Fibromyalgia is a painful condition that affects about 2% of people (or 4 million) in the United States. The condition is more common among certain groups of people, and its effects are chronic, meaning it can last a long time. Treatment for fibromyalgia is expanding all the time. Though it currently has no cure, there are many ways to manage it.
What Is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain, tenderness, and discomfort all through a person’s body. People who have it are more sensitive and susceptible to pain, and because of these symptoms, it can be difficult for people with fibromyalgia to sleep soundly and comfortably.
Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
- Fatigue from not sleeping properly
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Headaches
- Chronic migraines
- Concentration problems
- Memory problems
- Body stiffness
Some individuals may also experience tingling in the extremities, symptoms associated with the facial and jaw muscles, and stomach or abdominal cramping also associated with digestion issues. These symptoms are not always present but can commonly go hand in hand with fibromyalgia.
Researchers do not know what causes fibromyalgia, but certain painful experiences — such as a car accident or repetitive motion injury — often precede a fibromyalgia diagnosis. Pain and tenderness are the hallmark symptoms of the condition. The symptoms can be difficult to pinpoint, so getting a diagnosis for fibromyalgia can sometimes be difficult.
Risk Factors for Fibromyalgia
Anyone can experience fibromyalgia, but certain factors put you at a higher risk for developing the condition. These include:
- Being over the age of 50
- Already being diagnosed with a condition associated with fibromyalgia, such as repetitive injury, arthritis, or lupus
- Experiencing a physically or (in some cases) emotionally traumatic event
- Developing post-traumatic stress disorder
- Having a family history of fibromyalgia
- Being female, as women have an increased likelihood by double of developing fibromyalgia
Diagnosing Fibromyalgia
Diagnosing fibromyalgia can be complicated. Many of the symptoms may not be easy for your healthcare provider to quantify. But certain tests — such as X-rays and blood work — can help your provider determine if you have fibromyalgia. In addition, they will likely ask you questions about your symptoms and may use your family history to narrow down a diagnosis.
Complications of Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia can last for many years, often throughout your life. As such, it may decrease your quality of life by impacting your comfort level and emotions. Suicide, depression, and anxiety all occur at higher rates in people with fibromyalgia.
In addition, hospital visits for pain management, development of arthritis and other rheumatic diseases, and possible increased discomfort during pregnancy are all common.
Triggers for Fibromyalgia Symptoms
It’s common for symptoms to ebb and flow at different times. Some people experience more severe symptoms based on certain triggers. These often include:
- Weather changes, especially when the barometric pressure drops suddenly
- Hormonal changes based on pregnancy and menstrual cycle
- Increased stress in situations such as changing a job, moving, getting divorced, or grieving the death of a loved one
- Changes to a routine
- Having trouble sleeping, changing sleep times, or not sleeping enough
- Illness
- Not eating enough or not eating the right foods
Treating Fibromyalgia
As mentioned, fibromyalgia currently has no cure. But, many people manage it through long-term treatment plans that incorporate both medical and at-home remedies. These may include taking medications that treat pain, taking antidepressants, participating in cognitive-behavioral therapy, getting enough sleep and exercise, and eating well.
You may also want to explore alternative medicines that can be particularly helpful for fibromyalgia. For example, massage therapy, acupuncture, and even yoga may effectively help you manage symptoms of pain, stiffness, and fatigue. It’s also important to be aware of your limits and to avoid pushing yourself too hard, especially during a flare-up.
Living With Fibromyalgia
Many people live happy, full lives with fibromyalgia. It may take a bit of trial and error to figure out the best coping strategies for your particular situation, but whatever your needs may be, seek plenty of support from your care team and your loved ones.
Resource Links
- “Fibromyalgia.” NIH, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, 2021, June, https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/fibromyalgia.
- “Fibromyalgia.” CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020, January 6, https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/fibromyalgia.htm.
- “Fibromyalgia.” OASH, Office on Women’s Health, 2021, February 22, https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/fibromyalgia.
- “Fibromyalgia.” MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine, 2021, June 16, https://medlineplus.gov/fibromyalgia.html.
- Mayo Clinic Staff, “Fibromyalgia.” Mayo Clinic, Diseases and Conditions, 2021, October 26, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibromyalgia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354780.
- Adawi, Mohammad, et al. “Suicidal Behavior in Fibromyalgia Patients: Rates and Determinants of Suicide Ideation, Risk, Suicide, and Suicidal Attempts—A Systematic Review of the Literature and Meta-Analysis of Over 390,000 Fibromyalgia Patients.” PubMed, Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2021, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8640182/.
- Verma, Anita Verma; Shete, Sanjay U.; Doddoli, Gururaj. “Yoga therapy for fibromyalgia syndrome: A case report.” PubMed. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care. 2020, January 9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7014847/.