Fibromyalgia Symptoms That You May Not Recognize And How To Control Them

The human body can be affected by a wide range of issues. One of the problems that is being seen more frequently is fibromyalgia. There is still a lot that needs to be learned about the issue but it is known that it is a musculoskeletal disorder and can lead to issues such as muscle pain, joint pain, memory loss, fatigue and mood swings. It is the most common musculoskeletal disorder aside from osteoarthritis.

Women are more likely to experience fibromyalgia than men and it is an incurable disorder. The symptoms may mimic osteoarthritis so understanding the symptoms more clearly can help you to identify the issue and get treatment.

Understanding the Risk Factors

3 different risk factors would increase your risk of developing fibromyalgia.

1. Sex – women are more likely to have fibromyalgia than men

2. Family History – if you have a family member with fibromyalgia then you are at an increased risk for developing it.

3. Rheumatic Disease – suffering from problems such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus means that your risk for fibromyalgia is also higher.

The Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Widespread pain and fatigue are the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia. There may be times in which it feels as if you have a pulled muscle and it may be painful to the touch. Most people who suffer from fibromyalgia also have a problem sleeping. Depression is common.

Some other symptoms of fibromyalgia are not as commonly known. According to WebMD, those symptoms can include:

Abdominal pain
Chronic headaches
Dryness in the mouth, nose and eyes
Hypersensitivity to cold or heat
Inability to concentrate
Incontinence
Irritable bowel syndrome
Tingling or numbness in the fingers and feet

The Treatment for Fibromyalgia

No specific test exists for fibromyalgia so it is a matter of eliminating other issues that could lead to similar symptoms. If your doctor determines that you have fibromyalgia, he may suggest a number of treatment options to help reduce the symptoms.

Pain Relievers – this could include over-the-counter pain medications or prescription pain relief products. They can help to reduce your discomfort and help you sleep.

Antidepressants – it is thought that antidepressants may help you deal with fatigue and pain associated with fibromyalgia

Antiseizure drugs – these prescription drugs may sometimes be prescribed to reduce pain if you have fibromyalgia.

You may be able to find additional resources on the National Fibromyalgia Association Website