Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is one of the most misunderstood disorders in medicine. Muscles and soft tissues throughout the body are affected. More common in women than men, it is a neurological disorder that affects the entire body. Pain moves intermittently from one area of the body to another and can vary in intensity as time passes.

Causes

There is very little to indicate what exactly causes fibromyalgia. It does not fall into the category of autoimmune disorders or musculoskeletal disorders. There is some speculation that a person’s genetic make-up may make a person more susceptible to the effects of fibromyalgia.

Symptoms

A few of the most prominent symptoms of fibromyalgia include chronic pain, extreme fatigue, insomnia, and extreme pain that varies in severity. Areas of the body become tender to the touch. Muscle weakness is also common. Every person diagnosed with fibromyalgia has different symptoms at different times.

Fibromyalgia Treatment Options

Because the cause is unknown, it can be hard to determine what treatment options are most effective. While over the counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories are effective at controlling some of the discomforts, it has been found that regular exercise is one of the best ways to keep the condition under control. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and deep tissue massage have also shown promising results.

Although it’s hard to determine what exactly causes fibromyalgia, doctors have found a way to diagnose it. This allows patients to start treating the symptoms and regaining control of their life. Working with a physician will help to keep symptoms under control and improve quality of life.