One of the many chronic pain conditions is fibromyalgia. In fibromyalgia, the brain and nerves are the two top players here. These players become more sensitive to pain signals, meaning that even a normal sensation like touch or light pressure on joints and muscles can be painful.
A typical brain of someone suffering from fibromyalgia usually has trouble processing pain signals correctly. The brain basically amplifies the littlest of pain, making it seem painful. This pain can be evident in the shoulders, knees, neck etc. This article is going to be focused on the diagnosis and treatment of fibromyalgia.
How is Fibromyalgia Diagnosed?
Fibromyalgia diagnosis can be a tough nut to crack because its symptoms are based on how you feel, not on any visible signs.
However, to diagnose fibromyalgia doctors use certain guidelines to take the boxes of what they are looking for in order to pass a diagnosis. The first is that the pain must be felt in different parts of the body for at least three months. Secondly, the condition should cause major tiredness and problems with sleeping.
Thirdly, the doctor would check for pain in specific spots on the body and how intense this pain is. The doctor will require you to answer certain questions regarding your condition and how you feel. The doctor might likely ask you how long you’ve had these symptoms and if they get better or worse with time.
Treatment for Fibromyalgia
Multidisciplinary approach: You may attempt to fix the pain you’re feeling all over your body by yourself. But that’s not always the right step to take. You need to involve a team of experts, which could include doctors, physical therapists, and sometimes, mental health professionals. Each of these people play different roles in helping you manage this condition better.
Medication: The medication for fibromyalgia ranges from simple to more severe. Simple medications like over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen or any pain relievers, will help you with pain.
Antidepressants too can be prescribed by your doctor, which will not only help fix your mood but also the pain that you feel. Lastly, for more serious cases, anticonvulsants can be prescribed. This medication was originally meant for seizures, but they can also help relieve nerve pain and improve your sleep.
Lifestyle: The first lifestyle change you can make is to practice activities that go easy on the body, like walking, swimming, or yoga. These activities can ease the pain gradually, and boost how you feel generally.
Secondly, you have to get a sound rest. All you need to do is to have a daily sleep schedule, and create a comfy sleep environment like a comfortable bed, pillow, and a cozy blanket. This can improve the quality of your sleep, and help relieve some of the fibromyalgia symptoms.
Lastly, you have to figure out what helps you destress best. It could be a hobby that you like, a strenuous or less strenuous activity. All that matters is that you are relaxed and managing your stress level.
Complementary therapies: There are a couple of complementary therapies you can do. It could be acupuncture, where tiny needles are placed in specific spots of your body to help with pain. The second could be a massage. A good massage will help reduce muscle tension, and help you feel more relaxed.
Bottom Line
Fibromyalgia is like your brain cranking up the pain dial, making even a light touch feel really painful. It’s tricky to diagnose because it’s all about what you feel, not what doctors can see. But with the right team, the right medications, some lifestyle changes, and trying things like acupuncture or massage, you can get a handle on the pain and live a better life.
