This is because fibromyalgia is not easily diagnosed with medical tests and is often poorly understood. However, fibromyalgia can seriously affect the quality of life of those affected. Coping with effects such as difficulty in daily activities, insomnia, and mental health problems is a chronic problem for people struggling with fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia can often occur as a result of a combination of factors such as stress, trauma, genetic predisposition and infections. However, it is possible to manage this condition and improve quality of life. Exercise, regular sleep, stress management and support groups are among the effective strategies used to cope with fibromyalgia.
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by symptoms such as widespread muscle pain, fatigue, insomnia, headaches, and a general body sensitivity. This condition is characterized by the presence of trigger points that cause tenderness and pain, especially at certain points. Fibromyalgia is a condition that usually affects women, but it can also occur in men. Fibromyalgia is a disease that cannot be diagnosed with medical tests and has no specific treatment. Diagnosis is usually made by symptoms and the patient’s history. Diagnosis of fibromyalgia is usually based on criteria of feeling pain in specific points for a certain period of time.
What causes fibromyalgia?
Although the exact cause of fibromyalgia is not known exactly, it is thought to occur as a result of a combination of factors. It has been observed that individuals with a family history of fibromyalgia have an increased susceptibility to the disease. Genetic factors are thought to play a role in the development of fibromyalgia. In addition, physical trauma, surgical interventions, or intense emotional stress can also trigger or worsen fibromyalgia symptoms.
Some infections may cause fibromyalgia symptoms or aggravate existing symptoms. Hormonal fluctuations and changes, especially in women, can affect fibromyalgia symptoms. Immune system abnormalities have been observed in individuals with fibromyalgia. The immune system’s attack on the body’s own tissues can lead to fibromyalgia symptoms. Poor quality or interrupted sleep can also worsen fibromyalgia symptoms. Disruption of sleep patterns may contribute to the onset of the disease or increase in symptoms.
How does fibromyalgia occur?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic soft tissue rheumatism characterized by widespread muscle pain and tenderness. The disease may also be accompanied by various physical and psychological symptoms such as fatigue, sleep problems, depression and anxiety. Although the exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, genetic factors, environmental factors and stress are thought to play a role. Fibromyalgia usually occurs in women between the ages of 20 and 50, but it can also occur in men. The symptoms of fibromyalgia vary depending on the number and location of nerve cells affected. The most common fibromyalgia symptoms are:
- The most obvious symptom of fibromyalgia is widespread muscle pain felt all over the body.
- Fibromyalgia pain is often described as throbbing, burning or stabbing.
- There may be extreme sensitivity even to touches that do not normally cause pain.
- Tenderness may occur in certain areas of the body, especially the neck, shoulders, back, hips and knees.
- Fatigue is not relieved by rest and can make daily activities difficult.
- There may be difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, and sleep quality may be poor.
- There is a higher risk of experiencing psychological problems such as depression and anxiety.
How does fibromyalgia cause pain?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome that causes widespread pain in different parts of the body. Fibromyalgia pain is a type of pain that is usually concentrated in certain points and is accompanied by sensitivity in these areas. Fibromyalgia pain points are often called “trigger points” and are among the criteria used to diagnose fibromyalgia. Specific features of fibromyalgia pain points can be summarized as follows:
- Fibromyalgia pain is usually felt widely on both sides of the body, in the upper and lower body, shoulders, neck, back, hips and knees.
- There are 18 trigger points specified for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia.
- Fibromyalgia pain points are usually located at the tendon-attachment points of the muscles and are painful when pressure is applied to a doctor.
- Fibromyalgia pain can often be a constant ache or a fluctuating pain. Pain can often vary in intensity throughout the day.
- People with fibromyalgia may be more sensitive than other people. Light touches may cause more pain than usual.
- Fibromyalgia patients often feel more pain and stiffness in the morning. Insomnia and poor quality sleep can also trigger this condition.
Although the exact cause of fibromyalgia pain is unknown, abnormalities related to the nervous system and pain perception, immune system problems and genetic factors are thought to play a role. This pain is often concentrated at the trigger points identified for diagnosis of fibromyalgia and can negatively impact patients’ daily lives.
What is good for fibromyalgia?
There is no definitive cure for fibromyalgia, but various treatments can be used to control symptoms and improve quality of life. Things that are good for fibromyalgia are:
- Medicines used under the supervision and guidance of a doctor are good for fibromyalgia.
- Physical therapy can help strengthen muscles and increase range of motion.
- Psychotherapy can help develop the skills needed to cope with fibromyalgia.
- Excess weight can worsen fibromyalgia symptoms, so it may be good to control your weight.
- Exercise can help strengthen muscles and reduce pain. However, you need to be careful not to get too tired while exercising.
- Smoking is among the things that fibromyalgia patients should not do. Smoking may worsen fibromyalgia symptoms.
- Another thing that fibromyalgia patients should not do is to consume alcohol. Alcohol may also worsen fibromyalgia symptoms.
- Stress can worsen fibromyalgia symptoms, so stress control is an important part of fibromyalgia treatment.
In addition, acupuncture, manual therapy, yoga and meditation treatments can also be good for fibromyalgia. It may be beneficial for fibromyalgia patients to try different treatment methods to find the treatment methods that are most effective for them.
What happens if fibromyalgia goes untreated?
If fibromyalgia is left untreated, pain and other fibromyalgia symptoms may become more severe. In addition, people with fibromyalgia may have difficulty performing daily activities and their work and social lives may be affected unless this condition is treated. Psychological health can also be directly affected. When fibromyalgia is left untreated, psychological problems such as depression and anxiety can worsen.