Fibromyalgia
(Myofascial Pain Syndrome; Fibrositis; Fibromyositis)
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes you to have pain and tenderness all over your body, extreme tiredness, and sleep problems.
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You may have pain, stiffness, or achiness throughout your body, and certain parts of your body may be tender to the touch
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Fibromyalgia is uncomfortable and unpleasant, but it's not dangerous or fatal
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There's no damage to your muscles, brain, or nerves
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Fibromyalgia is more common in women
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You may be more likely to have fibromyalgia if you have stress, have had an infection or injury, or people in your family have it
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There’s no cure for fibromyalgia, but doctors can help you manage your symptoms
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Some medicines, exercising, putting heat on sore muscles, and getting massages can help
What causes fibromyalgia?
What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?
What problems go along with fibromyalgia?
How can doctors tell if I have fibromyalgia?
Doctors will ask about your symptoms. They'll examine you to see if your muscles are tender but still strong.
Blood tests can help doctors determine if you have another disease with similar symptoms, such as polymyalgia. Fibromyalgia won't cause any abnormal results on lab tests or imaging studies (like x-rays or MRI).
How do doctors treat fibromyalgia?
Doctors will have you treat your symptoms by taking these steps:
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Reduce your stress
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Recognize that there’s no life-threatening disease causing your pain
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Stretch your muscles gently for about 30 seconds and repeat 5 times
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Do exercises that don't hurt your muscles or joints such as walking or swimming
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Apply heat or gently massage the area that hurts
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Keep warm
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Get enough sleep
Improve your sleep by:
Doctors may prescribe medicines to help with symptoms, such as:
Sometimes, physical therapy and talk therapy (cognitive-behavioral therapy) can help.
Fibromyalgia tends to be chronic (long-lasting) but may get better on its own if you take care of yourself and have less stress.
