Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that causes widespread pain. What causes fibromyalgia is still debated by medical professionals and sufferers worldwide.

It usually starts in the neck and shoulders area but can spread anywhere from the head to the toes. The pain often worsens when you sit or stand for long periods of time, get cold, or get too much sun.

Fibromyalgia affects up to 3% of people worldwide, making it more common than multiple sclerosis, lupus, and juvenile arthritis combined. It can also happen alongside other conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome and depression. Fibromyalgia can make it difficult to sleep at night, and it can be difficult to think clearly or focus on tasks. Here are some facts about fibromyalgia that may surprise you!

Understanding Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a condition that affects people’s lives. It can greatly impact your life and the quality of it. Fibromyalgia is not just about having chronic pain in your body but also about many other aspects.

One of the most common misconceptions about fibromyalgia is that it’s all in your head. This isn’t true! The pain from fibromyalgia often has physical causes like inflammation or nerve damage. The way it feels in your body can be confusing and difficult to manage, so this misconception leads people to imagine the pain.

Another thing to keep in mind is that you may feel better one day only to start the symptoms later on. It’s a cycle that can go on for months or years before any improvement happens.

Myths about Fibromyalgia

• Myth: Fibromyalgia only happens to women.
• Myth: Fibromyalgia is just a part of ageing.
• Myth: Fibromyalgia occurs because people have too much stress in their lives.
• Myth: Fibromyalgia is a mental health condition.
• Myth: You’re not really in pain; you just think you are.

What Causes Fibromyalgia?

The cause of fibromyalgia is usually not known. But it’s also likely caused by various environmental factors and genetic predispositions passed down through families.

Fibromyalgia can make it difficult to sleep at night, and it can be difficult to think clearly or focus on tasks. Fibromyalgia affects up to 3% of people worldwide, making it more common than multiple sclerosis, lupus, and juvenile arthritis combined.

It can also happen alongside other conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome and depression.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Fibromyalgia

The first step to diagnosis is to talk to your doctor. There is still confusion over what causes fibromyalgia; it is harder for doctors to pinpoint a certain time or date when it could have been triggered. Instead, you will likely go through the route of eliminating other conditions before getting your diagnosis. The length of time it takes to get your diagnosis can vary. Your GP might be happy to confirm this condition, or you may need to be referred to a rheumatologist.

At this point, there is no cure for fibromyalgia. You may have a physical exam and blood work done to rule out other diseases or injuries that might cause your symptoms. Treatment includes therapies like massage therapy and physical therapy that help with joint stiffness and muscle soreness associated with fibromyalgia and prescription drugs like muscle relaxers that help with the pain caused by fibromyalgia. In addition to medication treatment options, certain types of exercise like Pilates or yoga can help manage chronic pain associated with fibromyalgia.

Moderating your diet, cutting out certain food groups and avoiding caffeine and alcohol have been touted as ways to improve fibromyalgia symptoms. However, the benefit can vary from person to person.

What Causes Fibromyalgia Flare-Ups?

What causes fibromyalgia flare-ups varies from person to person. No two people experience the condition the same way, and the triggers, while similar, will be different for everyone.

Too much physical activity or not enough can trigger a flare-up, as can eating the wrong foods, being in stressful situations, being ill, and so much more.

Flare-ups can exhibit in different ways. Some people experience increased pain levels for the duration, ranging from a few hours to a few months. Others may have increased pain and exhaustion levels or brain fog, making it harder to think and complete tasks.

If you are concerned about fibromyalgia and want a diagnosis, talk to your GP for clarification and find out your next steps.