Fibromyalgia - SP Medifort Hospital

Fibromyalgia Treatment

Fibromyalgia Treatment In South India

Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that involves widespread body pain. The pain happens along with fatigue. It can also involve issues with sleep, memory, and mood. Researchers think that fibromyalgia affects the way the brain and spinal cord process painful and nonpainful signals. That increases your overall pain sensitivity.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?

The main symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

Fatigue.
Widespread body pain.
Sleep problems.
Stiffness.
Headaches.
Memory and concentration issues.
Mood changes.

What causes fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia develops when the nervous system becomes overly sensitive, causing the body to feel more pain than normal. Many factors likely lead to these changes, including

Infections: Some infections or illnesses can trigger fibromyalgia or make existing symptoms worse.
Physical Trauma: A physical injury or event, such as a car accident or surgery, may start the condition in some people.
Genetic Factors: Fibromyalgia often runs in families, suggesting that certain genes may increase the risk of developing the condition.
Emotional Stress: Long-term stress or emotional trauma can also play a role in triggering or worsening fibromyalgia symptoms.

What are the fibromyalgia risk factors?

Risk factors for fibromyalgia include:

Family History: Having a close family member, such as a parent or sibling, with fibromyalgia increases the likelihood of developing the condition.
Existing Medical Conditions: The risk is higher in people who already have conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or obesity.
Gender Differences: Fibromyalgia is more commonly diagnosed in people assigned female at birth than in those assigned male.

Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia

Due to the lack of a specific test, fibromyalgia can be challenging to diagnose.

Review Of Symptoms And Health History:
The healthcare provider begins by discussing your symptoms in detail, including when they started, how long they last, and how they affect daily activities.
Physical Examination:
A physical exam is performed to check for widespread pain, tenderness, and other physical signs linked to fibromyalgia.
Assessment Of Pain Pattern:
Diagnosis focuses on long-lasting, widespread pain rather than pain in a single area, usually lasting three months or longer.
No Single Diagnostic Test:
There is no specific laboratory or imaging test that can confirm fibromyalgia on its own.
Process Of Exclusion:
Fibromyalgia is diagnosed by ruling out other conditions that cause similar symptoms, such as arthritis, lupus, or chronic fatigue syndrome.
Supporting Laboratory Tests:
Blood tests may be ordered to rule out common causes of fatigue and pain, including anemia or thyroid disorders.

What treatment options are available for fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia can be treated with medication as well as other methods.

Medications: Pain relievers help reduce muscle pain and discomfort and are often used with other treatments, while strong opioid medicines are usually avoided due to side effects. Antidepressants can ease pain, improve sleep, and reduce fatigue by affecting brain chemicals linked to pain and mood. Anti-seizure medicines help calm overactive nerves, reducing pain and improving daily functioning in people with fibromyalgia.

Physical Therapy: Physical therapy focuses on gentle exercises that improve strength, flexibility, and endurance. Water-based exercises are often helpful because they reduce strain on the body.

Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapy helps people adjust daily activities and work habits to reduce stress on muscles and joints, making everyday tasks easier.

Counseling: Counseling supports emotional well-being and helps people develop healthy ways to manage stress. Cognitive behavioral therapy is especially useful in improving coping skills and quality of life.