Does fibromyalgia cause fever. How does fibromyalgia differ from polymyalgia. What are the warning signs of fibromyalgia. How can you manage fibromyalgia symptoms effectively.

Unraveling the Mystery of Fibromyalgia: Symptoms and Prevalence

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain and tenderness throughout the body. It affects an estimated 4 million adults in the United States, with women being twice as likely to develop the condition as men. While fibromyalgia can occur in children, it is more prevalent among older adults.

The symptoms of fibromyalgia can be diverse and often fluctuate in intensity. During a flare-up, which can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, individuals may experience:

• Widespread pain, particularly in the back or neck
• Extreme sensitivity to touch, light, smoke, and certain foods
• Muscle stiffness and tenderness
• Muscle spasms
• Severe fatigue
• Poor sleep quality
• Cognitive difficulties, often referred to as “fibro fog”
• Slow or confused speech
• Frequent headaches or migraines
• Irritable bowel syndrome

Can fibromyalgia cause fever? While fever is not typically listed as a primary symptom of fibromyalgia, some individuals may experience a slight increase in body temperature during flare-ups. This is more likely due to the body’s stress response to pain and inflammation rather than a direct symptom of the condition itself.

Fibromyalgia vs. Polymyalgia: Decoding the Differences

Fibromyalgia and polymyalgia rheumatica are two distinct conditions that are often confused due to some similarities in their symptoms. However, understanding their differences is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Key Distinctions Between Fibromyalgia and Polymyalgia

1. Age of onset: Fibromyalgia can affect people of all ages, while polymyalgia rheumatica typically occurs in individuals over 50.
2. Pain location: Fibromyalgia causes widespread pain throughout the body, whereas polymyalgia rheumatica primarily affects the shoulders, neck, and hips.
3. Inflammation: Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory condition, while fibromyalgia is not typically associated with inflammation.
4. Blood tests: Polymyalgia rheumatica often shows elevated inflammatory markers in blood tests, which is not the case with fibromyalgia.
5. Treatment response: Polymyalgia rheumatica usually responds well to corticosteroids, while fibromyalgia requires a more multifaceted approach to management.

Is fever more common in polymyalgia than fibromyalgia? Yes, low-grade fever is more frequently associated with polymyalgia rheumatica due to its inflammatory nature. In fibromyalgia, fever is not a typical symptom, although some patients may report feeling feverish during flare-ups.

Uncovering the Root Causes of Fibromyalgia Flare-Ups

While the exact cause of fibromyalgia remains unknown, researchers believe that changes in brain chemical levels and central nervous system function may play a significant role. Flare-ups can occur without warning, but certain triggers are often identifiable.

Common Triggers for Fibromyalgia Flares

• Physical or emotional stress
• Major life changes or traumatic events
• Injuries or infections
• Surgical procedures
• Sleep disturbances
• Weather changes
• Hormonal imbalances
• Dietary changes

Do certain medical conditions increase the risk of developing fibromyalgia? Yes, individuals with rheumatic diseases such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and ankylosing spondylitis are at a higher risk of developing fibromyalgia.

Effective Strategies for Managing Fibromyalgia Symptoms

While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, various lifestyle changes and management strategies can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall quality of life. Here are some effective approaches:

1. Keeping a Symptom and Trigger Log

Maintaining a detailed log of activities, meals, sleep patterns, and symptoms can help identify specific triggers for fibromyalgia flares. This information can be invaluable in developing personalized management strategies and avoiding potential triggers.

2. Stress Reduction and Relaxation Techniques

Stress is a known exacerbator of fibromyalgia symptoms. Incorporating stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness can help manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups. However, it’s crucial to maintain a balance and not completely avoid physical activity, as this can lead to deconditioning and potentially worsen symptoms in the long run.

3. Regular Exercise and Physical Activity

Engaging in regular physical activity is essential for managing fibromyalgia symptoms. While exercise may initially increase pain, consistent physical activity can lead to improved pain management over time. Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, and water aerobics are often well-tolerated by individuals with fibromyalgia.

