If you have aching muscles a lot, for no apparent reason you may have fibromyalgia. Those with fibromyalgia have long lasting, widespread pain and tenderness in the muscles, ligaments and tendons, that is usually accompanied with extreme fatigue and many other symptoms.
Fibromyalgia syndrome is considered to be an arthritis related condition, but it doesn’t have the same characteristics, such as inflammation or damage to the joints like many forms of arthritis do.
However, it is considered a rheumatic condition because it impairs the joints and in many cases, the soft tissues as well.
Some health care professionals claim fibromyalgia is a fake arthritis. Fibromyalgia is a syndrome as it has a set of symptoms that occur together.
This syndrome is very much misunderstood within the medical world, as there is no known cause or set test in a laboratory to diagnose it.
Because the various symptoms of Fibromyalgia are quite common to many other conditions, and laboratory tests often show nothing is wrong with the individual…
Many People with Symptoms of Fibromyalgia,
Are told…
“It’s All in Your head!”
How ever this is changing, as there are now medical studies that confirm, fibromyalgia does actually exist. This is great news for those that suffer the debilitating affects of fibromyalgia.
Doctor Gordon Irving explains What Fibromyalgia Is
Dr Irving informs us that through data from clinical trials, fibromyalgia can no longer be classed as a fictitious condition. Fibromyalgia is a condition and does actually exist. Within the clinical trials a large array of tests are carried out to note differences from other pain states. Differences have shown in MRI scans, stress – growth and thyroid hormones as well as lowered androgens.
The studies have also revealed…
- Automatic nuero system changes
- Decrease in concentration of certain neurotransmitters and nuero-modulators
Researchers currently think that these changes may lead to central sensitization of the nervous system, resulting in the brain mis-interpreting input.
The pain is not in fact coming from the muscles themselves, but from the central nervous system that is mis-interpreting input. Another words, even when the person has a non pain sensation, the brain will say it is pain and the person will experience pain.
This is thought to be why the pain is wide spread within the body for those that suffer with fibromyalgia.
Why do People get Firomyalgia?
There is no known cause for fibromyalgia, but there may be…
- A genetic susceptibility that becomes predominant after a viral illness or serious accident.
- Those with relatives that have fibromyalgia are about 8 times more likely to get it.
- Females are 6-10 times more likely to suffer from it than males.
Note: Some physicians prescribe antidepressants for the symptoms of fibromyalgia. There is a lot of evidence coming out about the dangerous chilling side effects antidepressants can have. Be sure to have a full understanding of what these side effects are, before you agree to try antidepressants.
Some alternative remedies that you may find helpful…
- JointEase Plus – Maintains healthy Joints: Good for Fibromyalgia, Bone & Joint Pain
- FibroFree Complex – For Relief from Fatigue & Muscle Pain
_____________________________________
Common Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
The symptoms of fibromyalgia can vary from one day to the next.
- Pain and Tenderness
Musculoskeletal pain in various sections of the body. For some it may start in one section, but usually it eventually covers most of the body. Many fibromyalgia sufferers explain the pain as being tender, throbbing, aching, sore, burning or gnawing.
This pain can also include tingling and numbness. Muscles often feel weak, stiff, and cramp or knot.
- Fatigue
Tire easily, even with little exertion. Often feeling as though you have to really push yourself to get anything done. Feel exhausted a lot.
- Sleep disturbance
Difficulty getting to sleep. Waking up a lot during the night. Awaking after a nights sleep feeling exhausted.
- Headaches
Regular headaches that can be accompanied with face pain or tension. Migraines.
- Fibro fog (Brain fog)
Feeling foggy in the mind and for some this may feel like they have a head cold type fogginess. This brain fogginess can include lapses in memory, confusion, difficulty concentrating and word mix ups. An effective do it yourself method to help relieve brain fogginess
There is no cure for fibromyalgia. Most treatments available don’t address all the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Often a variety or various treatments is beneficial. These treatments range from medications, natural supplements, acupuncture, exercise (not strenuous exercise), cognitive behavioral therapy to help sooth the mind, meditation, yoga, diet change (particularly if you are over weight).
Article written by Wen Dee
SUBSCRIBE to Zip Zap Insights – Latest Articles
Finding the Right Fibromlaygia Doctor for You
Fibromyalgia Association – U.K
Fibromyalgia Association – U.S
Fibromyalgia Information Foundation (FIF)