Fibromyalgia: your all-you-need-to-know guide

Fibromyalgia is an extremely debilitating condition that can detrimentally affect patients both physically and psychologically.

In our latest article, revered pain management specialist, Dr Yasser Mehrez, reveals how exactly the chronic condition affects one’s quality of life, how it is managed, and what the most commonly reported symptoms of fibromyalgia are.

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition. The main complaint a patient reports is long-term pain that lasts for a few months. Patients with fibromyalgia report muscle stiffness, headaches, non-refreshing sleep, fatigue, tiredness, as well as various other physical and mental cognitive consequences.

Some patients report abdominal and pelvic pain, whilst females often tend to report periods that are more painful and that are heavier than normal. Dizziness and intense abdominal pain are also often reported.

How does it affect one’s quality of life and mental health?

The condition tends to affect women much more than men, and is quite commonly experienced between the ages of 30 and 50 years old. In terms of how fibromyalgia affects one’s life, some patients will be extremely affected by the level and intensity of pain that they experience.

Anxiety is a common consequence of the painful disease. Intense headaches can also limit patients in their day-to-day lives. Other patients sometimes report cognitive impairment symptoms. This affects their memory and speech.

How is it treated?

It is a manageable condition. We aim to address the patient’s pain, and ask them what their main concerns are. There are many options to help relieve constant pain. Medications are useful when used in the right way, which can greatly reduce muscle stiffness and help them sleep better.

We have seen patients with fibromyalgia respond very well when given anti-depressants. They can actually also help with pain control, as well as feelings of anxiety and depression.

Acupuncture, massages, heat application, as well as hydrotherapy, have all been found to be helpful.

What can people do to help relieve their symptoms?

We encourage patients with fibromyalgia to exercise regularly. We recommend swimming, walking, and muscle strengthening exercises. We also advise that patients seek psychological help, which will help patients with relaxation techniques, coping strategies, and stretching techniques.

Dr Yasser Mehrez is a highly accomplished pain management specialist who can help treat your fibromyalgia symptoms. Consult with him today via his Top Doctors profile to make an appointment with him.