Overview
Fibromyalgia is a syndrome affecting the muscles and tissues resulting in chronic pain. In addition to muscle pain and stiffness, this ailment can also cause fatigue, sleep problems, depression.
This condition affects about 4 million persons in the US, with the majority of them being women, usually in their mid-30s to late-50s.
Symptoms
The symptoms of fibromyalgia are varied, but the most popular one is pain. Other common symptoms may include:
– Tingling and/or numbness especially in hands, arms, legs and feet
– Prolonged muscle spasms
– Fatigue
– Weakness in the limbs
– Nerve pain
– Palpitations
– Concentration and memory problems
– Chronic sleep disturbances
– Morning stiffness
– Tender points
Causes
The cause of fibromyalgia is currently unknown. However, recent research has revealed that people suffering from this condition process pain differently. The brain transmits much stronger pain impulses than normal. Other researchers feel that the condition is linked to a lack of deep sleep.
Solutions
Unfortunately, there is no lab test or x-ray to help diagnose fibromyalgia. Therefore, there is no cure or widely accepted treatment for this condition. Treatment is generally aimed at managing the symptoms. The most common of which include:
– Regular, low-impact exercise, e.g. walking, swimming, aquarobics, biking
– Heat application to sore muscles
– Over-the-counter pain medication
– Massage
– Stretching exercises
– Stress management
– Lifestyle changes