How should someone with fibromyalgia approach exercise? It’s important to start with gentle exercises and gradually increase intensity and duration. Working with a physical therapist or exercise physiologist who specializes in fibromyalgia can help develop a safe and effective exercise program tailored to individual needs and limitations.

The Role of Sleep in Fibromyalgia Management

Sleep disturbances are a common complaint among individuals with fibromyalgia, and poor sleep quality can exacerbate other symptoms. Improving sleep hygiene and addressing sleep-related issues can significantly impact overall symptom management.

Tips for Improving Sleep Quality

• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine
• Ensure a comfortable sleep environment
• Limit caffeine and alcohol intake, especially in the evening
• Avoid electronic devices before bedtime
• Consider cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I)

Can certain sleep disorders coexist with fibromyalgia? Yes, conditions such as sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome are more common in individuals with fibromyalgia. Identifying and treating these co-existing sleep disorders can lead to improved symptom management and overall quality of life.

Nutritional Considerations for Fibromyalgia Patients

While there is no specific “fibromyalgia diet,” certain nutritional strategies may help manage symptoms and reduce the frequency of flare-ups. A balanced, anti-inflammatory diet rich in whole foods can support overall health and potentially alleviate some fibromyalgia symptoms.

Dietary Recommendations for Fibromyalgia

1. Increase intake of omega-3 fatty acids through foods like fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts
2. Consume a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables for their antioxidant properties
3. Choose whole grains over refined carbohydrates
4. Include lean proteins and plant-based protein sources
5. Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
6. Consider reducing or eliminating potential trigger foods such as caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods

Are there specific nutrients that may benefit individuals with fibromyalgia? Some studies suggest that supplementation with vitamin D, magnesium, and CoQ10 may help alleviate certain fibromyalgia symptoms. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplements, as they may interact with existing medications or have unintended side effects.

The Importance of Mental Health Support in Fibromyalgia Management

Living with a chronic condition like fibromyalgia can take a significant toll on mental health. Many individuals with fibromyalgia experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, and frustration. Addressing these psychological aspects is crucial for comprehensive symptom management and improved quality of life.

Mental Health Support Strategies

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Group therapy or support groups
• Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)
• Biofeedback techniques
• Art or music therapy
• Regular consultations with mental health professionals

How does addressing mental health impact fibromyalgia symptoms? Improving mental health can lead to better pain management, reduced stress levels, and enhanced coping skills. This, in turn, can help decrease the frequency and intensity of fibromyalgia flare-ups and improve overall functioning.

Emerging Treatments and Research in Fibromyalgia

As our understanding of fibromyalgia continues to evolve, researchers are exploring new treatment options and management strategies. While traditional approaches focus on pain management and symptom relief, emerging therapies aim to address the underlying mechanisms of the condition.

Promising Areas of Fibromyalgia Research

1. Neuroimaging studies to better understand brain changes associated with fibromyalgia
2. Investigation of genetic factors that may contribute to fibromyalgia susceptibility
3. Exploration of the gut-brain axis and its role in fibromyalgia symptoms
4. Development of targeted pharmacological treatments
5. Evaluation of alternative and complementary therapies, such as acupuncture and medical cannabis

What potential breakthrough treatments are on the horizon for fibromyalgia? While it’s difficult to predict future breakthroughs, some promising areas of research include:

• Novel pain-modulating drugs that target specific neurotransmitters
• Personalized medicine approaches based on genetic profiling
• Advanced neuromodulation techniques, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation
• Microbiome-based therapies to address gut-related symptoms

It’s important to note that while these areas show promise, further research is needed to establish their safety and efficacy in treating fibromyalgia.

Living Well with Fibromyalgia: Strategies for Long-Term Management

Managing fibromyalgia is a lifelong journey that requires a multifaceted approach. While symptoms may fluctuate over time, implementing comprehensive management strategies can help individuals with fibromyalgia lead fulfilling and productive lives.

