Fibromyalgia is a health condition that can be different for everyone. It is a chronic disease that causes severe body aches, fatigue, joint pain along other health symptoms. If you are suffering from this problem, even simple tasks such as chopping vegetables, getting out of bed, buttoning a shirt can be painful for you.

Millions of people suffer from this problem. It is most common in middle-aged to older women, men and even children sometimes can have it.

Symptoms

Before you know about the symptoms of fibromyalgia, you need to understand that this disease can mimic other conditions. That's why it is difficult to diagnose and treat. Common symptoms include extreme body pain, fatigue, and tenderness. Other symptoms that may accompany the problem of fibromyalgia may include-

• Difficulty sleeping
• Headaches
• Problems with memory and thinking
• Noise and light sensitivity
• Restless legs syndrome
• Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
• Morning stiffness
• Irritable bowel syndrome

Causes

It is not yet known what causes fibromyalgia. This is still a mystery. Experts believe that it is an autoimmune or inflammation-based condition. Some researchers found that it could involve the nervous system. Even though concrete reasons for the problem are not yet known or confirmed, experts have a very good idea about the factors that may contribute to this problem.

Injury, illness, a car accident or other major life events that cause mental and physical stress may increase the risk of this problem. The genetic makeup of an individual is likely has something to do with it.

Treatment options

If the actual causes of fibromyalgia are not known, then how can it be treated? Fibromyalgia has no cure. However, the best approach here is to try multiple kinds of treatments. You need to talk to a general practitioner, rheumatologist, or physical therapist, as it can help you understand and know about the different treatment options available for fibromyalgia.

There are medicines available for treating fibromyalgia including duloxetine (Cymbalta), milnacipran (Savella), or pregabalin (Lyrica). You will also find over-the-counter painkillers if you need immediate relief. Some people try opioid narcotic medications for treating fibromyalgia but doctors strongly advise avoiding that.

Can exercise help?

Yes.

Fibromyalgia results in pain and fatigue and in such a condition, exercising may be difficult for you but if you can exercise for some time, it will help you get relief. Physical exercise is one of the most effective treatments. Regular aerobic exercises will offer you the maximum benefit. You can also exercise gentle movements such as tai chi and yoga because they will also help you get relief from fibromyalgia symptoms. Low impact physical exercise is excellent for your body even though you experience some pain while doing it, do it because it will also help you get relief from fibromyalgia pain and fatigue.

Alternative therapies

You can also go for alternative therapies such as massage and acupuncture. They will also help ease the pain.

Practicing meditation and other stress management techniques will also help you get relief. Taking patient education courses will help you as primary care or community caregiver. It will also help you understand the problem better. Establishing good sleep habits will help you by improving the quality of your sleep and ward off fatigue that you experience because of fibromyalgia.