What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease that causes pain throughout the body and sensitivity in joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. It is more common in women between the ages of 20 and 50.
What are the symptoms?
Fibromyalgia causes:
- fatigue and muscle pain throughout the body
- headaches
- irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- increased pain sensitivity
- problems with memory and concentration
- problems with sleep patterns
- problems with the overall amount of sleep
There are different conditions related to fibromyalgia or those which have the same symptoms. Sleep disorders, Lyme disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, and hypothyroidism among others, may cause similar symptoms. It is important to visit your doctor and if necessary, get specialist referral in order to correctly confirm a diagnosis after assessment.
Causes of fibromyalgia
The origin of fibromyalgia is unknown, but several factors can trigger its appearance, such as a physical or emotional trauma, a bacterial or viral infection, or a disease such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Can it be prevented?
There is no known way to prevent fibromyalgia.
What is the treatment?
The treatment of fibromyalgia is aimed at relieving pain and combatting sleep disorders with medication and relaxation techniques. Therapy, counselling, and support is also beneficial in those with fibromyalgia, as talking about the condition and receiving therapy can help to counter depression which is sometimes experienced in those with fibromyalgia.
Exercise has been shown to be beneficial for those with the condition, and it can also help to reduce pain. Speak to your GP or specialist about recommendations for exercise and referral for therapy if necessary.
Rheumatologists treat fibromyalgia. Many people also find it beneficial to speak to a psychologist as part of their ongoing treatment.
01-07-2013 10-13-2023Fibromyalgia
Professor Hasan Tahir - Rheumatology
Created on: 01-07-2013
Updated on: 10-13-2023
Edited by: Carlota Pano
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease that causes pain throughout the body and sensitivity in joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. It is more common in women between the ages of 20 and 50.
What are the symptoms?
Fibromyalgia causes:
- fatigue and muscle pain throughout the body
- headaches
- irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- increased pain sensitivity
- problems with memory and concentration
- problems with sleep patterns
- problems with the overall amount of sleep
There are different conditions related to fibromyalgia or those which have the same symptoms. Sleep disorders, Lyme disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, and hypothyroidism among others, may cause similar symptoms. It is important to visit your doctor and if necessary, get specialist referral in order to correctly confirm a diagnosis after assessment.
Causes of fibromyalgia
The origin of fibromyalgia is unknown, but several factors can trigger its appearance, such as a physical or emotional trauma, a bacterial or viral infection, or a disease such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Can it be prevented?
There is no known way to prevent fibromyalgia.
What is the treatment?
The treatment of fibromyalgia is aimed at relieving pain and combatting sleep disorders with medication and relaxation techniques. Therapy, counselling, and support is also beneficial in those with fibromyalgia, as talking about the condition and receiving therapy can help to counter depression which is sometimes experienced in those with fibromyalgia.
Exercise has been shown to be beneficial for those with the condition, and it can also help to reduce pain. Speak to your GP or specialist about recommendations for exercise and referral for therapy if necessary.
Rheumatologists treat fibromyalgia. Many people also find it beneficial to speak to a psychologist as part of their ongoing treatment.
Treating fibromyalgia with medication
By Dr Salmin Aseri
2024-12-15
We spoke to a highly established pain management specialist, Dr Salmin Aseri, to find out more information on treating fibromyalgia. He shared details on medication that can be used to treat symptoms as well as some lifestyle tips. In this latest article from Dr Aseri, discover whether fibromyalgia can be cured once and for all. See more
What triggers fibromyalgia flare-ups?
By Dr Mohammed Qureshi
2024-12-15
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that affects millions of people, causing widespread pain, fatigue and a range of other symptoms. Those living with fibromyalgia often experience flare-ups, where symptoms become more severe or frequent. Understanding what triggers these flare-ups is crucial for managing the condition and improving quality of life. Here to provide a detailed insight to this important topic is leading pain management specialist Dr Mohammed Qureshi. See more
Hypermobility (double-jointed): How normal is it and what pain can it cause?
By Dr Anthony Hammond
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Joint hypermobility is a normal phenomenon but for some, it can lead to pain. Dr Anthony Hammon shares his expertise. Learn from him about what exactly hypermobility is, causes, how it's treated and more. See more
Fibromyalgia: the 8 tender points on the body
By Dr Dhiya Houssien
2024-12-15
For those who live with the chronic condition fibromyalgia, it can be debilitating. Leading rheumatologist Dr Dhiya Houssien explains where the eight tender points are on the body and how to deal with a flare-up. See more
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