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what kind of disease is fibromyalgia

by Calista Douglas Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Fibromyalgia, an illness characterized by chronic, widespread pain and tenderness,1 is estimated to affect about 5 million U.S. adults. Fibromyalgia was formerly classified as an inflammatory musculoskeletal disease but is now considered to be an illness that primarily affects the central nervous system.

Symptoms

Key points about fibromyalgia Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain in muscles and soft tissues all over the body. Researchers think it may be linked to sleep problems, stress, or immune, endocrine, or biochemical problems. Symptoms may also include lack of energy …

Causes

Fibromyalgia (fi·bro·my·al·gi·a) is a condition that causes pain all over the body (also referred to as widespread pain), sleep problems, fatigue, and often emotional and mental distress. People with fibromyalgia may be more sensitive to pain than people without fibromyalgia. This is …

Prevention

Overview of Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a chronic (long-lasting) disorder that causes pain and tenderness throughout the body, as well as fatigue and trouble sleeping. Scientists do not fully …

Complications

Fibromyalgia (fi·bro·my·al·gi·a) is a condition that causes pain all over the body, also called widespread pain. Fibromyalgia also causes sleep problems, fatigue, and emotional and mental …

Is fibromyalgia a real disease?

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a medical condition defined by the presence of chronic widespread pain, fatigue, waking unrefreshed, cognitive symptoms, lower abdominal pain or cramps, and …

Why is fibromyalgia so difficult to diagnose?

Sep 18, 2020 · Fibromyalgia appears to be linked to changes in how the brain and spinal cord process pain signals. As a result, your doctor will usually rely on your group of symptoms to …

What is fibromyalgia and what causes it?

Aug 26, 2018 · Possible causes of secondary fibromyalgia include: >Physical injury. For example, secondary fibromyalgia sometimes develops in people who have had neck injuries. …

How do you know if you have fibromyalgia?

Mar 27, 2018 · “Fibromyalgia is a disorder of the central nervous system that causes widespread pain,” “Most frequently people with this long-term sickness are exhausted, have sleep …

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Is fibromyalgia autoimmune or neurological?

Brain imaging and studies have shown that fibromyalgia is a disorder of the central nervous system. "It's a neurological disease driven by the central nervous system," says Clauw.

What class of disease is fibromyalgia?

Classification. Fibromyalgia is classed as a disorder of pain processing due to abnormalities in how pain signals are processed in the central nervous system. The International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) lists fibromyalgia as a included in the category of "Chronic widespread pain", code MG30.01.

Is fibromyalgia considered an autoimmune disease?

Although numerous studies have shown that fibromyalgia is not an autoimmune disease (conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, whereby the body attacks healthy tissues), reliable research concurs that this condition does weaken your immune system by causing various abnormalities and irregularities.Jul 22, 2021

Is fibromyalgia a condition or a disease?

Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain and spinal cord process painful and nonpainful signals.Oct 26, 2021

Is fibromyalgia a mental illness?

It is not considered a mental illness, but many people with fibromyalgia also experience depression and/or anxiety. In fact, patients with fibromyalgia are three times more likely to suffer from depression than the general population.

Is fibromyalgia a serious illness?

Fibromyalgia can cause pain, disability, and a lower quality of life. US adults with fibromyalgia may have complications such as: More hospitalizations. If you have fibromyalgia you are twice as likely to be hospitalized as someone without fibromyalgia.

What is the root cause of fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is often triggered by a stressful event, including physical stress or emotional (psychological) stress. Possible triggers for the condition include: an injury. a viral infection.

Can fibromyalgia lead to other diseases?

Fibromyalgia is also commonly seen as a comorbidity in other chronic pain conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus. Approximately 10% to 30% of individuals with these established rheumatic disorders meet criteria for FM.

Is fibromyalgia a neurodegenerative diseases?

However, this research suggests that fibromyalgia may, in fact, involve some neurodegeneration in structures inside the central nervous system.Apr 17, 2020

What are the 10 causes of fibromyalgia?

What Causes Fibromyalgia to Flare Up? Top 10 Causes
  • Not enough sleep.
  • Improper diet.
  • Hormone imbalance.
  • Schedule changes.
  • Weather changes.
  • Stress.
  • Changes in medications.
  • Overdoing exercise.
Jun 8, 2021

Does fibromyalgia ever go away?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease that is often a lifelong condition. But fibromyalgia is not a progressive disease, meaning it will not get worse over time. It also does not cause damage to your joints, muscles, or organs. Taking steps to treat fibromyalgia can help relieve your symptoms.Feb 22, 2021

Can someone with fibromyalgia get the Covid vaccine?

