Causes, Symptoms And Diagnosis Of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a common non-articular condition, the cause of which is still unknown. Its symptoms are diffuse, however, it is known that it is characterized by the presence of generalized pain (of variable intensity) when palpating muscles, areas surrounding the insertion of tendons and adjacent soft tissues.

As we mentioned, people with the condition often have prolonged pain that spreads throughout the body. Such pain is almost always related to fatigue, sleep problems, headaches, depression, and anxiety.

According to the MSD Manual, in addition to muscle stiffness, it causes symptoms such as tiredness, confusion, sleep disturbances, and various somatic symptoms.

Fibromyalgia symptoms

As the professionals at Medline Plus explain, the most important symptom of fibromyalgia is pain , which can easily spread to muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints on the right and left sides, and also the upper part of the waist and below it.

It should be noted that the intensity of the pain can vary. It usually depends on how advanced the disease is in the person and the intensity with which it affects. 

Other common symptoms of fibromyalgia are:

• Fatigue.
• Stress.
• Tiredness. 
• Depression.
• Anxiety.
• Headaches and migraines.
• Difficulty to sleep. 
• Pain and stiffness throughout the body.
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, and paying attention

In addition, in some patients they may present are numbness in the extremities (hands and feet) and irritable bowel syndrome.

Symptoms may be exacerbated by environmental factors or emotional stress, lack of sleep, trauma, exposure to moisture or cold, or if the doctor, family member, or friend suggests that the disease is “just in the head.” .

Diagnosis

The doctor must perform a thorough physical evaluation in order to find signs or indications of fibromyalgia.

The exam consists of pressing on some sensitive points on the body to try to provoke a reaction in the patient, if pressing on the front and back of the neck, on the upper chest and back, hips, buttocks, elbows and knees, the patient experiences pain, the doctor is almost certain to have a case of fibromyalgia.

This disease can often be confused with other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or hypothyroidism. Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease, in which episodes of pain can last for several months.

When you suffer from fibromyalgia, not only do you suffer from severe muscle aches, you also experience a lot of fatigue and sleep is greatly affected, since quite delicate disorders can occur, because sometimes you cannot fall asleep and others do not want to stop sleeping.

How is the life of the patient with fibromyalgia?

A fibromyalgia patient may feel constantly fatigued, even if they have slept through the night. Tiredness can reach the point where it prevents you from doing your daily activities. On the other hand, you may have a frequent headache or even migraine.

There are patients who may experience digestive problems, irritable bowel, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, pain, and bloating.

For these reasons, it is important that the patient receive medical treatment and follow the instructions that have been prescribed. Of course, it will be essential to try to maintain a healthy lifestyle, to try to have the highest quality of life possible.