What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain all over the body (also referred to as widespread pain), sleep problems, fatigue, and often emotional and mental distress. People with fibromyalgia may be more sensitive to pain than people without fibromyalgia. This is called abnormal pain perception processing.
What are the symptoms of Fibromyalgia?
- Pain and stiffness all over the body
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Depression and anxiety
- Sleep problems
- Problems with thinking, memory, and concentration
- Headaches, including migraines
What causes Fibromyalgia?
Doctors don’t know the exact cause of fibromyalgia. Researchers continue to study fibromyalgia and think the following events may contribute to the cause of the disorder:
- Stressful or traumatic events, such as car accidents.
- Repetitive injuries.
- Illness.
- Certain diseases.
How is Fibromyalgia treated?
(a) Medication. Pain medication such as ibuprofen, diclofenac have significant side effects and should be avoided. Specific medications such as milnacipran, duloxetine, amitriptyline are often more helpful in relieving pain that is specific to fibromyalgia..
(b) Therapy. Physical therapy to improve stamina, flexibility are quite helpful.
(c) Life style changes. Reduce stress, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, eat less sugar and carbohydrates, limit your caffeine intake.
(d) Yoga and meditation are useful adjunct therapies..
5. New treatments
Non-invasive brain stimulation (tDCS) is a new and effective treatment for fibromyalgia that is safe and without side effects.