Fibromyalgia

What is fibromyalgia?

Imagine having a condition that causes widespread pain and affects how you move, function, and live. Flare-ups come and go and vary in intensity. The pain can strike one area but also move around to other parts of the body. Perhaps worst of all, the cause of fibromyalgia is still unknown. Doctors often can't find any physical source for symptoms, and blood tests, x-rays, and other test results are usually normal.

This mysterious and often misunderstood condition causes pain, aches, and stiffness in muscles and joints throughout the body.

In addition to pain, fibromyalgia can trigger extreme fatigue, headaches, anxiety, depression, and trouble with concentration and memory. And the symptoms are often long-lasting.

While not a deadly disease, fibromyalgia can significantly impact one's emotional well-being and overall quality of life. It strikes people of all ages, but it's more common in women than men. It also runs in families. The risk of developing fibromyalgia is much higher if a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, also has the condition.

What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?

Not everyone with fibromyalgia experiences the same symptoms or severity. The most common symptom is widespread chronic pain. Flare-ups can feel like anything from a constant, dull ache to sharp, incapacitating pain.

Muscles and joints in various parts of the body are affected, especially in the back, shoulders, upper arms, hips, and legs. There are several telltale signs of fibromyalgia, including pain that moves from one part of the body to another, and often tender points - areas that feel painful to the touch. Sufferers may also experience frequent joint stiffness, especially in the morning.

In addition to pain and stiffness, people often report intense fatigue, distorted sleep (difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking, lack of restorative sleep), numbness and tingling in the hands or feet, and digestive issues like constipation and bloating. Other conditions, such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease, may accompany fibromyalgia.

Although the pain occurs in muscles and joints, there's no swelling, redness, or other signs of inflammation. All of this makes diagnosing the condition difficult.

What is the best treatment for fibromyalgia?

Finding relief from fibromyalgia can be a challenge. Because there is no known cure, fibromyalgia treatment involves managing symptoms and preventing flare-ups.

The best treatment strategy begins with finding a doctor who understands fibromyalgia, such as a rheumatologist or pain specialist. However, many primary-care doctors also diagnose and treat the condition. You also may need to consult other health care providers such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, neurologist, chiropractor, or physical therapist.

There are various options for treating fibromyalgia. The most common are medications such as pregabalin (Lyrica) or duloxetine (Cymbalta), cognitive behavioral therapy, and exercise. These may be effective alone or in combination.

Treatment strategies differ for each patient. You'll work with your doctor to create a program that addresses your symptoms and related conditions.