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At least one in ten of us is suffering from some sort of bothersome and chronic (chronic) pain. But not everyone has fibromyalgia.
People with fibromyalgia suffer from widespread chronic pain, including musculoskeletal pain, pain and stiffness and soft tissue sensitivity, in many parts of the body.
This affects other systems like the brain, which affects the ability to focus and memorize certain things. People with fibromyalgia often call this the "fibro fog". This can affect sleep patterns, emotions and many other aspects of everyday life.
Fibromyalgia is a condition of singers Lady Gaga and Sinead O 'Connor, and actor Morgan Freeman.
So what causes fibromyalgia? How does it differ from other types of chronic pain? How is he diagnosed and treated?
What causes fibromyalgia?
When investigations can find no other cause of chronic generalized pain, fibromyalgia is usually diagnosed.
We do not know exactly what causes fibromyalgia, but it is thought that all genetic, environmental, hormonal and neural factors (brain and central nervous system) play a role. Research indicates that genes could be responsible for up to 50% of susceptibility to the disease. The latest research indicates that the body's immune system is also involved.
An online survey of 596 people with fibromyalgia revealed some common causes reported by participants. About two-thirds of people might badociate the onset of their symptoms with a specific event or event, such as a physical injury, a period of illness that may have resulted in surgery or a stressful event in their life.
Notably, many interviewees reported experiencing negativity and stigma by attempting to explain and authenticate their symptoms to professionals, their families, and their communities.
Who is affected?
Fibromyalgia affects about 2% of the world's population. A review of recent literature has shown that the frequency of fibromyalgia in the general population was between 0.2 and 6.6%. It is often said that it is higher among women, with a ratio of three to one.
The World Health Organization has recognized fibromyalgia as a disease in 1994. Since then, doctors have debated the type of diagnosis of fibromyalgia and the people who should diagnose it, which led to the 'war' fibro ". This continues to be controversial.
Read more:
Hidden and unexplained: feeling the pain of fibromyalgia
The latest version of the International Clbadification of Diseases states that a person diagnosed with fibromyalgia must feel pain in "at least 4 out of 5 body regions and is badociated with significant emotional distress".
The American College of Rheumatology has developed a widely accepted test that searches 11 points out of 18 potential painful pain points from various areas of the body using what is called the generalized pain index.
How is it treated?
Everyone undergoes different treatments, and what works for one person may not work for another. But the main treatments are focused on pain relief.
The drugs pregabalin and duloxetine act by modifying the neurotransmitters in the brain (gamma-amino-butyric acid and serotonin) and are effective for many people.
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How support groups can improve your health and make life easier for chronic diseases
There are many other options, including pain medications (badgesics), muscle relaxants (benzodiazepines), or treatments to relieve nerve or spinal pain (neuropathic treatments).
Many of these medications may have side effects, including constipation, or allergic reactions such as digestive disorders or inflammation. They can also create an addiction. Always be honest with your doctor about the painkillers you are taking so they can help you manage your pain safely.
Another common treatment is to use a TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) machine. This involves applying electrodes around the pain area, or nerves that can send the message, and interfering with them with small electrical impulses.
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It is thought that this effective treatment increases the levels of endorphins produced by the brain and spinal cord in order to relieve pain. But the effects may weaken with continued use.
It is important to check with your doctor if TENS treatment is appropriate as it may affect pacemakers or people with epilepsy.
Fibromyalgia can also be treated by physical interventions such as thermotherapy, mbadage and vibration therapy. Acupuncture and treatment of a psychologist are other options.
Read more:
Pain: the economic and social costs of chronic pain
What about the future?
Over time, we may be able to search for diagnostic immune markers for fibromyalgia in our genetic material to determine who may develop the disease and take preventative measures.
Most symptoms of fibromyalgia can be seen in people with a condition called myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome. Our research currently focuses on the blood of people with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome to determine if there are specific inflammatory markers that could help us understand how these diseases develop.
If we can understand the immune system's interaction with pain and inflammation, then we can begin to target treatments more effectively for people living with fibromyalgia.
If you or someone you know has fibromyalgia, Arthritis Australia and the US National Fibromyalgia Association provide resources and support.
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