Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain all over the body - also referred to as widespread pain-, sleep problems, fatigue, and often emotional and mental distress. People with fibromyalgia may be more sensitive to pain than people without fibromyalgia. This is called abnormal pain perception processing.

Fibromyalgia is typically not life-threatening but can affect day-to-day activities. Seek medical attention if you experience widespread pain that lasts for more than 3 months.

Symptoms

Muscle pain

common

Shoulder pain

or Abdominal pain

For last 3 months or more
In the bottom right region, In the bottom left region, Occurs or worsens after a meal, Reduced after bowel movement
Steady
Crampy

or Joint pain

Elbows, Shoulder pain that doesn't radiate, At hip, Knees
Both sides of the body
Recurrent

or Back neck pain

or Pain in arms

or Chest discomfort

Occurs or worsens when touching
Relieved with a change in position, Relieved with rest
Occurs or worsens with laughing, coughing or sneezing, Occurs or worsens with exertion, Occurs or worsens with deep inspiration

or Pain in the leg above the knee

or Back pain

Localized
Occurs or worsens with prolonged standing
More than 8 weeks

common

Fatigue

common

Lack of concentration

common

Joint is sore to touch

Shoulder sore to the touch

or Arms hurt when touched

or Thigh hurts when touched

common

Numbness or tingling in shoulders arms or hands

or Numbness or tingling around the ribs

or Numbness or tingling in legs, feet, or buttocks

common

Headache

Chronic or persistent pain
Radiates to the back of head
Steady
Throbbing
Stabbing headache
Tight band-like pain around the head and neck
Recurrent
Rapidly developing

common

Depression

or Anxiety

common

Alternation between diarrhea and constipation

common

Risk factors

Treatment

Doctors usually treat fibromyalgia with a combination of treatments, which may include: 1-Medications, including prescription drugs and over-the-counter pain relievers 2-Aerobic exercise and muscle-strengthening exercise 3-Patient education classes, usually in primary care or community settings 4-Stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, and massage 5-Good sleep habits to improve the quality of sleep 6-Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat the underlying depression. CBT is a type of talk therapy meant to change the way people act or think