Also known as fibro, fibromyalgia is a clinical syndrome that causes pain throughout the body, especially in the muscles. This is a disease considered common and can affect people of both sexes and any age. In addition to pain, the disease can cause other symptoms, such as migraine, fatigue and anxiety.
But anyone who thinks that the disease reduces the quality of life of the patient is mistaken. With current treatments, it is possible to reduce the discomfort and discomfort of the syndrome. With that in mind, we created this post to answer 6 questions and explain a little more about this syndrome. Check out.
- What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a syndrome that is considered common and affects mainly women. It is characterized by pain in the body for long periods of time, a sensitivity that affects especially tendons, muscles, joints and other soft tissues.
Accompanied by pain, those suffering from this disease may experience some other discomfort, such as fatigue, headaches and sleep disturbances . There is no age for fibromyalgia to trigger, and it can manifest itself in men and women of all ages, especially between 30 and 60 years old.
- What are the main causes?
The cause of fibromyalgia is not yet known, but it is known that some factors can be associated with the syndrome. Below, we explain a little more.
- Genetics: it is one of the most common factors, and because it is recurrent in people of the same family, there is an indicator that the disease may be caused by a genetic mutation;
- virus infections or autoimmune diseases: the syndrome has been identified in people with these infections, which indicates a relationship with the causes;
- emotional or physical trauma: some traumas that were related to the syndrome, whether physical or psychological, can trigger the disease;
- problems such as depression, anxiety, sleep disorders and physical inactivity : these are associated with those who have fibromyalgia and may be connected in some way.
Another point that should be noted is the risk factors in relation to diseases. As we explained, women are more likely to have fibromyalgia than men, especially between 30 and 60 years old. Family history and infectious or autoimmune diseases can also lead to the development of the syndrome.
- What are the symptoms?
As we explained earlier, there are some symptoms that are common during fibromyalgia attacks, but they can often be accompanied by other discomforts.
- Generalized pain: the main symptom of the syndrome is generalized pain, which usually affects regions where the soft tissues are located, such as joints, muscles and tendons – these crises can last for short periods, such as a day, or extend for up to three months;
- fatigue: excessive tiredness is one of the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia – people with the syndrome tend to wake up tired, in addition to waking up several times during the night because of pain;
- cognitive difficulties: due to pain, people with the syndrome feel more difficult to focus and concentrate, especially in activities that require greater mental effort;
- headaches and migraines: they are more common in those who suffer from fibromyalgia, and may be recurrent during crises;
- abdominal and pelvic pain: it is common for those who have the disease to also suffer from irritable bowel syndrome;
- palpitations , problems with memory and concentration, numbness in the hands and feet and difficulties in exercising.
Among the main pain points of fibromyalgia are the elbows, the buttocks, the knees, the pelvis, the thoracic region and the cervical pelvis. The pain is usually severe and of a high level, preventing the person from performing any activity.
- Is fibromyalgia curable?
In the same way that the cause of fibromyalgia has not yet been discovered, there is also no cure. But, currently, the prognosis is positive and optimistic: with the right treatment and care, it is possible to have quality of life even if living with the disease. However, some points must be taken into account for this to happen:
- avoid carrying weight;
- take medications correctly, following medical recommendations;
- avoid situations that increase stress;
- sleep well, if necessary, adapt your room and schedules;
- always try to sit in comfortable positions that do not damage your spine;
- practice physical exercises that prevent fibromyalgia attacks;
- if necessary, seek psychological help.
- How is the diagnosis made?
As it is a disease characterized by body pain crises, there is still no laboratory test to identify fibromyalgia. Therefore, the diagnosis is made through conversation with the doctor, who can be a general practitioner or rheumatologist. During the consultation, you should tell the specialist all the symptoms and pain that the patient is feeling.
Also, remember to report your family history and any discomfort or abnormal reactions you may experience. At this point, the doctor may ask some questions about the pain, such as how long it has been around and whether it ever seems worse.
- What are the treatments?
After diagnosis, treatment is developed to help control the syndrome and improve quality of life. For the treatment to be effective, medicines and daily care are combined . The main point is to minimize symptoms and improve health in general, done through:
- use of anti-inflammatory and analgesics – and, if necessary, clinical antidepressants;
- physiotherapy;
- regular physical activities;
- psychological and emotional monitoring;
- massages and acupuncture to relieve pain;
- good nights sleep.
Combined medications and activities are essential for the syndrome to be controlled. Therefore, follow medical recommendations and avoid practices that may worsen or increase pain. In many cases, psychological counseling is also necessary so that the patient does not become depressed or feel excluded from society.
As we explained, there are no laboratory tests for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Therefore, if you notice moderate to severe pain in the places described, discomfort or any of the other symptoms presented, see a doctor so that the diagnosis can be made.
