A guide to managing fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that is characterised by musculoskeletal pain throughout the body. It is a mysterious condition that can cause a lot of hardship and discomfort for the many who have fibromyalgia, affecting around five per cent of the population and primarily women. It can be triggered suddenly, which is why in this article, consultant physician and rheumatologist Dr Hasan Tahir explains all about fibromyalgia and how it can be managed.

What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?

The main symptom of fibromyalgia is widespread pain in the soft tissues of the body (the joints, muscles, and tendons), lasting for at least three months. Other symptoms, exacerbated by the pain, that can accompany fibromyalgia pain are fatigue and sleep issues, headaches and migraines, bowel issues, and cognitive issues like difficulty concentrating and forgetfulness (referred to as ‘fibro fog’). The impact of these symptoms can often lead to patients with fibromyalgia also developing anxiety or depression, as their struggle with their pain and complications is likely to inhibit their quality of life.

How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?

Fibromyalgia doesn’t cause a physical or noticeable change in the body, so there are no scans or specific tests that show its presence. Rather, doctors will conduct a thorough review of the medical history and a physical examination of the patient and rule out other possible conditions with similar symptoms.

How is fibromyalgia managed?

Fibromyalgia affects every patient differently, so its management will differ for each person. Management of fibromyalgia, which cannot be cured, tends to be a combination of medicine and therapeutic strategies, and it may require the patient to experiment for some time to find a solution that fits their needs.

Some of the methods used to manage fibromyalgia include:

• Medications for many purposes, such as pain relief (paracetamols, codeine, anti-inflammatory drugs), antidepressants, anti-seizure drugs, and relaxants.
• Exercise, as physical activity strengthens the muscles and prevents stiffness. Patients are encouraged to engage in gentle, regular exercise like aerobics, yoga, or tai chi.
• Bettering sleep (sleep hygiene), to prevent fatigue which can worsen pain. Patients should try to implement a consistent bedtime routine, and to foster a comfy, relaxing ambience in their bedroom to facilitate restful sleep.
• Stress reduction and meditation, to increase awareness of the present and control two of the common triggers of fibromyalgia flare-ups, anxiety and stress.
• Talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), can help the patient feel supported and learn coping strategies.
• Physical therapies like massages, acupuncture, and saunas may help relax the body and release tension.
• Lifestyle changes, like investing in ergonomic furniture, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, drinking a lot of water, and maintaining a healthy diet.
• CBD and medicinal cannabis, as there is related data that suggests that it can help with pain management and improve the quality of sleep.
• Working with a healthcare team, where doctors and nurses who are sympathetic and knowledgeable about the condition can tailor the treatment specifically for the patient and validate their issues.

If you are experiencing chronic pain and believe you may have fibromyalgia, you can consult with Dr Tahir today via his Top Doctors profile.