Talk to your doctor first. Fibromyalgia treatments like antidepressants and antiseizure drugs shouldn't affect your immune system or your risk for COVID-19. It's important to keep taking your fibromyalgia medicines to avoid flares. You should consider getting vaccinated against COVID-19 when possible.Apr 19, 2021

What Are The Signs and Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

The most common symptoms of fibromyalgia are 1. Pain and stiffness all over the body. 2. Fatigue and tiredness. 3. Depression and anxiety. 4. Sleep...

What Are The Risk Factors For Fibromyalgia?

Known risk factors include: 1. Age. Fibromyalgia can affect people of all ages, including children. However, most people are diagnosed during middl...

How Is Fibromyalgia Diagnosed?

Doctors usually diagnose fibromyalgia using the patient’s history, physical examination, X-rays, and blood work.

How Is Fibromyalgia Treated?

Fibromyalgia can be effectively treated and managed with medication and self-management strategies. You can learn about self-management strategies...

What Are The Complications of Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia can cause pain, disability, and lower quality of life. US adults with fibromyalgia may have complications such as: 1. More hospitaliza...

How Can I Improve My Quality of Life?

1. Get physically active. Experts recommend that adults be moderately physically active for 150 minutes per week. Walk, swim, or bike 30 minutes a...

Learn More About Fibromyalgia

1. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases—Fibromyalgia 2. American College of Rheumatology—Fibromyalgia Fast Facts 3...

How do I get rid of fibromyalgia?

There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but symptoms can be managed. Mild cases may get better with stress reduction or lifestyle changes. More severe cases may need to be treated with a team. This may include your primary healthcare provider, a specialist called a rheumatologist, a physical therapist, and a pain management clinic. Treatment may include: 1 Anti-inflammatory medicines, to ease pain and help you sleep 2 Other pain medicines 3 Medicines approved for treating fibromyalgia (duloxetine, pregabalin, and milnacipran) 4 Medicines to ease depression (antidepressants) 5 Exercise and physical therapy, to stretch muscles and improve cardiovascular fitness 6 Relaxation methods 7 Heat treatments 8 Cold treatments once in a while 9 Massage

How many people have a syphilis?

The pain may get worse with activity, cold or damp weather, anxiety and stress. The condition affects about 1 in 50 to 1 in 25 people in the U.S. It is most common in middle-aged women.

What part of the body is affected by pain?

The pain most often affects the muscles and the points where muscles attach to bones. These are the ligaments and tendons. Pain may start in one part of your body, such as your neck and shoulders. Any part of the body can be affected. . The pain ranges from mild to severe.

What does it feel like to have a sore neck?

Any part of the body can be affected. . The pain ranges from mild to severe. It may feel like burning, soreness, stiffness, aching, or gnawing pain. You may have sore spots in certain parts of your muscles. It may feel like arthritis, but it’s not a condition that gets worse.

Does fibromyalgia cause muscle soreness?

You may have sore spots in certain parts of your muscles. It may feel like arthritis, but it’s not a condition that gets worse. And it doesn't damage muscles or bones. Other common symptoms of fibromyalgia include: Medium to severe tiredness (fatigue) Less exercise endurance.

Does fibromyalgia cause bloating?

It may feel like arthritis, but it’s not a condition that gets worse. And it doesn't damage muscles or bones. Other common symptoms of fibromyalgia include: Irritable bowel symptoms, such as belly (abdominal) pain and bloating, diarrhea, and constipation.

Does fibromyalgia make you tired?

It may feel like arthritis, but it’s not a condition that gets worse. And it doesn't damage muscles or bones. Other common symptoms of fibromyalgia include: Medium to severe tiredness (fatigue) Less exercise endurance. Sleep problems at night.

What is fibromyalgia pain?

What is fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia (fi·bro·my·al·gi·a) is a condition that causes pain all over the body (also referred to as widespread pain), sleep problems, fatigue, and often emotional and mental distress. People with fibromyalgia may be more sensitive to pain than people without fibromyalgia. This is called abnormal pain perception processing.

How many people have fibromyalgia?

This is called abnormal pain perception processing. Fibromyalgia affects about 4 million US adults, about 2% of the adult population. The cause of fibromyalgia is not known, but it can be effectively treated and managed.

How do you know if you have fibromyalgia?

The most common symptoms of fibromyalgia are. Pain and stiffness all over the body. Fatigue and tiredness. Depression and anxiety. Sleep problems. Problems with thinking, memory, and concentration. Headaches, including migraines. Other symptoms may include: Tingling or numbness in hands and feet.

Can fibromyalgia affect children?

