If you have fibromyalgia, it’s essential to get the proper treatment. Your doctor may order blood tests, x-rays, and scans to rule out other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus, or Sjogren’s syndrome.
Several natural remedies can help you cope with pain and stress. These include relaxation techniques, herbal medicines, and exercise.
Fear, isolation, and loneliness are common after being diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
Fortunately, support groups like The Mighty provide and receive assistance. For example, a support group seeks information about fibromyalgia treatment, suggestions for managing day-to-day living, or fibromyalgia symptom tales you can connect to.
Genetics
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that often develops in middle age and affects women. It isn’t clear why some people get it, and others don’t. But some people may have genes that increase their risk of developing fibromyalgia.
Researchers have found several genetic variations that may increase a person’s chance of getting the condition. These variations are linked to the brain’s neurotransmitter systems and how pain is perceived.
The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but scientists think it may be related to changes in the brain or nerves that process pain signals. These changes may make the brain and nerves overreact to average pain messages, causing unnecessary pain.
Stress, trauma, and infections can increase a person’s risk of developing fibromyalgia. In addition, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can also increase a person’s risk of developing the condition.
Infection
Fibromyalgia has many causes, but infections might be a key factor. Infections are a type of inflammation that can cause damage to your body’s cells and tissues. This inflammation can then lead to fibromyalgia.
Infections can include viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi. They can also affect your immune system, making your body more pain-sensitive.
Research has found that patients with fibromyalgia are more likely to have an infection affecting their immune systems. It can include a viral infection like the Epstein-Barr virus or an autoimmune disorder like rheumatoid arthritis.
The most common symptom of fibromyalgia is pain that spreads across your whole body. It is a chronic condition so you may have flare-ups and periods of relief.
This pain can be sore, aching, stiff, or gnawing, and you may have areas of tenderness in your muscles. These tender points feel painful even when you’re not doing anything.
Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that can get better with treatment. Your doctor may prescribe medicine, physical therapy, or acupuncture to help manage your symptoms.
You can make a difference in your life by recognizing your fibromyalgia risk factors and taking steps to avoid flare-ups. These tips include getting regular sleep, managing stress, and eating well to keep your energy levels up.
Trauma
People who suffer trauma, either physical or emotional, often experience fibromyalgia. The condition may be triggered by a single event or a series of traumatic events.
A traumatic experience is a stressor that leaves you feeling helpless and fearful of harm.
The first trauma symptoms usually appear within a few days or weeks after the event. They can include a racing heart, fatigue, irritability, or stomachaches. After that, symptoms gradually go away as you process the trauma.
During this time, you can also feel frightened or anxious, especially about the event that caused the trauma. These feelings can be intense and can take a long time to dissipate.
Some people also have flashbacks or recurring nightmares. These feelings are called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
While the symptoms of trauma and fibromyalgia can be challenging to manage, there are medications and therapy that can help. The goal is to ease the pain and other symptoms while improving your overall health and well-being.
A combination of medication, exercise, and healthy habits can help ease the pain and other symptoms of fibromyalgia. Improvements may take several months, but a treatment plan will help you manage your symptoms and return to everyday life.
Stress
Many people have stress at times, but chronic stress can be dangerous to your health in the long term. It can worsen physical symptoms and cause mental health problems like depression or anxiety.
Your body has a natural response to stress called the “fight-or-flight” response. It’s designed to protect you from danger and reacts quickly when a stressful situation arises. It includes changes in your hormones and physical reactions, such as breathing faster, getting sweaty palms, or feeling butterflies in your stomach.
Some short-term stress is normal and healthy, such as the stress you feel when in a dangerous situation. You might also have stress when you have a new job, go on holiday, or deal with a significant life change, such as moving home or losing a loved one.
But chronic, low-level stress can keep your HPA axis activated for too long, leading to various health problems. For example, it can suppress your immune system, upset your digestive and reproductive systems, and speed up aging.
It can also rewire your brain, making you more vulnerable to mental health problems. There are many ways to manage stress, but you may need a combination of medications, coping techniques, and lifestyle interventions.
Your doctor can help you determine the best way to manage stress and fibromyalgia. They will work with you to find treatments that reduce pain, improve sleep, and improve mood. They might recommend you see a physical therapist or a mental health expert. They will also work with you to find ways to cope with your stress so that you can maintain a positive self-image.
