaxation, and exercise may also be beneficial.
Symptoms
Fibromyalgia’s key symptoms include:
There is widespread suffering. Fibromyalgia pain is frequently described as a persistent dull aching that has lasted at least three months. Widespread suffering means one may feel pain and discomfort on both sides of the body – and also, above and below the waist.
Fatigue. People with fibromyalgia frequently wake up fatigued, despite resting for significant amounts of time. Pain frequently disrupts sleep, and many fibromyalgia patients have other sleep problems, such as restless legs syndrome and sleep apnea.
Difficulties with cognition. A condition known as “fibro fog” hinders one’s ability to focus, pay attention, and concentrate on mental activities.
Fibromyalgia is frequently associated with the following conditions:
- IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).
- The syndrome of chronic tiredness
- Different types of headaches and migraines
- Painful bladder syndrome or Interstitial cystitis.
- Disorders of the temporomandibular joint
- Anxiety Depression
- Syndrome of postural tachycardia
Causes of Fibromyalgia
Many researchers believe that fibromyalgia patients’ brains and spinal cords change as a result of repeated nerve stimulation. This alteration entails an abnormal rise in the amounts of specific pain-signaling molecules in the brain.
Moreover, the brain’s pain receptors appear to become sensitized, which means they can overreact to both painful and nonpainful signals.
Many factors are likely to have contributed to these changes, including:
Genetics
As fibromyalgia runs in families, there may be genetic mutations that make you more prone to developing the disorder.
Infections: viral or bacterial infections may cause or worsen fibromyalgia.
Physical or mental causes
A physical incident, such as a vehicle accident, can occasionally precipitate fibromyalgia. Prolonged psychological stress may also contribute to the onset of the illness.
Fibromyalgia Risk Factors
Fibromyalgia risk factors include:
Your sexuality: Women are diagnosed with fibromyalgia at a higher rate than males.
A family tree: If a parent or sibling has the illness, you are more likely to have it.
Other issues: You are more prone to develop fibromyalgia if you have osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus.
Complications The pain, fatigue, and sleep problems that are associated with fibromyalgia could hinder your performance both at home and work. Dealing with an illness that is often not well-understood may cause feelings of hopelessness and anxiety related to your health.