Fibromyalgia can affect people of all ages, including children. However, most people are diagnosed during middle age and you are more likely to have fibromyalgia as you get older. Lupus or Rheumatoid Arthritis. If you have lupus or rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you are more likely to develop fibromyalgia.

What are the risk factors for fibromyalgia?

These possible risk factors include: Sex. Women are twice as likely to have fibromyalgia as men. Stressful or traumatic events, such as car accidents, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Repetitive injuries. Injury from repetitive stress on a joint, such as frequent knee bending.

Who treats fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia should be treated by a doctor or team of healthcare professionals who specialize in the treatment of fibromyalgia and other types of arthritis, called rheumatologists. Doctors usually treat fibromyalgia with a combination of treatments, which may include:

What is the best treatment for fibromyalgia?

Doctors usually treat fibromyalgia with a combination of treatments, which may include: Medications, including prescription drugs and over-the-counter pain relievers. Aerobic exercise and muscle strengthening exercise. Patient education classes, usually in primary care or community settings.

What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?

Points To Remember About Fibromyalgia 1 Fibromyalgia is a long-lasting or chronic disorder that causes muscle pain and fatigue (feeling tired). 2 The symptoms of fibromyalgia are pain and tenderness throughout your body. 3 You can treat your fibromyalgia with medicines, lifestyle changes, and complementary therapies.

How do you know if you have fibromyalgia?

The symptoms of fibromyalgia are pain and tenderness throughout your body. Other symptoms may also include: Trouble sleeping. Morning stiffness. Headaches. Painful menstrual periods. Tingling or numbness in hands and feet. Problems with thinking and memory (sometimes called “fibro fog”).

How long does fibromyalgia pain last?

Doctors use guidelines to help diagnose fibromyalgia, which can include: A history of widespread pain lasting more than 3 months. Physical symptoms including fatigue, waking unrefreshed, and cognitive (memory or thought) problems.

Is fibromyalgia hard to treat?

However, fibromyalgia can be hard to treat. It’s important you find a doctor who is familiar with the disorder and its treatment. Doctors may prescribe one or more of the following medicines to help treat the symptoms of fibromyalgia: Ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen you can buy over the counter.

What is the best medicine for fibromyalgia?

Doctors may prescribe one or more of the following medicines to help treat the symptoms of fibromyalgia: Ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen you can buy over the counter. Narcotic medicines to treat severe pain. Duloxetine and minacipran to help the pain and fatigue. Pregabalin to help treat nerve pain.

What kind of doctor treats fibromyalgia?

Many family physicians, general internists, or rheumatologists can treat fibromyalgia. Rheumatologists are doctors who specialize in arthritis and other conditions that affect the joints or soft tissues. Not all doctors are familiar with fibromyalgia and its treatment, so it is important to find a doctor who is.

Can you work with fibromyalgia?

You can continue to work when you have fibromyalgia, but may have to make some changes to do so. For example, you may need to cut down the number of hours they work, switch to a less demanding job, or adapt your current job. An occupational therapist can help you make changes at work.

What are the different types of fibromyalgia?

Differences in psychological and autonomic nervous system profiles among affected individuals may indicate the existence of fibromyalgia subtypes. A 2007 review divides individuals with fibromyalgia into four groups as well as "mixed types": 1 "extreme sensitivity to pain but no associated psychiatric conditions" (may respond to medications that block the 5-HT3 receptor) 2 "fibromyalgia and comorbid, pain-related depression" (may respond to antidepressants) 3 "depression with concomitant fibromyalgia syndrome" (may respond to antidepressants) 4 "fibromyalgia due to somatization " (may respond to psychotherapy)

What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?

Other symptoms include tiredness to a degree that normal activities are affected, sleep problems and troubles with memory. Some people also report restless legs syndrome, bowel or bladder problems, numbness and tingling and sensitivity to noise, lights or temperature. Fibromyalgia is frequently associated with depression, ...

Is fibromyalgia a disease?

Fibromyalgia is recognized as a disorder in both the U.S. by the US National Institutes of Health and the American College of Rheumatology, and in Canada by the Canadian Rheumatology Association and the Canadian Pain Society.

Is there a test for fibromyalgia?

There is no specific diagnostic test, although as of 2020, several diagnostic blood tests were in the process of moving towards certification and wider use for diagnosing fibromyalgia in conjunction with a physical examination.

What is the best treatment for fibromyalgia?

Recommendations often include getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may also be helpful. The medications duloxetine, milnacipran, or pregabalin may be used.