Key Components of Long-Term Fibromyalgia Management

• Developing a strong support network of family, friends, and healthcare professionals
• Practicing self-advocacy and effective communication with healthcare providers
• Staying informed about the latest research and treatment options
• Engaging in regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy lifestyle
• Implementing stress-management techniques and prioritizing self-care
• Exploring adaptive strategies for work and daily activities
• Participating in patient support groups or online communities

How can individuals with fibromyalgia maintain a positive outlook despite chronic symptoms? Cultivating resilience is crucial for long-term well-being. This can be achieved through:

1. Setting realistic goals and celebrating small victories
2. Practicing gratitude and focusing on positive aspects of life
3. Engaging in meaningful activities and hobbies
4. Developing effective coping strategies for challenging days
5. Seeking professional help when needed to address mental health concerns

Remember that living well with fibromyalgia is possible with the right combination of medical care, lifestyle adjustments, and emotional support.

In conclusion, while fibromyalgia presents significant challenges, understanding the condition, recognizing its differences from similar disorders like polymyalgia, and implementing comprehensive management strategies can greatly improve quality of life. By staying informed, working closely with healthcare providers, and maintaining a proactive approach to self-care, individuals with fibromyalgia can effectively manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives. As research continues to advance our understanding of this complex condition, there is hope for even more effective treatments and management strategies in the future.

Warning signs, tips, and treatments

Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that causes pain and tenderness throughout the body. Symptoms of fibromyalgia flares vary but often involve widespread pain, joint stiffness, and extreme sensitivity to stimuli.

Scientists estimate that around 4 million adults in the United States have fibromyalgia. Women are twice as likely to have fibromyalgia as men. Children can have fibromyalgia, but it is more common in older adults.

When fibromyalgia pains flare up, every activity can seem more difficult. All people experience flares differently, and there can be different triggers depending on the person.

This article discusses the symptoms of fibromyalgia flares, their causes, and how to manage them.

Some people with fibromyalgia may experience certain symptoms regularly. However, the pain associated with fibromyalgia tends to fluctuate and worsen.

When symptoms temporarily increase in number or intensity, it is called a flare or flare-up. A flare-up can last anywhere from a few days to weeks.

The main symptom of fibromyalgia is widespread pain. People may also experience stiffness and tenderness of the muscles, tendons, and joints. The individual symptoms differ from one person to another. Symptoms can vary in intensity and come and go.

Symptoms of fibromyalgia may include:

• pain throughout the body, particularly in the back or neck
• extreme sensitivity to touch, light, smoke, and certain foods
• stiffness when staying in the same position for long periods
• muscles spasms
• extreme tiredness
• poor quality sleep
• fatigue
• trouble with memory and concentration referred to as “fibro fog”
• slow or confused speech
• frequent headaches or migraines
• irritable bowel syndrome

Someone with fibromyalgia may sometimes experience clumsiness, dizzy spells, feeling too hot or cold, painful periods, restless legs syndrome, and numbness or tingling in hands and feet.

Daily pain and sleep deprivation can cause problems at home and work. The stress of coping with a condition can also lead to anxiety and depression.

Flare-ups can happen without warning but often have noticeable triggers.

The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown. However, changes in brain chemical levels and central nervous system function may play a role.

Periods of physical or emotional stress are common triggers for fibromyalgia. This may include:

• giving birth
• injury or infection
• large operations
• large life changes
• dealing with grief

Other factors may trigger a fibromyalgia flare-up, including:

• lack of sleep
• exhaustion
• temperature or weather changes
• diet changes
• hormonal imbalances

People are at more risk of fibromyalgia if they have a rheumatic disease. Rheumatic diseases affect the bones, muscles, and joints. They include:

• osteoarthritis
• rheumatoid arthritis
• lupus
• ankylosing spondylitis

Visit our dedicated arthritis hub here.

Although some triggers for fibromyalgia are beyond a person’s control, managing modifiable risk factors can help to prevent flare ups.

Reducing the risk of flare ups and practicing self care can improve symptoms and overall quality of life.

Below are several lifestyle changes and tips that may help relieve symptoms and make fibromyalgia easier to live with daily.

