All about 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 those who have it. In this article, a consultant physician and rheumatologist explains all about fibromyalgia and how it can be managed.

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is usually experienced in flares of pain that are in the muscles and joints (basically, the soft tissues of the body). Around 2.5 million people in the UK suffer from it.

Fibromyalgia is thought to stem from dysfunction in the brain -- It is theorised that changes in chemicals within the brain begin to over-signal pain, causing heightened sensitivity for those who have the condition. The cause of fibromyalgia is currently unknown, but researchers and scientists believe that it could be triggered by stress and insufficient sleep, or a traumatic event like infection or accidents. There is also thought to be a genetic mutation that can be a factor in fibromyalgia, as it is more likely to be developed if a parent has it. Women are more likely to contract it than men, and it typically develops between the ages of 25 and 55.

What are the signs of fibromyalgia?

The key symptom of fibromyalgia is pain – in the torso, the arms, the legs, the face, etc – but it is often accompanied by fatigue, headaches and migraines, jaw issues, difficulty with the bowels, and bladder control issues. The physical symptoms can further impact mental and cognitive function. People with fibromyalgia are likely to struggle with depression, anxiety, and what is referred to as ‘fibro fog’ – difficulties with concentration and memory. These symptoms can compound to greatly inhibit a patient’s quality of life, preventing them from socialising, working, travelling, and being active.

How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?

There is no test to diagnose fibromyalgia. As the pain is a personal experience, and there isn’t something visibly wrong or abnormal in the body that will show up on scans and tests like X-rays, ultrasounds, and blood tests. Rather, the diagnostic process is more about eliminating the possibility of other conditions and disorders with similar symptoms, such as anaemia or thyroid issues. A doctor will ask the patient about their symptoms, where and how long they have been feeling the pain, and about their personal health history.

How is fibromyalgia treated?

Fibromyalgia is a lifelong condition with no cure. Treatment is instead focused on managing the pain. Methods to alleviate pain include:

• Pain medications, either over-the-counter or prescription
• Exercises like stretches and strength training to loosen and relax the muscles and joints
• Psychotherapy to help with the mental stress, and a psychiatrist may prescribe antidepressants to manage
• Medical cannabis, which is effective for treating neuropathic pain and may help with fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia may be lifelong, but the intensity of the symptoms, with management, can lessen and there can be fewer flare-ups over time.

If you are experiencing chronic pain and believe you may have fibromyalgia, consult with a specialist today via Top Doctors.