Fibromyalgia is one of those conditions that is still greatly misunderstood. Despite much research into, there doesn’t seem to be any explanation or reason why some people are afflicted with this condition over others.

Looking into how and why is something that has been explored by many different experts in their fields, yet a conclusive answer and definitive treatment guide is yet to be universally acknowledged. With an estimated 1.5 to 2 million sufferers of Fibromyalgia in the UK alone, many people are struggling to live with a wide range of varying symptoms associated with this condition.

What Exactly is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia or Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a condition that causes tiredness and widespread pain across the body. Sufferers can often feel different pain levels ranging from mild aches to complete exhaustion and debilitating pain.

There is no treatment or cure for this condition, but rather, sufferers are treated with a range of painkillers, antidepressants along with other medications, therapies and exercise programmes.

What Are The Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia can vary from person to person, but the most commonly identified symptoms are as follows;

• Tiredness
• Exhaustion from little to no activity or day to day tasks
• Difficulty sleeping or non-restorative sleep
• Widespread pain and aches in joints and muscles
• Brain fog or the inability to think properly or communicate
• Stiffness
• Pain in feet and/or restless leg syndrome
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Headaches
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Clumsiness
• Tingling in fingers, toes, limbs
• Painful periods in women
• Depression
• Feeling too hot or too cold – an inability to regulate body temperature.

It’s important to remember that no all sufferers follow the same pattern of symptoms or experience all of the mentioned symptoms. Those with Fibromyalgia can often feel pain at different levels on different days. The irregular and the inconsistent way the condition affects sufferers means that people can fluctuate from having a perfect low pain day to being in agony and completely exhausted at what seems like the flip of a switch.

What Causes Fibromyalgia?

There isn’t an exact known cure for Fibromyalgia; medical professionals attribute the onset of Fibromyalgia to stress, injury or trauma. Fibromyalgia more commonly affects women over men and is more commonly presented in those over the age of 30. however, many people can experience Fibromyalgia symptoms at any age and for some with no reason at all.

Many people experience Fibromyalgia alongside other symptoms or conditions too, such as ME, MS, Lupus, Arthritis and more.

How Is Fibromyalgia Diagnosed?

As there is no one size fits all or definitive reason as to why some people get Fibromyalgia, and others don’t – it is widely thought to be down to a chemical imbalance in the brain, there is no one way to diagnose Fibromyalgia. For this reason, it becomes essential to rule out all other conditions which present with the same or similar symptoms.

Your doctor will take into account all of your symptoms and then have you undertake the required tests to rule out other conditions. The tests could include, blood tests, MRI scans, abdominal scans and more to rule out other conditions.

Getting a Fibromyalgia Diagnosis.

Personally, I was diagnosed by my GP. However, others have been referred to a Rheumatologist to receive their diagnosis. Once you have your diagnosis, you can then work with your GP to find treatments and therapies that work for you.

I currently Mirtazapine medication for depression which helps me to sleep of a night as without them, I lie awake all night. I don’t refresh, but I know I am getting sleep anyway. I use a combination of over the counter therapies and exercises to help me.

Exercise is highly recommended for people living with Fibromyalgia. It can be helpful when managing pain levels and keep joints flexible. Many people take pain medication to help the pain levels become more manageable and help them to function throughout the day. Everyone is different, and there is no hard and fast rule as to what medication you should take for Fibromyalgia or what will work best for you.

Self Help for Fibromyalgia.

Many people work hard to manage their condition and identify what makes them feel better and what doesn’t. Sufferers are likely to experience flare-ups meaning their symptoms are considerably worse than usual. This can present in higher pain levels, decreases in concentration or extreme exhaustion. As you get to grips with how your body reacts to different stimuli, you will become adept at managing your condition as best you can and learning to be intuitive to your body and condition to help you live your life to the fullest.