Causes and Symptoms
The specific cause of Fibromyalgia is not currently known. What is known is that persons with fibromyalgia appear to have excessive tension in their tendons and muscles. Things that increase stress in any person also cause increased tension in persons with fibromyalgia making their musculoskeletal symptoms even more pronounced. The symptoms of back or neck pathology increase bodily stress in anyone. Reduction in those symptoms also reduces the symptoms of fibromyalgia thus increasing the quality of life for fibromyalgia patients.
Though the medical community isn’t entirely sure what causes fibromyalgia, it is likely due to a variety of factors, including:
- Genetics – This condition can run in families, so there may be certain genetic predispositions that make it more likely to develop the disorder.
- Infections – Certain illnesses seem to bring on or aggravate the disorder.
- Trauma – Physical or emotional damage, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder, seem to be linked to this disorder.
The symptoms of this condition can vary depending on a number of issues, making fibromyalgia difficult to diagnose. Typically, the pain associated with this disorder is described as a constant, dull myofascial pain that is widespread in a number of “tender points” throughout the body. These locations can include:
- Knees
- Thighs
- Hips
- Back of the head
- Between the shoulder blades
- Elbows
- Upper chest
- Sides of the neck
- Top of the shoulders
- And more
Fibromyalgia also can be linked to depression, emotional distress, headaches, fatigue, and other conditions related to sleep problems, as it can be difficult to reach deep, restorative sleep when dealing with the pain associated with the disorder.
Treatment Options
There are a variety of treatment methods your doctor might recommend if you are diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Medications commonly chosen to treat this disorder include analgesics, antidepressants, and anti-seizure drugs. Physical therapy, exercise, stress management, and counseling are also often suggested to help treat fibromyalgia. If you constantly feel fatigued and experience widespread pain across your body with no apparent cause, schedule an appointment with your physician to determine whether fibromyalgia might be the root of your ailment.
