Fibromyalgia is characterized as musculoskeletal pain and tenderness, resulting in further fatigue, loss of sleep, memory loss, and mood disturbance. Fibromyalgia is more common in women than in men; symptoms of the disease are usually seen to arise after physical trauma or surgery, infections, or severe psychological stress. Some patients may also develop the symptoms of the disease over time, with no single triggering event. Most patients of Fibromyalgia also develop other disorders such as tension headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, and depression.

There are many symptoms associated with Fibromyalgia, the most common one being the continuous pain and aching in the muscles. People may experience pain in the abdomen, back, and neck as well. The type of problem can range widely based on the patient’s condition and severity. The pain may be chronic, diffused, sharp, or severe. These symptoms are more pronounced at night, leading to problems with sleeping. This can lead to added fatigue, tiredness, and unease in the body. With the loss of sleep, there are many changes in mood that one may also experience. Someone who has Fibromyalgia may share feelings of anxiety, mood swings, nervousness, and depression. If not handled carefully by professionals, these mental health issues can quickly spiral out of control. Patients also experience problems with digestion and excretion. They may feel constipated and nauseous. A condition known as the “fibro fog” is used to define a patient’s cognitive difficulties. The “fibro fog” is characterized by the loss of focus and concentration while performing mental tasks.

Medical science has a limited understanding of what causes Fibromyalgia and how it affects the body. Causes range from genetics and infections to physical and emotional trauma. Doctors believe that the repeated stimulation of nerves in patients’ brains permanently changes the way it works. This causes abnormal changes in the level of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Some of these neurotransmitters are associated with pain signals, leading to the sensation of pain in the body constantly. The body becomes more sensitive to pain as the brain’s nerve system develops a “memory” of what causes pain; thus, sometimes overreacting to pain. Certain risk factors are associated with Fibromyalgia; things such as your sex, family history, and medical disorders can increase your chances of developing the disease.

While there is no known cure for Fibromyalgia, there are various medications and treatments that can help reduce the disease’s symptoms. With many of Fibromyalgia symptoms, it becomes hard to function in your daily work and personal life. This drop in productivity can be a huge problem that needs to be handled effectively. Psychotherapy and talk therapy can help reduce the negative patterns developed in the brain, thus helping reduce symptoms. Good self-care, eating healthy, and working towards improving sleep can be hugely beneficial. Stress reduction activities such as physical therapy, relaxation, and breathing exercises can also have a tremendous positive impact. Specific medication can help reduce the effect of symptoms, too. If you are experiencing any of the problems outlined in this article, please consult a medical professional. A doctor can help diagnose your situation correctly, help you find the right medication, and possible therapy to help improve your life quality.