Are you experiencing persistent muscle and joint pain along with fatigue and sleep issues? You may even have mood issues and memory problems. It's essential not to dismiss these symptoms, as they could be indicative of a chronic health condition known as Fibromyalgia. Individuals with this condition usually encounter symptoms that fluctuate over time, occurring in episodes known as flare-ups. Dr Abhishek Patil, Consultant - Rheumatology, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, explains fibromyalgia, its symptoms, triggers, and management strategies.
What Is Fibromyalgia
“Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that is characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, and fatigue and can be challenging to live with. These patients have heightened threat perception and impaired soothing mechanisms”, said Dr Patil.
Our brain is evolutionarily wired to perceive threats and respond appropriately. However, patients with fibromyalgia (many of whom have traumatic experiences in life) are always in a ‘flight or fight’ mode. “This results in sympathetic overdrive and leaves the patients feeling fatigued chronically. They also have altered levels of neurotransmitters (chemicals that transmit signals between nerve cells) leading to central sensitisation and excess experience of pain to mildly/ non-painful stimuli”, added Dr Patil.
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Symptoms Of Fibromyalgia
Dr Patil listed the symptoms of fibromyalgia that you should watch out as follows:
- Widespread Pain: The primary symptom is chronic, widespread pain affecting various body parts. It may manifest as deep, sharp, or dull, and is often accompanied by tenderness in specific areas known as tender points.
- Fatigue: This can be all-encompassing and may make even simple daily tasks feel challenging
- Sleep Disturbances: Sleep problems are a hallmark of fibromyalgia, including difficulties falling and staying asleep.
- Cognitive Symptoms: Often referred to as 'fibro fog', cognitive symptoms include memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and mental confusion.
- Depression and Anxiety: Fibromyalgia is often associated with depression and anxiety. Managing these psychological symptoms is a crucial part of coping with the condition.
Triggers Of Fibromyalgia
- Stress: Compared to their peers, fibromyalgia patients respond exaggeratedly to stressful situations.
- Physical Activity: overexertion or physical inactivity can both trigger this condition. It's crucial to strike a balance between staying active and avoiding overexertion.
- Lack of Sleep: Poor sleep quality or insufficient sleep can worsen fibromyalgia symptoms.
- Illness or Infection: Viral infections or other illnesses can be triggers for fibromyalgia symptoms.
A study from the International Journal of Molecular Sciences suggests that intense emotional stressors and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have the potential to induce symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Also Read: How To Live With Fibromyalgia: Tips For Managing The Symptoms
How To Manage Fibromyalgia
Here are some management tips as listed by the expert:
- Medication: Depending on the severity, doctors may recommend medications to reduce the pain sensitisation
- Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can design a tailored exercise program to improve strength, flexibility, and overall physical function while minimising the risk of flare-ups.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): It can be beneficial in managing depression, and anxiety, and coping with the emotional aspects of fibromyalgia
- Lifestyle Modifications: A balanced diet and staying active with gentle exercise are crucial parts of the management
- Pacing: Learning to pace activities and avoid overexertion is crucial in preventing flare-ups.
- Support Groups: Joining a fibromyalgia support group can provide emotional support and a sense of community with others who understand the challenges of living with this condition.
Bottomline
Dr Patil concluded, “Fibromyalgia is a complex and challenging condition, but with the right approach, it can be managed effectively. Individuals with fibromyalgia need to work closely with their doctors to develop personalised treatment plans, as the effectiveness of coping strategies can be different from person to person. By adopting a multidisciplinary approach that includes medical, physical, and psychological support, it's possible to improve one's quality of life and find ways to thrive despite the challenges of fibromyalgia.”
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by a registered healthcare professional and is for informational purposes only. Do not substitute this information with medical treatment and consult your expert if you experience any complications.]