Fibromyalgia

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain and spinal cord process painful and nonpainful signals. Symptoms often begin after an event, such as physical trauma, surgery, infection, or significant psychological stress. In other cases, symptoms gradually accumulate over time with no single triggering event. Women are more likely to develop fibromyalgia than men.

Symptoms

Diagnosis

Diagnosis involves: • Meeting diagnostic criteria (widespread pain for at least 3 months) • Evaluation of pain in at least 4 of 5 regions of the body • Assessment of fatigue, cognitive issues, and other symptoms • Blood tests to rule out other conditions (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus) • Complete blood count • Thyroid function tests • Cyclic citrullinated peptide test • Rheumatoid factor • Vitamin D levels • Sleep study if sleep apnea suspected

Treatment

Treatment focuses on symptom management: • Medications: pain relievers, antidepressants, anti-seizure drugs • Physical therapy to improve strength and flexibility • Occupational therapy to reduce strain on body • Counseling to manage stress and coping strategies • Regular exercise (low-impact aerobic activities) • Stress management techniques (yoga, meditation, tai chi) • Sleep hygiene improvements • Cognitive behavioral therapy • Acupuncture • Massage therapy • Dietary changes • Pacing activities to avoid flare-ups