How many people have fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is estimated to affect 2–8% of the population. Women are affected about twice as often as men. Rates appear similar in different areas of the world and among different cultures. Fibromyalgia was first defined in 1990, with updated criteria in 2011.

When was fibromyalgia first diagnosed?

Fibromyalgia was first defined in 1990 , with updated criteria in 2011. There is controversy about the classification, diagnosis, and treatment of fibromyalgia. While some feel the diagnosis of fibromyalgia may negatively affect a person, other research finds it to be beneficial.

How long does it take to wake up with fibromyalgia?

More clues for fibromyalgia diagnosis. People who have fibromyalgia also often wake up tired, even after they've slept continuously for more than eight hours. Brief periods of physical or mental exertion may leave them exhausted. They may also have problems with short-term memory and the ability to concentrate.

How long does fibromyalgia pain last?

Diagnostic guidelines from the American College of Rheumatology now include widespread pain throughout your body for at least three months.

What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia symptoms include widespread body pain, fatigue, unrefreshing sleep and mood problems. But all of these symptoms are common to many other conditions.

Can fibromyalgia be caused by other conditions?

But all of these symptoms are common to many other conditions. And because fibromyalgia symptoms can occur alone or along with other conditions, it can take time to tease out which symptom is caused by what problem .

Can fibromyalgia come and go?

To make things even more confusing, fibromyalgia symptoms can come and go over time. That's why it can take a long time to go from fibromyalgia symptoms to a fibromyalgia diagnosis.

How many spots in the body have to be tested for fibromyalgia?

In the past, at least 11 of these 18 spots had to test positive for tenderness to diagnose fibromyalgia.

When does fibromyalgia start?

In some cases, fibromyalgia symptoms begin shortly after a person has experienced a mentally or physically traumatic event, such as a car accident. People who have post-traumatic stress disorder appear to be more likely to develop fibromyalgia, so your doctor may ask if you've experienced any traumatic events recently.

What is fibromyalgia characterized by?

Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. While we still don’t know exactly what’s going on in the body that leads to fibromyalgia, we do know that chronic pain can cause changes in the brain and central nervous system that lead to central sensitization essentially making the body overreact to pain and other stimuli (noise, smell, bright lights, etc.). That’s why it’s believed people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), lupus, multiple sclerosis (MS) and other chronic pain conditions frequently develop FMS.

Does fibromyalgia cause central sensitization?

While we still don’t know exactly what’s going on in the body that leads to fibromyalgia, we do know that chronic pain can cause changes in the brain and central nervous system that lead to central sensitization essentially making the body overreact to pain and other stimuli (noise, smell, bright lights, etc.).

What are the two types of fibromyalgia?

Two types/categories of fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is grouped into two categories or Types: primary and secondary. Primary FMS is the most common and is also called “idiopathic” FMS, meaning it has an unknown cause. Secondary FMS is associated with other causes of chronic pain. 1.

Does acupuncture help with fibromyalgia?

For example, some people have success with acupuncture in treating their fibromyalgia. It could be because acupuncture is one of the best treatments for an original condition, myofascial pain syndrome (MPS, or CMP for chronic myofascial pain).

What are some examples of pain?

For example, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Experts explain that the constant pain experience in these pain conditions can cause changes in the how our brain and nervous system perceive pain, eventually leading to increased central sensitivity.

What causes FMS?

Suspected causes of primary FMS include abnormalities in the brain and hormones, chronic sleep disturbance, psychological and social effects, and muscle abnormalities. Research is also looking in multiple other directions, with varied success.

What is it called when you have pain in your central nervous system?

Studies show, with FMS, the parts of your central nervous system that deal with pain signals work differently from other people. This is called central sensitization . Researchers know people with FMS can have numerous abnormalities in their hormonal, metabolic and brain-chemical activity, but they’re not sure whether these are causes of fibromyalgia or the effect of pain and stress on the central nervous system. Some physical changes in the brain have been discovered, as well.

Is fibromyalgia a real disease?

Many people have a propensity to think that fibromyalgia is a real form of arthritis, but that is not the reality. As it is characterized by pain, FM does not cause tissue swelling nor does it actually damages the body’s muscles and joints like arthritis are recognized to do.

Where are tension headaches stored?

Stress and tension are commonly stored in the neck, shoulders, and upper back, leading to tension headaches. On the other hand, depending on the underlying problems leading to fibromyalgia, some patients have migraines rather than headaches.

What are the symptoms of costochondritis?

Many are most often bothered by: 1 Low back pain, which may radiate into the buttocks and legs 2 Pain and tightness in the neck that moves across the back of the shoulders 3 Chest wall pain, suggestive of symptoms of costochondritis

What is the pain in the neck and arms called?

