Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain in the muscles and joints that doesn’t go away. It can also make people tired, sleepy, forgetful, and vulnerable to anxiety and depression. Though the exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, experts believe that fibromyalgia might make the way pain is experienced in the body worse by changing the way the brain handles pain signals. Before a person with fibromyalgia can be diagnosed, they usually have to have had widespread, constant pain for at least three months.
How Can Someone Tell Whether They Have Fibromyalgia?
Because there is no laboratory or imaging test for fibromyalgia, diagnosing the condition can be difficult. Although the exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, the symptoms usually get worse over time, even if there wasn’t a specific event that started it. Fibromyalgia can be caused by a number of things, such as a physical injury, a lot of emotional stress, surgery, or an infection. A doctor will examine all of the patient’s present symptoms in order to come to a diagnosis of fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia and Body Pain
Pain from fibromyalgia can show up in many different places on the body, such as the muscles, the stomach, the back, and the neck. The musculoskeletal system is made up of the skeleton’s bones, tendons, ligaments, muscles, cartilage, and joints, as well as other connective tissues that hold organs and tissues together and support, all of which can be affected by fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia causes widespread pain throughout the body that can vary greatly in severity and may become worsened by stress or “flare ups”.
When diagnosing fibromyalgia, a doctor will focus on what is known as the “18 points” of pain, despite the fact that the condition can cause a wide variety of painful feelings. When pressed, each of these nine pairs of pressure points not only causes discomfort locally but also has the potential to refer to pain in other parts of the body. People who do not have fibromyalgia do not experience the same levels of pain in these locations as people who do have the ailment. The following are some of the points:
- The back of one’s head and neck
- Elbows
- Hips
- Upper back
- Back of the knees
- Knees
- Shoulders
- Chest
In addition to these specific pain areas, people with fibromyalgia may also feel a wide variety of different types of pain throughout their bodies. Pain that is constant, pain that changes throughout the day, sharp pain, or pain that is very severe are all signs of this disease.
Fibromyalgia Is a Condition That Affects the Body
In addition to having constant pain, people with fibromyalgia often have a wide range of other symptoms all over their bodies. This condition usually causes malaise, fatigue, and a general feeling of being tired all the time. In addition, many folks complain about having headaches and having tight joints.
One of the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia is cramping in the muscles. Furthermore, people living with fibromyalgia are often prone to experiencing involuntary muscle contractions that can strike at any time without warning and frequently result in a painful level of distress.
Issues with the Senses
Patients who have fibromyalgia frequently experience issues with their senses. For example, those who are afflicted with the condition may experience an enhanced sensitivity to pain as well as to cold. Similarly, many people complain of a prickling or tingling sensation in their limbs, particularly in their hands and feet. Tingling sensations that come and go in the foot are common symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Problems Falling Asleep and Mood Swings Associated with Fibromyalgia
Unfortunately, for those who have fibromyalgia, mood changes and poor sleep quality are typically connected to more severe symptoms of the illness. Along with irritability, depression is a common sign of fibromyalgia that affects many people.
One of the most common signs of fibromyalgia is having trouble falling asleep and waking up more often during the night. One of the most common sleep issues that are related to fibromyalgia is a condition called restless leg syndrome (RLS). It is yet unknown what causes the neurological condition known as RLS. Restless leg syndrome (RLS) causes the legs to feel like they are crawling or creeping, as well as pulling or burning. These sensations could start off very light, but they can quickly become excruciating.
People with restless legs syndrome (RLS) have a strong need to move their legs to get rid of their symptoms. Sensations frequently begin after the individual has reached a state of relaxation. They are most common when the individual is attempting to sleep or is really asleep. This results in the affected individual losing hours of sleep, which leaves them feeling exhausted and forces them to confront their myriad of other health problems the following morning on an empty tank.
Issues with Cognitive Functioning and Fibromyalgia
Some instances of these challenges are forgetfulness and an inability to concentrate properly. One of the signs of the illness that is often called “fibro-fog” is the inability to focus, pay attention, and concentrate on mental tasks. Because of this, the person has a hard time remembering things and is always confused.
Depression and anxiety are also common symptoms of fibromyalgia. They can be caused by a number of things, such as constant pain, trouble sleeping, or trouble paying attention.
Seeking Medical Care for One’s Symptoms
If you have been experiencing the majority of these symptoms, you may have fibromyalgia that has not yet been identified. You should make an appointment at Atlas Total Health Chiropractic as soon as possible to start talking about fibromyalgia treatments that will help you feel more like your best self again. If you are suffering from pain, contact Atlas Total Health Chiropractic by calling (866) 668-0108 or contact us online to schedule your consultation. Discover what we can do for you to assist you with feeling better and restore you to optimal health.
