Fibromyalgia is a difficult and painful condition which affects more than 40 million Americans annually. It manifests through pain all over the body, and is quite often misdiagnosed as it’s hard to detect it.
This is why it’s very important to recognize the early signs of the condition in order to start with the treatment as soon as possible and prevent severe pain.
Since there’s no cure for fibromyalgia, you can manage it with the help of light exercises, medications and cognitive behavioral therapy.
The muscle pain and tenderness can become a real problem after a while, and even painkillers won’t work. The condition doesn’t have an effect on the physical system only – it can also destroy your mental health.
Cause and diagnosis
The exact cause of fibromyalgia hasn’t been found yet, and there are no specific tests that can detect it. Doctors usually diagnose fibromyalgia by asking the patients if they have a list of symptoms you can see below.
Muscle and body symptoms
*Muscle pain
*Muscle twitching
*Morning muscle stiffness
*Muscle swelling
*Muscle tenderness
Sleeping problems
*Bruxism (teeth grinding)
*Hypnic jerk
*Fatigue
*Difficulty sleeping
*Muscle twitching and cramps overnight
Sinus and allergy symptoms
*Earaches
*Itchy ears
*Ringing ears
*Shortness of breath
*Excess mucus in the lungs
*Post-nasal drip and runny nose
Digestive problems
*Bloating, nausea, pelvic pain
*IBS
*Frequent urination
Sensory problems
*Increased sensitivity to smell, light and temperature changes
Difficult seeing in low light
Cognitive problems
*Poor coordination and balance
*Difficult recognizing familiar surroundings and faces
*Tingling in the arms
*Language impairment
*Short-term memory problems
Reproductive problems
*Low sex drive
*Impotence
*PMS
Cardiovascular problems
*Irregular heartbeat
*Valve problems
*Symptoms similar to a heart attack
Skin, nail and hair problems
*Curved or ridged nails
*Hair loss
*Scarred or easily bruised skin
Mental problems
*Mood swings
*Anxiety and irritability
*Panic attacks
*Depression
Other symptoms
*Sudden weight loss or weight gain
*Vision problems
*Night sweats
*Headaches and migraines
*Carb cravings
*Chocolate cravings
If you notice that you’re experiencing some or a combination of symptoms from the list, we suggest visiting a doctor as soon as possible. In order to treat and prevent fibromyalgia, you can use acupuncture, breathing exercises, yoga or Tai Chi. Add some anti-inflammatory foods in your diet such as ginger and turmeric, and make sure to get magnesium, vitamin B12 and vitamin D supplements.