Diffuse and persistent muscle and soft tissue pain (sometimes referred to as myofascial pain) is commonly described as a deep and gnawing soreness, stiffness, aching, or throbbing all over the body, including the arms, legs, neck, and shoulders—is a hallmark feature of fibromyalgia. Many are most often bothered by:

What is the pain in the jaw that is associated with fibromyalgia?

Joint Pain. Joint aching and a sensation of swelling are common in people with fibromyalgia. More specifically, pain located at the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your jaw to your skull on either side of your face, is common.

Where is TMJ pain located?

More specifically, pain located at the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your jaw to your skull on either side of your face , is common. TMJ pain is often described as a dull, persistent ache that can move to the ear, temple, around the eyes, the lower jaw, or back of the neck. 3 .

What does it feel like to have a neuropathic pain?

Many people with fibromyalgia describe neuropathic pain, which causes odd nerve sensations that feel like crawling, tingling, burning, itching, or numbness in the arms and legs. Sometimes, these sensations can be painful.

Does fibromyalgia cause pelvic pain?

Besides abdominal pain, people with fibromyalgia may experience pelvic pain, especially discomfort that comes from the bladder. Pelvic pain in fibromyalgia may be associated with symptoms of interstitial cystitis, such as an increased urge to urinate and increased urinary frequency.

What does hyperalgesia mean in FMS?

"Hyper" means excess and "algesia" means pain. Hyperalgesia is the medical term for pain amplification in FMS. 1  Our brains appear to take normal pain signals and "turn up the volume," making them more severe than they would normally be. And when your brain says pain is severe, it actually becomes severe.

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1.Fibromyalgia - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

Url:https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibromyalgia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354780

27 hours ago Key points about fibromyalgia Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain in muscles and soft tissues all over the body. Researchers think it may be linked to sleep problems, stress, or immune, endocrine, or biochemical problems. Symptoms may also include lack of energy …

2.Fibromyalgia | Johns Hopkins Medicine

Url:https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/fibromyalgia

35 hours ago Fibromyalgia (fi·bro·my·al·gi·a) is a condition that causes pain all over the body (also referred to as widespread pain), sleep problems, fatigue, and often emotional and mental distress. People with fibromyalgia may be more sensitive to pain than people without fibromyalgia. This is …

3.Fibromyalgia | Arthritis | CDC

Url:https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/fibromyalgia.htm

32 hours ago Overview of Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a chronic (long-lasting) disorder that causes pain and tenderness throughout the body, as well as fatigue and trouble sleeping. Scientists do not fully …

4.What is Fibromyalgia? - Symptoms & Treatment | NIAMS

Url:https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/fibromyalgia

28 hours ago Fibromyalgia (fi·bro·my·al·gi·a) is a condition that causes pain all over the body, also called widespread pain. Fibromyalgia also causes sleep problems, fatigue, and emotional and mental …

5.Fibromyalgia | CDC

Url:https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/types/fibromyalgia.htm

12 hours ago Fibromyalgia (FM) is a medical condition defined by the presence of chronic widespread pain, fatigue, waking unrefreshed, cognitive symptoms, lower abdominal pain or cramps, and …

6.Fibromyalgia - Wikipedia

Url:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fibromyalgia

11 hours ago Sep 18, 2020 · Fibromyalgia appears to be linked to changes in how the brain and spinal cord process pain signals. As a result, your doctor will usually rely on your group of symptoms to …

7.Fibromyalgia: Understand how it's diagnosed - Mayo Clinic

Url:https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibromyalgia/in-depth/fibromyalgia-symptoms/art-20045401

21 hours ago Aug 26, 2018 · Possible causes of secondary fibromyalgia include: >Physical injury. For example, secondary fibromyalgia sometimes develops in people who have had neck injuries. …

8.Types of Fibromyalgia. Which one do you have?

Url:https://www.fibromyalgiaresources.com/fibromyalgia-primary-or-secondary/

28 hours ago Mar 27, 2018 · “Fibromyalgia is a disorder of the central nervous system that causes widespread pain,” “Most frequently people with this long-term sickness are exhausted, have sleep …

9.5 Severe Diseases Associated With Fibromyalgia.

Url:https://www.fibromyalgiaresources.com/diseases-linked-with-fibromyalgia/

22 hours ago Mar 10, 2022 · Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain in the muscles, skin, and joints. Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) has been a recognized illness for more than 30 years. …

10.The 7 Types of Fibromyalgia Pain - Verywell Health

Url:https://www.verywellhealth.com/seven-types-of-fibromyalgia-pain-716138

7 hours ago

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