What is fibromyalgia? The first thing you need to understand is that this is one of the most chronic and common conditions that can lead to mental and bodily distress. Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that can be difficult to understand.
People with this condition feel prevalent pain in their musculoskeletal structure along with mood issues, fatigue, memory issues, and sleep problems. Most symptoms begin after developing the condition. In some cases, it develops slowly over time with little or no triggering events.
Early Symptoms Of Fibromyalgia
It can cause symptoms such as:
- Fatigue
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Cognitive and sleep disturbances
- Certain areas of tenderness
What Is Fibromyalgia?
This is a condition characterized by widespread or extensive musculoskeletal issues. These include pain accompanied by mood and memory problems, as well as sleep and fatigue issues. According to scientists, this condition amplifies symptoms by affecting the way the spinal cord and brain process.
Fibromyalgia causes what scientists refer to as areas or regions of pain. Some of them overlap and get known as trigger or tender points. Pain and/or discomfort in these areas often feels like a dull ache.
If you are experiencing pain in four out of five areas in certain parts of your body, you may be experiencing symptoms of fibromyalgia. When evaluating these types of symptoms, your doctor will probably consider fibromyalgia.
To put it simply, this is a condition that leads to discomfort or pain and discomfort all over the body. Experts refer to it as widespread pain with symptoms such as fatigue and sleep problems. Other symptoms include mental and emotional stress. This is why people with this condition are more susceptible to pain in general.
What Causes Fibromyalgia?
Medical research is yet to definitively determine why certain people develop this condition. According to some medical experts, it may run in families. Other experts contend that certain events or conditions may bring on symptoms of fibromyalgia. These include poor sleep and certain viral illnesses and infections. Also, lack of exercise and stressors like premature birth or traumatic life events such as accidents and abuse can cause fibromyalgia.
Most Common Symptoms
Widespread and constant joint and muscle pain, along with poor sleep and fatigue, are the most common defining symptoms of fibromyalgia. That said, you need to understand that this condition affects people differently. Some of the most common symptoms you may experience include:
- Numbness or tingling in your feet or hands
- Depression or anxiety
- Memory issues
- Digestive issues such as constipation or diarrhea
- Jaw or face pain, also known as TMJ disorders
Certain things can contribute to the development of fibromyalgia. There is a test that can definitively diagnose this problem based on a physical exam and your symptoms. Although there is no cure for this condition, certain lifestyle changes and medications can help you manage the symptoms.
To learn more about fibromyalgia or to schedule an appointment, call Ellis Chiropractic at our office in Marlow, Oklahoma at (580) 721-7007 today.