Keeping a log of triggers

Triggers for fibromyalgia vary from person to person. Maintaining a log of activities, meals, sleep times and duration, and symptoms of fibromyalgia may help to identify particular triggers.

Recording these activities might highlight patterns of what triggers a flare. This might help a person with fibromyalgia find out how to better manage or avoid those triggers.

Reducing stress and relaxing

Stress makes symptoms of fibromyalgia worse. Many people with fibromyalgia experience stress and feelings of depression, anxiety, and frustration. People may benefit from trying to avoid or limit exposure to stressful situations and making time to relax.

While techniques such as meditation or deep breathing may help manage stress, it is important that people with fibromyalgia do not avoid physical activity altogether. People with fibromyalgia who quit work or stop exercising do not do as well as those that stay active.

Options to assist with stress management are available and include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapy, and feedback from qualified health professionals.

Exercising regularly

Regular physical activity can often improve symptoms of fibromyalgia. Although exercise may increase pain at first, it may help prevent pain over time.

Activities that may help people with fibromyalgia include walking, biking, swimming, and water aerobics. Maintaining good posture habits, stretching, and relaxation exercises may also help.

People with fibromyalgia begin with gentle exercises, such as walking and build up endurance and intensity slowly.

Resistance and strengthening exercises may improve muscle strength, physical disability, depression, and quality of life. They can also improve tiredness and boost mood in people with fibromyalgia.

Learn more about the best exercises for fibromyalgia here.

Getting enough sleep

Fatigue is one of the main symptoms of fibromyalgia. It is essential that people with fibromyalgia get enough sleep.

Sleep hygiene practices that may help include going to bed and getting up at the same time every day and limiting napping during the day. Other helpful practices include:

• limiting screen time before bed
• limiting caffeine intake
• ensuring the sleep environment is dark and quiet
• avoiding eating large meals late in the evening

Learn more about the importance of sleep in our dedicated hub.

Not doing too much

While regular physical activity is recommended to help manage fibromyalgia symptoms, it is crucial to limit overexertion and not to do too much.

Moderation is the key. If a person with fibromyalgia does too much on days where their symptoms are good, they may end up having more bad days. However, on bad days, individuals should still try to be as active as they can. Keeping activity levels as even as possible provides the best outcome.

Diet

Although there is no specific diet recommended for people with fibromyalgia, there are certain foods that appear to make fibromyalgia symptoms worse.

Try an elimination diet, in which you exclude certain food groups each week to see if symptoms improve. If symptoms get better after ruling out a certain type of food, they may well be connected to fibromyalgia symptoms.

Studies show that Mediterranean, vegetarian, low gluten, and low FODMAP diets may all help manage fibromyalgia symptoms.

Maintaining proper nutrition will help boost energy levels and help avoid other health problems.

Learn more about which foods to limit or prioritize to manage fibromyalgia here.

Fibromyalgia and Social Security

Many people with fibromyalgia find themselves unable to work or resume a normal standard of living.

For such people, Social Security rulings in the United States dictate that so long as a medical or osteopathic doctor can determine that the disease causes medically determinable impairment (MDI), the condition will qualify as a disability for Social Security payments.

This means that a doctor should be able to confirm:

• a history of widespread pain
• a minimum of 11 tender points following examination
• repeated instances of at least six fibromyalgia symptoms
• no other conditions are causing the pain

The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires medical documentation dating back 12 months related to the disease and may conduct interviews with relatives, friends, neighbors, and past employers to confirm the diagnosis.

In some cases, the SSA may fund a consultation to confirm the debilitating nature of the disease.

Treating fibromyalgia flares can be tricky. Preventing a flare from developing in the first place is less complicated than treating a flare.

Fibromyalgia has several symptoms, which means that no one treatment will fix them all. Also, a treatment that works for one person may not work for another.

Treatment plans will often combine medication and lifestyle changes.

