FIBROMYALGIA
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition. It is often associated with widespread symptoms including fatigue, pain and sleep disturbances.
Causes and Risk Factors
It is unclear as to what causes fibromyalgia. However, there are some causes which might be increasing your risk of getting fibromyalgia:
Genetics-
You could be ay a higher risk for fibromyalgia if it runs in your family
Stress-
Emotional or physical stresses have been known to aggravate or cause this condition
Age-
Women have been found to be at a higher risk
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia:
The symptoms may vary from individual to individual but, following are some of the commonest symptoms-
Fatigue-
One of the commonest symptom is fatigue
Pain-
Pain that lasts > 3 months and widespread pain at several sites in the body
Sleep disturbances-
You could have sleep disturbances or non restorative sleep (sleeping for long but not feeling rested)
Reduced exercise tolerance and morning stiffness.
Other symptoms include trouble with concentration/memory. It is also called ‘fibro fog’ or ‘brain fog’. Headaches and depression are also common. It is common to have fluctuations in the symptoms. You may experience pain that may range from a mild discomfort/ache to an unbearable pain.
Although it may mimic more like an arthritis/ bone related pain, it actually comes from the soft tissues. Fibromyalgia can start at any age. However, mostly it is by early to middle adulthood that people start feeling it.
Diagnosis:
Your doctor will take a detailed history to understand all of your symptoms. There is no definitive test to diagnose this condition. However, the doctors may prescribe you to do other tests like blood work or X-rays to rule out other conditions that show similar symptoms.
How do you treat it?
Drugs-
The treatment is usually focused on relieving the symptoms. For instance, your doctor may prescribe muscle relaxants, pain killers, anti-depressants or sleep medications,
Acupuncture-
To help relieve pain
Cognitive Behavior Therapy-
Cognitive Behavior Therapy can help to reduce stress. Can be individual or group therapy.
Nutrition-
A healthy balanced diet is good because it helps to keep your body healthy and keep the energy levels high.
Massage therapy-
Helps in relaxing the muscles and relieve pain
Activity pacing-
There may be good and bad days in this condition. Thus, it is important to make sure you prioritize your activities for the day. This is helpful in order to reduce excessive fatigue.
Physiotherapy-
Physiotherapy can help to firstly, reduce your pain. Secondly, they can give guidance on modifying activities and finally, prescribe exercises. In addition, aerobic fitness and strengthening exercises help in this condition.
How can we help?
Our physiotherapists will take a detailed history followed by a thorough evaluation of all your symptoms and problem areas. Then, they will formulate and discuss a treatment plan for you. Also, we have massage therapists and therapists who do acupuncture. Thus, if you are having fibromyalgia or know anyone who needs help with the same, contact us today at PhysioNow!
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