Who is prone to fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is considered to be a commonly occurring chronic syndrome. It causes cognitive issues, fatigue, and body pain. There are many who tend to confuse its symptoms with that of joint inflammation or arthritis. This condition might coexist commonly with other autoimmune disorders like systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. However, it cannot be termed to be an autoimmune disorder. This health ailment is not known to cause any muscle or joint damage and/or inflammation. However, the person’s feelings of muscle and joint pain may get increase.

Who can be affected by fibromyalgia?

It occurs mainly among females. Some of its symptoms include fatigue, widespread pain, somatic, psychiatric, or cognitive symptoms, and unrefreshing sleep. Even though currently no tests are available to detect fibromyalgia, doctors are said to refer patients to undergo X-rays and lab tests to rule out other conditions that might resemble this health ailment. Moreover, no single cause is cited for this ailment. Several aspects like mood and sleep disorders, traumatic physical or emotional events, and genetics might contribute to this condition. Presently, no proven cure exists to treat this condition completely. But doctors may prescribe certain medications, behavioral therapy, acupuncture, and exercise to provide relief from the symptoms. It also helps improvement in sleep quality.

An overview

It is termed to be a common cause that is associated with generalized chronic musculoskeletal pain. Adults of 18 and above are found to experience this condition. Studies conducted on several patients have revealed that natal females tend to contract this ailment much more when compared to natal males. The patient can be at a higher risk of contracting this condition following RA, traumatic injury along with other autoimmune diseases like lupus. Even genetic factors could increase the chances of this condition. Checking out healthylineoutlet.com will give a better idea of how to proceed with the treatment.

Symptoms noticed

A few common symptoms that are experienced by those developing this ailment include headaches, muscle and joint stiffness especially after sleeping, and widespread pain. The other symptoms are numbness and tingling in feet and hands, irregular sleep patterns, sensitivity towards heat or cold, and restless legs syndrome. Patients are even found to feel fatigued, have difficulties with concentration and memory, are referred to as ‘fibro fog’, and suffer from IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).

Treatment offered

It is not easy to manage this health condition alone. Hence, medication attention will be desired. A medical specialist or rheumatologist will help design the treatment program with the objective to manage this condition. Typically, it involves the combination of non-pharmacological and pharmacological therapies. Since fibromyalgia is considered to be a syndrome, different kinds of symptoms are experienced by the patients. Therefore, there will be desired to devise an individual plan for treatment. It will include psychotherapy, acupuncture, exercise program of low impact, chiropractic, physical therapy, massage, drugs like antidepressants, nerve pain medication, and muscle relaxers. Also is suggested psychotherapy like CBT and stress reduction techniques are.

Medications

For certain symptoms, the doctor may prescribe certain medications. It includes OTC pain relievers. However, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are not recommended for treatment purposes. Rather, antidepressants are prescribed like milnacipran (Savella), duloxetine (Cymbalta), and anti-seizure drugs like pregabalin (Lyrica). Patients should let know their doctor if they are taking any other medications. This is to avoid interactions and unwanted side effects.

Exercise

Besides medication programs, patients may also consider availing of home-based and alternative remedies to manage such symptoms. Low-impact resistance training and aerobic exercise when combined will be useful. It can reduce tenderness, pain, sleep disturbance, and stiffness. Other practices also have proven to be effective like qi, yoga, and tai chi.

Psychotherapy

Such sessions can prove to be helpful to those suffering from pain symptoms. CBT form of behavior modification therapy that aims to reduce pain-increasing or stress-reducing behaviors. It also enhances positive behaviors while including relaxation exercises and learning coping skills. With CBT exercises, it is possible to reduce pain symptoms while ensuring long-term management. Expression therapies and emotional awareness do have a positive impact on pain symptoms. The medication also does help alleviate pain sensations and stress.

Acupuncture

This therapy can help enhance life quality among individuals suffering from this condition. There may be required several sessions that again are based on the symptoms experienced and their severity. Pain symptoms can be alleviated by availing of complementary treatments like massage and acupuncture.

Diet

Any treatment plan is likely to include a well-planned diet regimen. Certain dietary changes are likely to assist in managing the condition. It includes removing gluten-based foods to reduce fibromyalgia pain even in those not experiencing the celiac disease. Equally important is the consumption of low-sugar-based, high-energy foods. It will be better to avoid fermentable oligosaccharides, polyols (FODMAP), monosaccharides, and disaccharides.

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