Fibromyalgia is a condition which can effect each person differently. The main symptoms of fibromyalgia is a pain or tiredness which can be felt throughout the body.
The condition is seven times more likely to affect women than men. It can become present in people of all ages but mainly develops between the ages of 30 and 50.
The symptoms of fibromyalgia can often be enhanced or reduced according to several external factors. Symptoms can change according to the amount of physical exercise that the patient is getting, stress levels or changes in the weather.
The symptoms of fibromyalgia will probably never be completely cured but there are treatments that can help ease the pain.
Symptoms of fibromyalgia
People who have fibromyalgia will usually suffer from a widespread pain. This can become present alongside other symptoms including:
- Extreme tiredness
- A heightened sensitivity to pain
- Stiffness in the muscles
- Problems with sleeping
- Difficulties with concentrating and memory
- Increased headaches
- Irritable bowel syndrome
If you encounter any of these problems, you should contact your GP to discuss your concerns. Medication is available to ease the symptoms but there is currently no cure.
Causes of fibromyalgia
There is currently no complete understanding about what causes fibromyalgia. Experts think that the condition is caused by abnormal levels of chemicals which send signals to the brain from the nervous system.
Fibromyalgia may also be an inherited condition passed down from the parent.
Some people develop the symptoms as a result of physical or emotional stress. Events known to trigger fibromyalgia include:
- Undergoing an operation
- Giving birth
- Experiencing an infection or injury
- A death of someone close
- A relationship breakdown
Do you have fibromyalgia?
There is currently no specific test to discover if you have fibromyalgia. Many of the symptoms are similar to those of other problems which makes it hard to diagnose.
When a GP is conducting a diagnosis they will be trying to rule our other conditions. Symptoms of fibromyalgia may be similar to that of other conditions including:
- Chronic fatigue syndrome (ME)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
To diagnose the condition, you may be required to provide blood or urine samples for testing. You may also need to have an x-ray or other types of scan.
Treating fibromyalgia
As there is no current cure for the condition, sufferers may be given treatments to help alleviate some of the symptoms.
A doctor may recommend lifestyle changes such as relaxation or exercise. Another helpful therapy may include counselling or talking to a specialist in cognitive behavioural therapy.
Alongside these therapies, medication such as painkillers and antidepressants may be recommended to reduce the severity of the pain.
Other helpful resources and support groups include:
Improving your lifestyle
A good way to ease the symptoms of fibromyalgia is by incorporating exercise into your daily routine. Exercise and a healthy diet can work alongside your medication to keep you fit and healthy.
Exercise is important in relieving the symptoms of extreme fatigue. It can offer the following benefits:
- An increase of oxygen to enliven your body
- Hormone release to help overcome depression
- Muscle strengthening
- Easing pain with stretching
- Losing weight will put less strain on your joints and muscles
- Keeping you free from diabetes, heart failure and heart disease
One of the negative impacts that fibromyalgia can have on a person is extreme fatigue. This can make it difficult to take part in many forms of physical exercise.
It is important however that you try to get as much exercise as possible. A specialist will be able to work with you to discuss a work out that you can manage adequately.
There are a number of low impact physical exercise that can help you improve your health. These include swimming, cycling, walking and use of a cross trainer.
Nutrition advice for fibromyalgia
The symptoms of fibromyalgia are not likely to be reduced by a change in diet. However a healthy diet will improve your body and mind. Managing the symptoms of fibromyalgia includes exercise and a balanced diet which is individual to the person.
A nutritionist will be able to work with you and use the information from your medical history to design a balanced diet individual to you. By increasing the types of food lacking in your daily food intake and reducing foods which may be harmful, you can ensure that your body remains healthy.
A recommended balanced diet will include the following:
- Drinking lots of water throughout the day
- Eating five portions of fruit and vegetables each day
- Eating high protein foods such as beans, nuts, eggs, dairy and fish
- Consuming foods which contain good fats such as fish and nuts
- Eating whole grain foods such as pasta, brown rice and bread
Consulting with a fully trained nutritionist will help you make the right decisions about the food that you eat. Each person with fibromyalgia will require a unique approach as each case is individual. For this reason, a nutritionist will discuss your requirements, symptoms and preferences in detail to help you work out a plan tailored to suit you.
Further reading
Visit the Arthritis Research UK website.
Read more about fibromyalgia on the NHS website.