Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a disorder that affects the muscles and soft tissues. Symptoms include severe body pains, mental distress, joint pains like arthritis, fatigue, and sleep problems, which can be managed through proper medications and lifestyle changes. These symptoms accumulate over a period of time due to physical trauma, surgery, infection or psychological stress. No lab tests or X-rays show up the problem. Fibromyalgia does not damage your joints or organs. Women between 35 to 60 years of age have high chances of developing fibromyalgia. Women are more likely to get 10 times more than men.

Main symptoms: muscle pain throughout the body, sleep problems, stiffness in joints and muscles, headache, irritable bowel syndrome, painful menstrual cramps, sensitivity to cold and heat, restless leg syndrome, fatigue, anxiety or depression, numbness or tingling. Often comes with: Migraine, painful bladder syndrome, pelvic and urinary problems, nausea, joint disorders.

The exact cause is not known. Present thinking suggests fibromyalgia is a problem with central pain processing in the brain, where there may be an enlarged sensitivity or perception of pain. Factors include: - Physical trauma such as car accident - Genetics - Repetitive injuries - Rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune diseases - Central nervous system problems

There is no permanent cure, but it can be managed with medications and therapies including: regular exercises, acupuncture, psychological therapies, occupational therapy, massage, chiropractic care. Drugs: OTC pain relievers, Antidepressants (duloxetine, milnacipran), Anti-seizure drugs (gabapentin, pregabalin). Managing symptoms: Exercise (swimming, walking, cycling), balanced diet, acupuncture, behavior modification therapy, quality sleep with proper routine.