Fibromyalgia is a musculoskeletal disorder. According to WebMD, it causes muscle and joint pains, memory and mood issues, and fatigue. It is the second common musculoskeletal disorder after osteoarthritis, but there are still questions about it even in the medical world.
At this time there is no cure for this disorder. Women are more likely to suffer from it than men. The symptoms are similar to osteoarthritis, so it is important to understand the signs and risk factors to make sure you get all the required treatment.
Risk Factors
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are three main risk factors that can increase the possibility for you to get fibromyalgia. Those are:
Sex. Women develop the disorder more often than men.
Rheumatic disease. Having rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can increase your chances.
Family history. If anyone of your family has fibromyalgia, you are more likely to get it too.
Symptoms
This disease often causes fatigue and widespread pain. It may feel like some parts of your body are overworked. It can also influence sleeping habits and cause depression. Here are some other symptoms.
• Dryness in your mouth, nose and eyes
• Chronic headaches
• Hypersensitivity to cold and/or heat
• Inability to concentrate
• Abdominal pain
• Hypersensitivity to cold and/or heat
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Numbness or tingling in your fingers and feet
• Stiffness
• Incontinence
Treatment
To determine if you have fibromyalgia, you doctor has to run blood tests to discount other conditions that can cause pain and fatigue. All the other possible causes should be eliminated. If you are sure you have fibromyalgia, here are some advices based on the Mayo Clinic.
Antidepressants. Such medication can help you with pain and fatigue that comes along with fibromyalgia. Make sure you ask your doctors before making a choice.
Pain relievers. Those can be used to lessen discomfort and ley you sleep better. It can be anything from ibuprofen to prescription pain-relief products.
Antiseizure drugs. These kinds of drugs can help you to reduce the pain that is caused by fibromyalgia.
In any case, if you have any doubts, you should see your doctor.
