Fibromyalgia: What's it, causes, symptoms, diagnostics, treatment, prevention

Fibromyalgia (FM; Fibromyalgia Syndrome; FMS)

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a complex, chronic disease, which gives rise to severe pain, that, in turn causes fatigue and poor sleep.

Fibromyalgia – causes

The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown.

Some of the diseases, which are usually associated with the occurrence of fibromyalgia:

• Depression and anxiety;
• Chronic headaches, such as tension headaches;
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (CPK);
• Dysmenorrhoea;
• Female urethral syndrome (irritable bladder).

Risk factors for fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is more common in women, as well as in people 20-60 years. Physical or mental stress can also increase the risk of fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia – symptoms

The symptoms and severity of fibromyalgia is different for each patient.

Fibromyalgia can cause the following symptoms:

• The widespread muscle pain and tenderness;
• Fatigue;
• Weakness;
• Bad dream;
• Reduced physical endurance;
• Problems with concentration, mental activity and memory;

Factors, that may cause or aggravate the symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

• Weather changes, especially cold, wet weather;
• Stress and anxiety;
• Overstrain;
• Somatic diseases;
• Operation.

Fibromyalgia – diagnostics

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination.

The doctor will look for the following symptoms of fibromyalgia:

• Extensive pain, lasting three months or longer;
• Sensitivity (the medical examination) In some areas of the body.

Also, the doctor may prescribe additional analyzes, To make sure, symptoms that are not associated with other diseases.

Fibromyalgia – treatment

The goal of treatment is to relieve fibromyalgia or control symptoms. Methods of treating fibromyalgia include:

The therapeutic program for the treatment of fibromyalgia

• Physiotherapy;
• Classes in the warm pool;
• Alternative therapies, such as massages, acupuncture, relaxation training, triggernaya therapy, biofeedback and yoga;
• Kognitivnaya povedencheskaya therapy (KPT).

Changing lifestyles in fibromyalgia

The doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes, which comprises:

• Healthy eating;
• Education confrontation to physical and mental stress;
• Regular sleep;
• A range of exercises, aerobic exercise which comprises, weight training and exercises to develop flexibility. For light exercise, who do not have a strong stress on painful areas, include walking, cycling and swimming. Talk to your doctor, To make sure, that training will not bring damage to health.

Drugs from fibromyalgia

Your doctor may take a variety of medications, to relieve symptoms of fibromyalgia:

• Antidepressants;
• Anticonvulsants;
• Sedatives;
• Muscle relaxants;
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs);
• Opiates.

Fibromyalgia – prevention

At the moment, there are no recommendations for preventing fibromyalgia, as the cause of its occurrence is not certain.