Overview of Fibromyalgia
A Muscle and Joint Disease That is Gaining Attention
Fibromyalgia got little recognition as a serious condition for years. It is finally getting the attention it deserves. Learn about this painful and complicated disease.
Many people suffer from the pain of fibromyalgia. This medical condition causes a wide variety of pain and discomfort, and while there is no known cure, there are ways to ease the symptoms. One of the biggest symptoms of fibromyalgia is joint and muscle pain. In fact, when you have this problem, you will experience pain in your ligaments, tendons, and other soft tissues of the body. Here is a closer look at fibromyalgia and how it affects the body.
Who Gets Fibromyalgia
When you suffer from this medical condition, it is not uncommon to experience aches and pains over the whole body. If you go to the doctor complaining of muscle aches, fatigue, and headaches, he may automatically suspect fibromyalgia. Interestingly enough, while most people with this condition are women of childbearing age, men can also suffer from it. In fact, it is estimated that about three percent of the population suffers from fibromyalgia in the U.S.
Common Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
If a patient describes the symptoms of this medical condition, it is likely that he will say it feels as if he has the flu. While the symptoms can vary from person to person, almost all patients will have pain and feel tired or as if they have no energy. This is quite common. Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia are quite similar, and often go hand-in-hand.
When you are suffering from this medical condition, you will experience the following: pain, tiredness, problems sleeping, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, and other symptoms. Your doctor will run a series of tests on you to see what you have and once fibromyalgia is diagnosed, you health care provider will work with you to find a way to ease your symptoms.
Finding a Treatment Plan
Not every patient will use the same type of medication. Most common treatments include pain relievers, depression medications, sleeping aides, and a change in diet and exercise. It is also recommended that anyone suffering from this problem refrain from smoking and other activities that can be detrimental to your health. This can make your symptoms worse.
Fibromyalgia Affects Sleep Cycles
You may be surprised to learn that those with fibromyalgia suffer from sleeping disorders, but this are a common concern. Most patients with this medical condition do have problems with sleeping at one time or another. They may find that while they fall asleep normally, they may not get in the deepest stage of sleep, causing fatigue the next day. This could prompt them to nap during the day, making sleeping at night difficult and it then becomes a cycle.
In addition, it is important to note that you may have a hard time getting your medical condition diagnosed. Work with your doctor until you have found a solution to your pain and discomfort. It will only be then that you can find relief.
Note: This article is not intended to make a fibromyalgia diagnosis. Only your doctor can make that decision. Talk with your doctor, if you have any symptoms mentioned above for more accurate information.
