Fibromyalgia is a long-lasting and chronic disorder that includes symptoms like widespread pain and discomfort, as well as exhaustion and trouble sleeping. People with the disease have an increased sensitivity to pain, which is not entirely understood by scientists.
The symptoms of fibromyalgia can't be cured, although doctors and other medical professionals can assist manage and treating it. Movement therapy, psychological and behavioral therapy, and medication are commonly used in treatment.
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
Each person with fibromyalgia will experience the disease in their own unique way, therefore there is no one size fits all approach to treating it. Pain is the most common symptom. As a result of various events, you may have periods where your symptoms improve or deteriorate, for example:
- How active you are when the weather changes
- Your stress levels
- How physically active are you
Visit your doctor if you suspect you have fibromyalgia. Some of the symptoms can be alleviated with treatment, but it's unlikely that they'll ever go away altogether.
Fibromyalgia is characterized by the following signs and symptoms:
1. Continuous & Widespread Pain
The most common symptom of fibromyalgia is widespread pain. In some cases, this might be felt in specific parts of the body, such as the back or neck. The pain is likely to be constant, but it may be better or worse at different points in time. A person could feel;
- Scorching or aching
- Pain that radiates from the center of the body
2. Extreme Sensitivity
If you have fibromyalgia, you may find that even the tiniest of touches might cause you to experience excruciating agony. After injuring oneself, pain may last longer than it typically would. This is especially true if you stub your toe. The following medical words may be used to describe your condition:
- Hyperalgesia – sensitivity to pain that is severe
- Allodynia – to experience pain from something that shouldn't be painful, such as a mild touch
Smoke, certain meals, and strong lights may also irritate you. Fibromyalgia symptoms can worsen if you're exposed to anything you're allergic to.
3. Fatigue
Excessive fatigue is a symptom of fibromyalgia (fatigue). This can range from minor tiredness to the kind that comes with a cold or flu.
Severe exhaustion can strike at any time and leave you feeling drained of all of your vitality. Doing nothing at all is possible if this happens.
4. Stiffness
When you have fibromyalgia, you may experience stiffness. When you've been in the same position for a lengthy period of time, the stiffness might be very pronounced. It can also lead to spasms, which is a contraction of the muscles, which can be painful and difficult to bear.
5. Poor Sleep Quality
Fibromyalgia can interfere with your ability to get good sleep. Even if you have had a good night's sleep, you may still feel groggy in the morning. As a result, you may not be able to get a good night's rest because of the condition. The word “Non-restorative sleep” may be used to characterize this.
Other Symptoms
In addition to these, some patients with fibromyalgia also complain of the following:
- Headache
- Dizziness and a shaky balance
- Your body temperature isn't being regulated appropriately, resulting in an overpowering desire to move your legs (restless legs syndrome)
- A tingling sensation in your hands and feet (also known as paraesthesia), as well as unusually painful menstrual periods in women
- Anxiety \depression
The Final Verdict
When you live with chronic pain, exhaustion, and other symptoms on a regular basis, your quality of life may suffer. Many individuals have misconceptions about fibromyalgia, which adds to the difficulty of the situation. It may be easy for others to dismiss your pain as fictitious because your symptoms are difficult to observe.
Take a deep breath and accept that you have a true medical problem. Do not give up until you find an answer to your problem. Some people may need to attempt more than one therapy before they begin to feel better.
It's important to get help from individuals who understand what you're going through. This could include your therapist, doctor, or close friends. Make sure you're kind to yourself. Try to avoid going overboard. Keeping faith in yourself is the most vital aspect of coping with a disability.