Fibromyalgia is a type of chronic condition that causes musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, tenderness, or sleep disturbance problems. This disorder is a bit hard to understand. The symptoms are very similar to other conditions. Due to this Fibromyalgia often gets misdiagnosed. Females are more likely to get this disorder than males. But this condition also occurs in children. Many people with Fibromyalgia also get tension headaches, irritable bowel, TMJ, anxiety, depression, etc. There is no permanent cure for this disorder however some medications can help to reduce the symptoms.
Causes of Fibromyalgia disorder
Some researchers believe that Fibromyalgia occurs due to repeated nerve stimulation that imbalances the brain’s chemicals abnormally. In the brain, the pain receptors may develop a memory of pain that becomes sensitized. Due to this, it starts overreacting to painful and non painful signals. Some other factors that can cause Fibromyalgia are:
Genetics: This disorder runs in families and there can be genetic mutations that make the kids more susceptible to the condition.
Physical or emotional events: Sometimes Fibromyalgia can also get triggered due to any kind of physical incident like a car accident. Some types of psychological stress can trigger this disorder.
Illness: Certain diseases can trigger Fibromyalgia.
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
Widespread pain
A person can feel dull and constant pain that can last for certain months. It is considered as widespread when the pain is occurring on both sides of the body from top to bottom.
Cognitive difficulties
This symptom known as fibro fog impairs the ability to focus.
Fatigue
When a person has Fibromyalgia, he often wakes tired and feels sleepy for the whole day. A person’s sleep is often disrupted due to pain. Many people face sleeping disorders like sleep apnea etc.
Some other symptoms of Fibromyalgia are:
- Nonrestorative sleep
- Headache
- Dry eyes
- Rash
- Interstitial cystitis
- Anxiety
- Depression
All these symptoms can affect your mental and physical health.
Fibro fog
This term is used to describe the cognitive difficulties that occur due to Fibromyalgia. A person can face issues like:
- Difficulty in concentration
- Memory lapse
- Unable to stay alert
Treatment options for Fibromyalgia
If you are searching for a full cure; there is none. But lots of treatment options are available that can help in reducing the pain and managing the symptoms.
Medication
Doctors often prescribe medications that can help in easing the pain and reduce sleeping problems.
Pain relievers
Fibromyalgia can cause constant pain that often interferes with the daily routine. To reduce the pain and manage daily life; people often use pain relief medicines. For mild pain, you can go for OTC medicines like
- Aspirin
- Acetaminophen
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
Taking these medicines will reduce the pain and discomfort. The person can have a better sleep. These OTC medicines can also help in reducing inflammation as some of the patients also get inflammation issues in Fibromyalgia. But these NSAIDs have lots of side effects also. Sometimes doctors also prescribe opioids to reduce pain.
Homeopathic medicines
Today lots of people are choosing natural medicines over allopathic. Homeopathic Fibromyalgia relief can help in reducing the pain and provide proper sleep. Common homeopathic remedies for Fibromyalgia are Ruta grav, Rhus tox, arnica, rhododendron, causticum, etc. These medicines will manage the symptoms of this disorder without causing any harmful side effects.
Antiseizure drugs
Pregabalin is a type of anti-seizure drug that blocks nerves sending out the pain signals. Another anti-seizure drug for Fibromyalgia is Gabapentin. This drug is used to treat epilepsy but can also be used for treating this condition.
Antidepressants
Some antidepressants like duloxetine and milnacipran can be used to ease pain and fatigue. With these medicines, you can manage your daily life with Fibromyalgia.
Natural remedies and therapies for Fibromyalgia
Depending on medicines won’t help for a long time. You need to search for remedies that can help in improving your lifestyle with Fibromyalgia. Some natural remedies and therapies can help in pain management.
Occupational and physical therapy
These therapies help in preventing the worsening of your condition due to an illness or surgery. These are designed to manage the daily work of the person. Your therapist will teach you some exercises, stretches, ways of movements, sitting, etc.
Yoga
Certain yoga poses can help you to reduce the pain. These poses not only ease the pain but also help in managing other symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Your physical strength will boost and you can perform daily activities easily.
Meditation
Meditation is very good and essential to managing this disorder. When a person is facing some physical illness, his mind is also affected. Meditation can help to reduce symptoms like stress and depression. You will feel less fatigue and also get better sleep. Try to meditate daily in the morning to manage the lifestyle while dealing with Fibromyalgia disorder.