Find out how this chronic disease, which is more common in women than in men, is diagnosed and treated
Fibromyalgia is a health disorder that causes chronic, widespread pain and tenderness at specific points on the body. Since it is a syndrome, this pain is often associated with other symptoms, such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, intestinal disorders, depression and anxiety.
It is therefore a disorder that can compromise the patient’s quality of life, habits and professional performance, as many people also complain of memory and concentration problems. Despite the widespread muscle pain, which lasts an average of three months, it is not possible to identify signs of inflammation in the painful areas of the person experiencing it.
Fibromyalgia affects approx 2.5% of the world’s population. Women are most affected by the syndrome, which appears between the ages of 30 and 50.
What causes fibromyalgia?
Alessio Novais, physiotherapist specialized in human movement, explains that science still knows the real cause of the disease. “However, we know that it is common for fibromyalgia to occur in family members who have the disease, so there may be some genetic predisposition,” he comments.
People who have experienced chronic emotional stress or severe cases of physical and psychological trauma are also more likely to develop the syndrome.
symptoms of fibromyalgia
Pain for more than three months in all or any part of the body, the presence of tender points in the muscles (usually on both sides), sleep disturbances and chronic fatigue, depression or anxiety, changes in bowel habits and cognitive changes are among the warning signs of the syndrome.
Other common symptoms of fibromyalgia are:
● Morning stiffness
● Difficulty concentrating and remembering
● Headache
● Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
What are the pain points of fibromyalgia?
According to Alessio, pain points usually appear in one place on the body and can migrate to other areas. “There are 18 tender points throughout the body, 9 on each side. The sore spots are located in the cervical and thoracic spine, pelvis, buttocks, elbows and knees,” warns the specialist.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of fibromyalgia is based on an evaluation of the patient’s symptoms and the ruling out of other possible medical conditions. “So far, no imaging or blood tests have been able to detect fibromyalgia. The diagnosis is mainly clinical, based on the patient’s complaints and on the physical examination, generalized pain index test”, says Alessio.
The physiotherapist believes that additional tests are not necessary, since hardly anyone really has sufficient sensitivity for diagnosis.
Treatment
Fibromyalgia treatment may include medications, cognitive behavioral therapy, exercise, physical therapy, acupuncture, and dietary and lifestyle changes.
Is there a cure for fibromyalgia? Can it kill?
No, the disease has no cure and the goal of treatment is to relieve pain, improve sleep and increase the patient’s quality of life. There are still no reports of deaths due to fibromyalgia in the medical literature.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
