Common signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a long-term disorder that causes tenderness and pain in all the parts of the body. It is the second most common health condition that affects the soft tissues, muscles, and bones in the body. As of today, the exact cause fibromyalgia is still unknown. Researchers believe that this condition amplifies the sensations of pain by affecting the way in which the brain processes the signals of pain.

Below is some information about the risk factors for fibromyalgia, it’s causes, its symptoms, and more.

What are the risk factors for fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is one of the most common pain disorders in the world. On an average, about ten million adults in the country suffer from this condition. The risk factors for fibromyalgia include:

• Sex – Women are said to be more prone to this condition as compared to men.
• Family history – If someone in an individual’s family or relatives is suffering from fibromyalgia, he/she is at a higher risk of suffering from it too.
• Other health conditions – An individual is at a higher risk of suffering from fibromyalgia if he/she is suffering from osteoarthritis, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis.

What are the common causes of fibromyalgia?
As stated earlier, the exact cause of fibromyalgia is still unknown; however, it involves several factors working together. Some of these factors include:

• Genetics- Genetics plays a major role in fibromyalgia as it tends to run in families. Certain genetic mutations may make an individual more susceptible to this health condition.
• Infections- Certain illnesses tend to aggravate fibromyalgia.
• Emotional and/or physical trauma- Fibromyalgia can be triggered by some trauma. This trauma could be emotional as well as physical. Stress tends to increase the chances of being affected by fibromyalgia.

What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?
If an individual notices any or all of the below signs and symptoms associated with fibromyalgia, he/she should consult a doctor as soon as possible. Below is a list of symptoms to look out for:

• Pain in all the joints and muscles. This can be a shooting pain or even continuous tingling in parts of the body.
• Fatigue that doesn’t get better even after having adequate rest and sleep.
• Even after an individual is exhausted and tired, he/she has trouble falling or staying asleep. Waking up several times and having a disturbed sleep are common symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.
• Like most chronic conditions, symptoms of fibromyalgia include anxiety disorders and depression.
• Brain fog, a condition where an individual feels spaced out and finds it difficult to focus. He/she might have trouble finding the right words and feels disconnected temporarily.
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) seems to co-occur with fibromyalgia. Research to link the two is still underway.
• While waking up, an individual with fibromyalgia might experience stiffness and pain when trying to get out of bed.
• Sensitivity to odors, sounds, and light.
• Experiencing symptoms that are characteristic of the flu including tiredness, aches in the body, and feeling extremely cold.
• Sensitivity to touch. Even the slightest brush of clothing itself may be painful for patients with fibromyalgia.

How can fibromyalgia be treated?
The treatment for fibromyalgia includes medication as well as self-care. After a diagnosis is made, the treatment plan usually focuses on reducing the symptoms associated with this illness and improving overall health. One treatment cannot work for all the symptoms. Below is some more information about the two factors involved in the treatment:

• Medication – Medicines are prescribed to ease the pain as well as aid better sleep in fibromyalgia patients. Common medicines given by the doctor to the patients are pain relievers, anti-seizure medicines, and/or anti-depressants.
• Therapy – A mix of different therapies can help in treating fibromyalgia. Physical therapy involving exercising for improving flexibility, strength, and energy levels. Counseling in which a therapist helps the patient cope with the illness along with teaching different ways in which he/she could cope with this chronic pain might be helpful. Therapy to help an individual perform better at his/her workplace while ensuring minimal stress in put on the body.