Understanding Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a complex word with an even more complex diagnosis. The proper pronunciation is fy-bro-my-AL-ja. Many people, including those in the medical community, are unfamiliar with fibromyalgia and how it affects the body. It is a chronic widespread medical disorder that causes pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and joint stiffness. This debilitating complex chronic pain disorder is suspected to affect an estimated 10 million Americans, including children, men, women, and people of all ethnic backgrounds. Unfortunately, those who suffer from fibromyalgia with severe symptoms can experience extreme debilitation that interferes with simple daily activities.
Medical Recognition and Diagnosis
Fibromyalgia is recognized by the American College of Rheumatology and the U.S. National Institutes of Health. An accurate diagnosis includes widespread consistent pain for a minimum of three months. Pain would be experienced in 11 to 18 tender points when pressure is applied. Additionally, doctors conduct other exams to rule out possible conditions that may mimic fibromyalgia symptoms.
Common Symptoms
Patients may experience a wide range of symptoms, including:
Pain: May occur in muscles, abdomen, back, or neck. Pain can be chronic, diffuse, sharp, or severe and can occur at any time of day or night.
Gastrointestinal Issues: Constipation, nausea, or excessive gas.
Whole Body Symptoms: Fatigue, feeling tired, or malaise.
Muscular Symptoms: Muscle tenderness, delayed onset muscle soreness, or muscle spasms.
Sensory Symptoms: Pins and needles sensations, sensitivity to cold, or heightened sensitivity to pain.
Mood Changes: Anxiety, mood swings, or nervousness.
Cognitive Difficulties: Forgetfulness or lack of concentration, commonly referred to as "fibro fog."
Other Symptoms: Depression, difficulty falling asleep, headaches, irritability, joint stiffness, painful menstruation, tingling in hands and feet, and acute episodes.
Causes of Fibromyalgia
Physical and Emotional Trauma: Can aggravate or trigger fibromyalgia, such as a car accident, traumatic experience, injury, or stress.
Genetics: Researchers believe fibromyalgia may be hereditary. While research continues to explore the genetic component, fibromyalgia is known to occur in immediate family members.
Infections: Some illnesses, such as the flu, pneumonia, bladder and kidney infections, and Epstein-Barr virus, can aggravate fibromyalgia, prolong the healing process, and increase pain levels.
All of these factors can trigger and awaken fibromyalgia. According to the American College of Rheumatology, researchers believe that repeated nerve stimulation causes changes in the brains of people with fibromyalgia. This change involves an abnormal increase in levels of certain chemicals in the brain that signal pain (neurotransmitters). Additionally, the brain's pain receptors appear to develop a memory of the pain and become more sensitive, meaning they can overreact to pain signals. This is believed to be why fibromyalgia patients experience chronic pain.
Treatment Options
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three drugs for fibromyalgia: Lyrica (pregabalin) approved June 21, 2007; Cymbalta (duloxetine HCl) approved June 2008; and Savella (milnacipran HCl) approved January 2009. There are numerous other medications doctors use to help fibromyalgia patients. Please note that fibromyalgia affects everyone differently, and no two cases are alike. Therefore, your treatment plan will differ from others'.
Alternative therapies may help ease fibromyalgia pain, including light massage, acupuncture, chiropractic care, herbal supplements, natural oils, warm water exercises, and yoga. These therapies can be effective tools in managing fibromyalgia symptoms and maintaining quality of life. Other helpful approaches include increasing rest, pacing activities, reducing stress, practicing relaxation techniques, and improving nutrition.
All of these therapies can help ease pain, memory loss, promote restorative sleep, reduce muscle twitching, and address other related symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Cognitive Dysfunction
The term "fibro fog" is universally known among people with fibromyalgia. This phrase reflects the difficulty in completing once-familiar tasks such as remembering names and dates, keeping appointments, balancing a checkbook, or processing thoughts. Called cognitive dysfunction or cognitive impairment, this inability to recall information can be extremely frustrating. Symptoms may come and go or be continuous, making school or work difficult or even impossible in extreme cases. Those with both fibromyalgia and other autoimmune conditions are even more likely to experience cognitive problems.
Living with Fibromyalgia
It is possible to have a healthy and productive life with fibromyalgia. It will require lifestyle changes to make things easier on yourself and, most importantly, a positive and resilient attitude. You will have bad days and good days. When good days come, pace yourself. Do not try to cram everything you can possibly think of into one day, as this defeats the purpose of a good day. You still need to take it easy and avoid overdoing it, which can lead to numerous bad days. When bad days arise, it is imperative that you rest and be gentle with your body. Accept that your body has changed and adjust your mindset accordingly. Teach yourself to be gentle with yourself. If you do not, you will end up in prolonged pain and agony. We cannot express enough the importance of taking care of yourself. Medication and exercise alone cannot fix everything. As a fibromyalgia fighter, you must take charge of your life and fight with courage and resilience.
At the National Autoimmune Resilience Association (NARA), we support individuals living with fibromyalgia and all autoimmune diseases through education, resources, and community support. You are not alone in your journey.
