Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread pain in the muscles and soft tissues. This pain is felt above and below the waist and on both sides of the body. People with fibromyalgia feel pain, tenderness, or both even when there is no injury or inflammation. The pain can be long-lasting (chronic). But fibromyalgia isn't life-threatening, and it doesn't damage the muscles, joints, or internal organs.

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome or a set of symptoms that occur together. It has no cure. When it's not controlled, you may not have any energy. Or you may feel depressed or have trouble sleeping. But with treatment, most people with fibromyalgia are able to work and do their regular activities.

The main symptoms of fibromyalgia are:

• Deep or burning pain in your muscles or joints. Pain can be in many places in your body.
• Tender points (or trigger points) on the body that hurt when pressed.

People with fibromyalgia may have other problems along with pain, such as:

• Anxiety or depression.
• Fatigue that gets in the way of work and daily activities.
• Sleep problems, such as trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, or waking up feeling tired.
• Headaches.
• Morning stiffness.
• Trouble thinking clearly.
• Irritable bowel syndrome.

Symptoms tend to come and go. You may have times when you hurt more, followed by times when symptoms happen less often, are milder, or are absent (remission). Some people find that their symptoms are worse in cold and damp weather, during times of stress, or when they try to do too much.

There are no specific tests for fibromyalgia. You'll probably have lab tests to make sure that you don't have another condition that causes pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Your doctor will also ask questions about your medical history and do a physical exam.

Doctors use a set of guidelines to diagnose fibromyalgia. You may be diagnosed with fibromyalgia if you have:

• Widespread pain. Pain is widespread if it's above and below your waist and on the right and left sides of your body.
• Other symptoms such as fatigue, trouble sleeping, and trouble thinking.
• Symptoms that have lasted for at least 3 months.
• No other medical explanation for why you feel this way.

Fibromyalgia is sometimes diagnosed or described using pain and tenderness at 18 specific spots on the body. These spots are called tender points or trigger points.

Treatment is focused on managing pain, fatigue, depression, and other symptoms common in fibromyalgia. The goal is to break the cycle of increased sensitivity to pain and decreased physical activity.

You may be able to control your symptoms by:

Getting regular exercise.

This is one of the best ways to manage the pain.

Taking medicine.

Medicines may help you sleep better, relax your muscles, or relieve muscle and joint pain.

Going to counseling.

This can help you cope with long-term (chronic) pain.

Taking care of yourself.

Good self-care includes finding better ways to handle stress, having good sleep habits, and talking to your doctor if you have symptoms of depression.

Some people with fibromyalgia also find complementary therapies helpful. These include tai chi, behavioral therapy, and relaxation techniques.

Finding the right treatment can take time. You may have to try several different treatments to find an approach that works for you.

• Exercise often. Walk, swim, or bike to help with pain and sleep problems and to make you feel better.
• Try to get a good night's sleep. Go to bed and get up at the same time each day, whether you feel rested or not. Make sure you have a good mattress and pillow.
• Reduce stress. Avoid things that cause you stress, if you can. If not, work at making them less stressful. Learn to use biofeedback, guided imagery, meditation, or other methods to relax.
• Make healthy changes. Eat a balanced diet, quit smoking, and limit alcohol and caffeine.
• Use a heating pad set on low or take warm baths or showers for pain. Using cold packs for up to 20 minutes at a time can also relieve pain. Put a thin cloth between the cold pack and your skin. A gentle massage might help too.
• Be safe with medicines. Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. Your doctor may talk to you about taking antidepressant medicines. These medicines may improve sleep, relieve pain, and in some cases treat depression.
• Learn about fibromyalgia. This makes coping easier. Then, take an active role in your treatment.
• Think about joining a support group with others who have fibromyalgia to learn more and get support.