Fibromyalgia

Pain may start in one area, such as the neck and shoulders, and spread to other areas over time. The pain affects both sides of the body, above and below the waist. It can be mild or severe. Sensitivity to touch (tenderness) is another hallmark of fibromyalgia pain. The American College of Rheumatology identified 18 “tender points” (9 pairs) on the body that can be very sensitive to touch for people with fibromyalgia.

The pain has been described as burning, aching, stabbing, tingling, throbbing, soreness or numbness (loss of feeling). It may change based on the time of day, activity level, weather (especially cold or damp conditions), sleep patterns and stress. Although the pain can come and go, some people report that some pain is always present.

Some people with fibromyalgia have low energy and feel tired all the time. The fatigue can be severe and pose more of a problem than the pain.

Sleep problems vary from person to person. Some find it hard to fall asleep or they wake up often during the night. Others wake up feeling unrefreshed, even after sleeping through the night. Research shows that poor sleep can worsen pain. These symptoms can cause people to confuse fibromyalgia with another condition called chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

The term “fibro fog” is often used to describe; difficulty paying attention or performing simple mental tasks and being forgetful or having poor judgement.

These problems may come and go and happen most often when someone is very stressed or fatigued. People with fibromyalgia may have trouble learning, understanding and remembering.

This condition causes uncomfortable feelings in the legs and the need to move them often. It’s more common in people with fibromyalgia and can be related to their sleep problems.

Living with widespread pain and tiredness can be very stressful . This may lead some people with fibromyalgia to develop chronic anxiety or become depressed . Anxiety and depression, in turn, can make pain and fatigue worse.

Some people with fibromyalgia feel extreme anxiety about a physical symptom – such as pain or fatigue. It can get to the point that it causes a lot of emotional distress and problems functioning.

Tension headaches, migraines and pain in the jaw or face may affect people with fibromyalgia.

Endometriosis – a condition that occurs when tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside of it – may also happen. It can cause painful and irregular menstrual cycles.

Some people may feel the need to urinate more often than is necessary.

People with fibromyalgia have a greater risk of developing irritable bowel syndrome than people without the condition. They are more likely to get bloated, feel cramping and stomach pain, or have episodes of constipation and diarrhea.

There is no cure for fibromyalgia. The goal is to tackle different symptoms (pain, fatigue, sleep and emotional problems) at the same time. Treatment options for fibromyalgia help to reduce pain, stress and fatigue, treat depression, improve sleep and help people understand what triggers symptoms and how to manage them. In some cases, fibromyalgia may require a healthcare team that may include a primary care physician, a rheumatologist, a physical therapist and a mental health professional.

Three medications are specifically approved to treat fibromyalgia. Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and milnacipran (Savella) work by changing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain that help control pain. Pregabalin (Lyrica) targets brain chemicals that affect how much pain you experience.

Other medications can be used to treat pain, sleep and mood. These include anti-inflammatories, antidepressants and sleep medicines.

Learn more about the drugs used to treat fibromyalgia in the arthritis drug guide .

This therapy has been proven effective for managing fibromyalgia symptoms. With the help of a trained mental health counselor, a person learns how to change negative thought patterns and behaviors to relieve pain, promote better sleep and improve functioning.

These techniques focus on deep breathing and the release of muscle tension can ease pain and relieve stress. Massage therapy can also promote relaxation and pain relief.

These practices can be done either alone or in groups led by a certified professional. They include focused attention on physical sensations (body scanning), chanting/mantras, thoughtful walking or visualization.

Movement can be medicine. Engaging in moderate exercise a few days a week can help to reduce pain, improve sleep and daily functioning, increase energy and boost mood. Make sure to talk to your doctor before beginning an exercise program.