Fibromyalgia is a disorder where severe pain is persistent in the musculoskeletal system. Oftentimes this pain is present without a specific cause or injury to blame. While the pain felt by patients can be completely debilitating and overwhelming, there doesn’t seem to be any evidence that there is any significant damage done to the joints or internal organs.
Because fibromyalgia is a condition that is felt, not seen, there is no true way to diagnose it. Based on the symptoms a patient presents, their physician may run some lab work but most often the results come back normal as there is no test or imaging process that can detect muscle and soft tissue pain.
However, a thorough exam and discussion with your doctor may reveal the condition if you are experiencing certain symptoms which include:
- Consistent body pain (lasting more than a few months)
- Sleep issues (chronic fatigue or trouble sleeping)
- Memory problems or trouble concentrating
- Stiffness after waking up or being in one position too long
- Intestinal issues (constipation, bloating, nausea, or IBS- irritable bowel syndrome)
- Migraines
- Sensitivity to sound, light, smell, or foods
- Depression and Anxiety
- Numbness in the extremities (face, hands, feet)
- Pain in the neck, low back, hips, and shoulders
Symptoms may begin to present themselves after a physical trauma, surgical procedure, or extreme psychological stress has occurred. It is still unknown what exactly causes fibromyalgia, but it is speculated by scientists that a combination of factors may play a key role in triggering the onset.
Genetics may be one link as fibromyalgia tends to run in families, a genetic mutation may make some people more vulnerable to the disorder. Infection may be another trigger, and physical or emotional trauma such as a car accident or extreme stress may also be a large factor in stimulating the condition. Just as there is no known specific cause, there is also no known cure, there are medications that can help.
All fibromyalgia sufferers are different, their pain is different, and what works for each person's unique needs is going to be different. So if you suffer from symptoms of fibromyalgia, call us today at 661-380-7222 for a free consultation.