Medications that may help reduce fibromyalgia pain and improve sleep include:

• antidepressants
• anti-seizure drugs
• naltrexone, which is an anti-opioid medication, may be helpful

Talking therapies such as CBT aim to alter the way a person thinks about things and may help tackle fibromyalgia in a more positive way. Psychotherapy can also help someone with fibromyalgia help understand and deal with their thoughts and feelings.

Alternative treatments such as acupuncture, massage, and aromatherapy may also help with relaxation and stress.

There is no cure for fibromyalgia. However, medication and lifestyle changes can help treat fibromyalgia and reduce the likelihood of flares. Fibromyalgia is a condition that can be managed, and people with the disorder can live a full life.

Participating in regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to avoid fibromyalgia flares and manage pain.

Fibromyalgia can cause widespread pain, fatigue, and stiffness. Symptoms tend to occur in periods of flares.

Physical and emotional stress are the most common triggers of fibromyalgia flares. Other triggers include lack of sleep, weather changes, and hormone imbalances.

3. Symptoms of CFS and Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia. What is Fibromyalgia?

IMPORTANT
The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome resulting from a genetically determined phenomenon of central sensitization. It manifests itself as diffuse pain in the musculoskeletal structures, combined with fatigue, sleep disturbance, and depression. It is diagnosed according to clinical criteria with laboratory and instrumental exclusion of rheumatic pathology, organic causes of pain. Treatment is carried out using a combination of non-drug (exercise therapy, psychotherapy) and medication (antidepressants, GABA derivatives, local anesthetics) methods.

ICD-10

M79.7 Fibromyalgia

• Causes of fibromyalgia
• Pathogenesis
• Symptoms of fibromyalgia
• Diagnostics
  • Differential diagnosis
• Fibromyalgia treatment
• Prognosis and prevention
• Prices for treatment

General

Fibromyalgia has long been known in medical practice, it is observed in 4% of the population, it is prevalent mainly in middle-aged women (35-55 years). Due to the lack of an organic substrate, the disease was for a long time attributed to mental disorders, diagnosed as hypochondria, hysteria, psychogenic rheumatism.

The term fibromyalgia was coined in the 1970s. In 1990, the American College of Rheumatology first published diagnostic criteria for the disease. At the beginning of the 21st century, evidence was obtained that fibromyalgia is not accompanied by inflammatory changes in peripheral tissues, therefore, it is not a rheumatic pathology. Identification of violations of the central mechanisms of pain perception in patients finally secured the curation of the disease for specialists in the field of clinical neurology.

fibromyalgia

Causes of fibromyalgia

Recent studies have proven the hereditary nature of the pathology. The localization of the genetic defect has not yet been established. It is known that the probability of developing the disease in people whose relatives are diagnosed with fibromyalgia is 8 times higher than the average for the population. Studies of twins show that 50% of the risk of pathology is genetically determined, and 50% is associated with exposure to external factors that act as provoking triggers. The most likely etiological factors under the influence of which genetically determined fibromyalgia occurs are:

• Peripheral pain syndromes. Associated with damage to the peripheral nerve trunks as a result of trauma (nerve damage), compression (carpal tunnel syndrome), inflammation (neuritis, sciatic nerve neuropathy), dysmetabolic processes (diabetic neuropathy).
• Infectious diseases: borreliosis, herpetic infection, infectious mononucleosis, Q fever.
• Distress is mental stress accompanied by negative emotions. The negative perception of life events is due to the presence of suspiciousness in the patient, a tendency to catastrophize events, excessive alertness, and fixation on one’s own feelings. Similar character traits are observed in almost all patients.
• Physical injury (bruise, fracture, burns). Acts as a stress factor, associated with severe pain.
• Hormonal imbalance. Fibromyalgia is most commonly seen in hypothyroidism.
• Pharmaceuticals and vaccine administration. They negatively affect the neurotransmitter processes involved in the formation of pain perception.

Pathogenesis

Chronic pain syndrome, which accompanies fibromyalgia, is caused by central sensitization – constant hyperexcitation of sensitive neurons of the posterior horns of the spinal cord. Increased excitation is formed both under the influence of pain impulses coming from the periphery (injuries, peripheral syndromes), and as a result of neurometabolic changes against the background of distress, infection, hormonal disorders.

