Fibromyalgia is a chronic neurological condition that causes symptoms such as widespread pain, increased sensitivity to pain, fatigue, muscle stiffness, headaches and difficulty sleeping.
Although the exact cause of fibromyalgia is not yet known, this condition is associated with or worsened by physical and/or emotional stress, such as physical and psychological trauma or serious infection, for example.
Fibromyalgia is incurable, but there are treatments that can relieve the symptoms and improve the person’s quality of life.
Main symptoms
Fibromyalgia is characterized by the following symptoms:
- constant, widespread pain throughout the body;
- Increased sensitivity in certain areas of the body;
- Fatigue excessive;
- Muscle stiffness;
- Recurrent headaches;
- Sleep modification;
- Memory and concentration problems.
In some cases, other less common symptoms, such as tingling or numbness in the hands and/or feet, jaw pain, and digestive problems, may also occur. Learn more about the main symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia pain points
Fibromyalgia is known to cause increased sensitivity to certain “pain points” in the body:
- Upper back;
- The front and back of the neck;
- Sides of the hips;
- Knees;
- Elbow.
These points were once widely used to diagnose fibromyalgia. The doctor would apply pressure to the points to determine if the person was in more pain than usual. Today, these points are no longer used as a means of diagnosis.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of fibromyalgia should be made by a general practitioner, neurologist or rheumatologist based on a physical examination and assessment of the presenting symptoms and the person’s medical history.
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may also order tests such as X-rays, MRIs and blood tests to rule out other conditions that may present similar symptoms, such as hypothyroidism or polymyalgia rheumatica.
Additionally, according to the American College of Rheumatology, the diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia are: generalized pain for at least three months; generalized pain index greater than or equal to 7, symptom severity scale score greater than or equal to 5 or generalized pain index between 3 and 6 and symptom severity scale score greater than or equal to 9; the person does not have any other problems that could explain the pain.
Main causes
The specific cause of fibromyalgia is not yet known. However, it is associated with neuronal alteration, which affects the way pain is perceived by the nervous system.
Furthermore, certain factors seem to increase the risk of developing fibromyalgia:
- Family history of fibromyalgia;
- Lupus or rheumatoid arthritis;
- Psychological trauma such as adverse childhood experiences, car accidents or post-traumatic stress disorder;
- Physical trauma such as repeated blows to a part of the body;
- Infections virales;
- Obesity.
Although fibromyalgia affects people of all ages, including children, most people develop the disease between the ages of 30 and 60.
Treatment options
Treatment of fibromyalgia aims to relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life of the person affected by the disease. It includes the use of medications, cognitive behavioral therapy, diet, exercise, acupuncture and physiotherapy.
1. Drug treatments
There are three main classes of medications that may be prescribed by a doctor:
- Antidepressantssuch as amitriptyline or fluoxetine, to help control negative mood symptoms that pain can cause;
- Muscle relaxerssuch as cyclobenzaprine, to reduce muscle rigidity, facilitate relaxation and relieve pain;
- Painkillerslike tramadol, to reduce pain.
When these treatments alone are not enough to relieve symptoms, the doctor may prescribe other stronger medications such as anticonvulsants like gabapentin and pregabalin and antiparkinsonians, which act on the central nervous system and help reduce the pain caused by fibromyalgia.
2. Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that aims to help people identify everyday emotions and situations that seem to make fibromyalgia pain worse.
This type of therapy is important for reducing stress levels which, when high, accentuate the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
3. Regular physical exercise
Physical exercise is essential in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Indeed, it helps relieve pain and improve the quality of sleep. The main physical exercises recommended are of the aerobic type, to be practiced for at least 30 minutes, three times a week, according to the recommendations of the doctor or sports coach.
4. Physiotherapy
To help improve movement, the doctor may also recommend physical therapy sessions at least twice a week. These may include therapeutic massages, stretching and relaxation exercises to relieve symptoms and improve blood circulation.
5. Anti-inflammatory diet
An anti-inflammatory diet is generally recommended for people with fibromyalgia. In fact, it helps to reduce possible inflammation of the nerves and muscles.
It is therefore recommended to adopt a diet rich in magnesium, potassium and omega-3 to help relieve symptoms:
- Magnesium, mainly found in foods such as avocados, artichokes and seeds, it helps relax muscles and improves blood circulation;
- Potassiumpresent in bananas, apples, beets and peas: it helps prevent muscle weakness and cramps;
- Omega 3, present in sardines, salmon and chia seeds: they have an anti-inflammatory action and relieve pain.
Furthermore, it may be interesting to consult a nutritionist in order to adapt your diet to alleviate symptoms and promote quality of life. Discover the list of certain foods with anti-inflammatory properties.
6. Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves applying needles to specific points on the body to relieve pain. However, there is not yet a consensus on its benefit in fibromyalgia, which explains why it may work in some patients and not in others.
Home Remedies for Fibromyalgia
The use of certain home remedies, such as St. John’s wort, black currant leaf, and meadowsweet flower, may be recommended by a doctor to complement the treatment of fibromyalgia.
These home remedies have an effect similar to that of some antidepressants, increase oxygenation and blood circulation and have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
Possible complications
The main complication of fibromyalgia is “brain fog” which occurs when pain is constant and eventually affects thinking ability, making it difficult to think, concentrate and remember. The risk of developing psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety is also higher.
Additionally, people with fibromyalgia have a higher rate of hospitalization for other health conditions.
Frequently asked questions about fibromyalgia
Below you will find the most frequently asked questions about fibromyalgia:
1. Can fibromyalgia be cured?
Fibromyalgia is incurable, however there are a number of treatments that can alleviate the symptoms of this disease and improve the person’s quality of life.
2. Is fibromyalgia a degenerative disease or an autoimmune disease?
Fibromyalgia is not considered a degenerative or autoimmune disease. Fibromyalgia is a chronic neurological condition characterized by widespread pain, increased sensitivity to pain, muscle stiffness, headaches and difficulty sleeping.
Degenerative disease, on the other hand, is a disease that causes the destruction of tissues, cells and organs in the body, as is the case in situations such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease. Autoimmune diseases are characterized by an attack by the immune system against the person’s own body, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
3. What is the type of pain related to fibromyalgia?
The pain of fibromyalgia is intense, like a burning sensation, a sharp, piercing pain, and widespread throughout the body. The person may feel the pain all over the body, but it may be more intense in specific areas, such as the back or neck.
The person with fibromyalgia generally feels more muscle pain, but may also feel pain in the joints.
