Fibromyalgia, also called fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), is a sort of "mysterious" medical condition that doctors are still trying to figure out. Medical specialists believe the condition stems from abnormalities in the nervous system that changes the way the brain perceives pain. They also believe issues with neurotransmitters cause the brain to amplify pain, thus lowering the patient's ability to tolerate even the slightest pain.
Fibromyalgia patients usually experience widespread pain at various tender points of the body, accompanied by symptoms similar to other health conditions. Temporomandibular disorder (TMD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and restless leg syndrome (RLS) are among the conditions that are sometimes confused with fibromyalgia. This makes it difficult to diagnose and treat. It also results in complications that may interfere with your everyday life.
Fibromyalgia Symptoms
An array of symptoms are associated with this chronic pain condition. The symptoms may come and go with no pattern of predictability and can disrupt your life.
Common symptoms are:
- Pain and tenderness in the muscles and joints (especially in the morning)
- Unrefreshed sleep
- Face or jaw pain
- Chronic fatigues
- Trouble urinating
- Problem sleeping
- Headaches
- Difficulty remembering things ("fibro fog")
- Numbness, tingling, or burning sensation in the arm, hand, feet, or leg
Diagnosing Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is dubbed a pain syndrome since it causes chronic pain that is almost untreatable due to difficulties diagnosing the problem. In addition to a physical examination, blood tests, imaging tests, and biopsies, a trigger point test is typically done to make a more accurate diagnosis.
Your doctor will perform the trigger test by applying gentle pressure to the 18 tender spots in the body. You may be diagnosed with fibromyalgia if you feel pain in at least 11 of the 18 tender points. Your doctor may treat you with medication or recommend certain lifestyle changes or non-traditional medicine such as acupuncture. But these remedies seem to provide only temporary relief.
Complications Affecting Fibromyalgia Patients
The following are some fibromyalgia complications that may affect your overall quality of life, and require daily management to reduce their effects:
Long-term pain
The primary symptoms of fibromyalgia are chronic or long-term pain, joint stiffness, and muscle tenderness. These symptoms are more noticeable in the morning and may cause you to have trouble getting out of bed.
The pain is also widespread, covering various trigger points or tender points throughout the body. These areas include the knees, upper and lower back, front and back of the neck, elbows, hips, chest, shoulders, and upper buttocks. Pretty much whole-body pain which could be a sharp stabbing, dull aching, or throbbing pain.
Frequent hospitalizations
Studies show that you are twice as likely to spend more time being hospitalized than someone without the condition. This also means more time away from work and family and greater medical expenses.
Furthermore, adults with fibromyalgia are 3 times more likely to trouble with major depression and should be screened and treated early. Your doctor can give you a referral if you experience depression symptoms.
Limited mobility or disability
The long-term effects of fibromyalgia can be limited mobility or, in some cases, disability. Being unable to do normal activities with children or loved ones or even take care of yourself may cause stress or anxiety or make you withdraw from social life. Additionally, you may be unable to work and may get disability benefits, even though you may rather live a more active, healthier, and fulfilling life.
Other health conditions
Fibromyalgia often co-occurs with medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, insomnia, endometriosis, lupus, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), restless leg syndrome (RLS), and temporomandibular disorder (TMD). It is unclear whether these conditions cause fibromyalgia or fibromyalgia causes them. Diagnosing and treating these conditions may help improve some fibromyalgia symptoms.
Anxiety or depression
Adults with fibromyalgia are 3 times more likely to have major depression than adults without fibromyalgia. Screening and treatment for depression are extremely important.
Anxiety and depression can stem from having to live with pain, reduced mobility, trouble sleeping, job loss, financial difficulties, or increased medical expenses. You may feel depressed due to feeling isolated or when family or loved ones think your illness is unreal because it cannot be properly diagnosed.
Treatment for Fibromyalgia
The FDA has approved the anti-depressants milnacipran and duloxetine for treating the nervous system. Pregabalin, an anti-seizure drug, is also commonly used and is said to be the most effective treatment at the moment. Some doctors may prescribe gabapentin (Neurontin) "off-label" to some patients. Gabapentin is typically used to treat epilepsy and pain caused by nerve damage or neuropathy.
Other medical treatments
Pain may be treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen. Your doctor may prescribe an opioid painkiller such as fentanyl or codeine, or steroid injections, to treat severe pain. Others turn to mental health therapy or physical therapy to help them cope.
Acupuncture
Some patients turn to acupuncture, an ancient Chinese medicine. During this natural treatment, ultra-fine needles are placed into the skin at various acupoints. This helps stimulate the nerves and improves the pain.
Lifestyle changes
Stress, poor diet, and inactivity may cause fibromyalgia flare-ups. Eating a balanced diet, exercising, and getting adequate sleep helps can improve the immune system, reduce stress, and improve symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Effects of Fibromyalgia Complications
Having to deal with chronic pain, difficulty moving, the development of other health conditions, anxiety or depression, and frequent trips to the hospital will eventually take a toll on your quality of life.
If you are unable to work, you may experience financial problems or a reduced standard of living even if you are receiving disability benefits. These associated problems are often linked to the high rate of major depression among fibromyalgia patients.
