The early stages of fibromyalgia may only affect certain areas, such as the neck or shoulders. Still, as the disease progresses, the pain can spread to many other body areas, including the back, neck, arms, and chest wall. Pain in these areas is felt as tender points, which are painful to the touch or pressure. In severe cases, the patient may also experience swollen joints. In some cases, the joints do not appear swollen or inflamed.
Pain
Fibromyalgia is a common musculoskeletal condition; symptoms can range from mild to severe. It can also lead to fatigue and sleep disturbance. Patients also experience tender points that are sensitive to touch. These points are typically located in the shoulder girdle, neck, upper arm, and lower leg.
Although the exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, researchers believe a poor healing response to pain causes it. This results in increased pain sensations and a higher stress level in the body. This condition is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as irritable bowel syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Fatigue
While there is no proven cure for fibromyalgia, there are treatments that can help you manage the symptoms and avoid further complications. Physical therapy may be one way to combat fatigue, while cognitive behavioral therapy may help you improve your focus. Increasing your activity levels can help you stay healthy and prevent further health problems.
While fatigue is a common symptom of fibromyalgia patients, it is difficult to describe how it manifests in each individual. Many patients describe it as persistent, inescapable physical tiredness and weakness. It is often accompanied by other symptoms and the inability to rest.
Stress
Stress is a known cause of fibromyalgia symptoms. Finding a cure for the condition can be challenging, but there are ways to manage the symptoms. One of the most important things is to take care of yourself. Try to limit your stress and schedule time for relaxation and fun. Your body needs this time to repair itself, so avoid overworking yourself.
Increasing stress can worsen the symptoms of fibromyalgia. The causes of stress vary among people, including medical conditions and various stressors. People with fibromyalgia are often more stressed than those without the disorder. Some reasons for this are work-related stress, emotional stress, and dietary changes.
Depression
Although depression is a common symptom in many patients with fibromyalgia, it’s not specific to this condition. Depression can be a reaction to a variety of conditions, including chronic pain. Although it is not a separate entity from fibromyalgia, it is closely related to the multiple comorbidities of FM. Symptoms of depression in fibromyalgia can include anxiety and suicidal thoughts.
Fibromyalgia and depression are complex disorders. Some studies have identified subgroups of FM with markedly different levels of psychological distress. Patients with no or low psychological distress respond well to 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, while patients with significant psychological distress fail to respond to these drugs. These findings suggest that the two conditions are related, and the two disorders may be treated differently.
Foods to eat
To reduce fibromyalgia symptoms, you should try eating more foods rich in nutrients and antioxidants. However, avoiding foods high in fat and salt or low nutritional value is essential. These foods can aggravate the symptoms and make the patient feel exhausted.
Fibromyalgia symptoms are often triggered by foods that contain gluten. The same can be said for energy drinks containing sugar and caffeine, which can trigger the symptoms. You should also stay away from fried foods, as they tend to irritate the stomach.
Self-management
Self-management for fibromyalgia disease (FM) is an essential strategy for reducing symptoms and improving overall health. Fibromyalgia is a multisystem disorder characterized by chronic pain, fatigue, and concentration problems. Self-management programs aim to provide FM patients with the skills and knowledge necessary to manage their condition. These programs are delivered in multidisciplinary groups and involve education, support, goal-setting, and pacing.
Exercise is essential for people with fibromyalgia because it can help them sleep better and reduce pain. However, you shouldn’t overdo it. Avoid high-impact exercises like running or cycling unless necessary, and consult your physician before beginning any new routine. You should also avoid stress, as it can aggravate fibromyalgia symptoms.