Fibromyalgia, a chronic disease, causes musculoskeletal pain that can lead to cognitive problems, as well as extensive bodily discomfort. Even though it is not an autoimmune illness, this disease can frequently coexist with autoimmune conditions, including systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). 

It is possible for someone to misidentify the symptoms of fibromyalgia as arthritis or joint inflammation because they seem very similar to the untrained eye. That is why if you are experiencing musculoskeletal pain, it is best that you see your doctor instead of taking OTC pain relievers. Check out the 7 warning signs of fibromyalgia symptoms to know when to seek the help of a healthcare professional. 

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia, a chronic medical condition, makes your entire body feel painful and sensitive. Fibromyalgia patients typically have episodes of pain known as flare-ups, and the daily struggles of living with this issue can be draining at times. It may also be psychologically taxing to experience the ups and downs between feeling well and suddenly experiencing a flare-up of symptoms. 

Although the exact etiology of fibromyalgia is unknown, research has indicated that stress and certain medical disorders may be contributing factors behind this disease. Fibromyalgia frequently manifests as any new pain in the body, particularly in the muscles, and that’s why, even if your symptoms seem to come and go, you should see a doctor. If one of your biological parents has fibromyalgia, you may be at higher risk of developing it as well.

7 Warning Signs of Fibromyalgia 

Fibromyalgia symptoms seem to vary from person to person, but widespread pain is the primary symptom that all patients experience. Your symptoms could occasionally become better or get worse, depending on certain factors such as your stress level, the weather, and how active you are. There are available fibromyalgia therapies, but most of them only help manage the condition, not cure it.   

Take a look at the signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia and learn when to visit a doctor for treatment. 

1. Pain

Widespread pain is one of the primary signs of fibromyalgia, and your entire body gets affected by this. Certain parts, like your neck or back, might become more painful than other areas, however, that is not true for everyone. The pain usually never goes away completely, but it could get better or worse at various periods. Depending on the patient, the pain may manifest as an ache, a feeling of burning, or searing, acute pain.  

2. Stiffness

You may feel stiff all over your body if you have fibromyalgia. When you have been in one position for an extended amount of time, such as when you first get up in the morning, the stiffness could be at its worst. However, some experience continuous stiffness in their bodies at all times. 

3. Sensitivity

Your body may become extraordinarily sensitive because of fibromyalgia, and you may experience pain and discomfort from even the smallest contact. Some fibromyalgia patients develop Allodynia, a condition that produces pain from something that shouldn't hurt at all, like a very gentle touch. This extreme sensitivity might be the source of an exacerbation of your other fibromyalgia symptoms.

4. Poor sleep 

Sleep quality can be affected by fibromyalgia, and for most patients, it's common to wake up exhausted, even after getting enough sleep. This type of sleep may be referred to as non-restorative and leads to exhaustion and other health issues because you are unable to get the rest you need.  

5. Cognitive problems 

Cognitive problems caused by fibromyalgia are so widespread that it has its own name - fibro-fog. Cognitive difficulties are problems with mental functions such as learning and thinking, and when you suffer from fibromyalgia, you might have difficulty recalling and picking up new information. You may also have difficulties in focusing and paying attention.

6. Headaches

You can also have extreme headaches if your fibromyalgia has left you with neck and shoulder discomfort and stiffness. Headaches can range in severity from minor headaches to severe migraines, and they may also include other symptoms like feeling nauseated.  

7. Fatigue 

Fatigue may be a symptom of fibromyalgia, and it might vary from a slight fatigue to the kind of weariness that's frequently experienced during a flu-like sickness. Excessive fatigue can strike without warning, and you could feel too exhausted to do anything at all if this occurs.

How is Fibromyalgia Diagnosed? 

Many patients suffer for years because they misdiagnose the symptoms of fibromyalgia as normal pain. If you are wondering fibromyalgia how is it diagnosed because you want to know if you have the disease, your best option is to see a doctor. That is because the symptoms of fibromyalgia might mimic those of other disorders, therefore it takes a professional to confirm a diagnosis.

 

In order to diagnose fibromyalgia, a medical expert must rule out low thyroid function, autoimmune conditions, and Lyme disease first. The illness has no laboratory testing available, which may further contribute to a delayed or incorrect diagnosis, and cause patients more suffering. 

Three criteria have been set for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia. 

• The discomfort and symptoms must last throughout a week, along with degrees of exhaustion, restless nights, or memory issues. 
• Absence of any additional medical conditions that might account for the symptoms.
• The signs should persist for three months or longer. 

Fibromyalgia Treatment 

After the diagnosis, a personalized fibromyalgia therapies plan will be created by a rheumatologist or other expert to assist you control the illness. Usually, a mix of treatments, such as medication, a low-impact workout regimen, strategies for reducing stress, and physical rehabilitation, will be used for this.

1. Medications

For Fibromyalgia treatment, a medical expert could suggest taking OTC (over-the-counter) pain medications that will help you manage extreme pain. They may also recommend anti-seizure medications like pregabalin and antidepressants like milnacipran and duloxetine to the patients. To prevent adverse effects and drug interactions, you should always inform your healthcare provider about all other prescription and non-prescription drugs you use. 

2. Exercise

For some people, a mix of weight training and low-impact aerobic exercise might help with pain, stiffness, and sleep disruption, and exercises such as yoga and tai chi could also be beneficial. 

Final Remarks 

Fibromyalgia has no known cure, and patients live with the symptoms for the rest of their lives. However, effective fibromyalgia treatment can help with the long-term management of the disease, and these treatment regimens often combine medicine with physical therapy. Fibromyalgia affects people differently, and it is advised that you speak with a medical professional about your symptoms to know about the best available treatments for you.