The leading role in pathogenesis belongs to serotonin- and noradrenergic neurotransmitter systems. It has been established that in patients the concentration of serotonin, L-tryptophan, norepinephrine in the blood is reduced, the level of 5-hydroxyindole, the basic metabolite of serotonin, is reduced in the cerebrospinal fluid. Since serotonin is considered to be responsible for good mood, the drop in its level explains the propensity of patients with fibromyalgia to depressive and anxiety states.

Fibromyalgia symptoms

The leading symptom complex of the disease is persistent diffuse pain throughout the body. Patients characterize the pain syndrome as “a feeling that it hurts everywhere”, “a constant feeling that you have a cold”, “burning all over the body”. Pain is accompanied by sensory phenomena: tingling, numbness, “goosebumps”, especially pronounced in the limbs. Sometimes fibromyalgia occurs with periodic arthralgia.

Increased fatigue is characteristic, most pronounced in the morning, less pronounced during the day and somewhat increasing in the evening. Even a slight increase in physical activity, as well as a prolonged lack of activity, can increase pain and fatigue. Sleep disturbances are represented by difficulties falling asleep, frequent nocturnal awakenings, lack of vigor after a sufficient period of sleep. A typical symptom is a feeling of weakness, fatigue after sleep. The feeling of lack of sleep is present even after a period of sleep lasting 9-10 hours, accompanied by morning stiffness in the body.

In 30-60% of cases, fibromyalgia is combined with mental disorders. The most typical generalized anxiety, depression. Many patients experience mild cognitive impairment: memory impairment, reduced ability to concentrate, inattention. Patients often describe them as a “fog in the head” that makes it difficult to concentrate.

The characteristic symptoms of fibromyalgia in most cases are combined with other problems: migraine-type headaches, restless legs syndrome, gastrointestinal dyskinesia, urinary disorders. Chronic pain, disturbed sleep negatively affect the patient’s ability to work, complicate his daily life, reduce its quality.

Diagnostics

Fibromyalgia is diagnosed mainly on the basis of clinical data after the exclusion of the organic genesis of pain. The comprehensive examination includes:

• Patient interview. Allows you to determine the main complaints, their nature, duration of the disease, concomitant pathology. As a diagnostic screening, the FiRST questionnaire is used, the sensitivity of which is at the level of 90.5%, the specificity is 85.7%. The questionnaire contains 6 items, a positive answer to 5 questions indicates the presence of fibromyalgia.
• Assessment of neurological status. The status is correct. Asthenization of the patient is noted, in the study of cognitive functions – difficulty concentrating.
• Trigger point research. 9 pairs of points are known, the pain of which is accompanied by fibromyalgia. Diagnostic palpation should be carried out with a certain uniform pressure force, combined with comparative palpation of other areas.
• Laboratory tests. The absence of inflammatory changes in the general blood test, an increase in markers of autoimmune pathology (C-reactive protein, RF, antinuclear antibodies, ASL-O) makes it possible to exclude the rheumatic nature of the disease. There is a decrease in the concentration of L-tryptophan, serotonin in the blood serum.
• Tomography. Computed tomography, MRI of the brain do not reveal morphological changes, exclude intracranial hypertension, cerebral tumors, slow infections of the central nervous system, degenerative processes.

Differential

Differential diagnosis is carried out with myositis, dermatomyositis, hypercalcemia, neurasthenia, hysterical neurosis, somatoform disorders, oncological processes. When making a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, doctors can focus on the following diagnostic criteria:

• Pain in the four quadrants of the body, present in the chest and/or spine, lasting at least 3 months.
• On palpation, pain occurs in 11 out of 18 trigger points.
• The presence of increased fatigue.
• Characteristic sleep disorders.
• Difficulty focusing when necessary.
• Morning stiffness.
• Depressive, anxious mood background.
• The impact of the disease on the quality of life.

Fibromyalgia treatment

The therapy is carried out by a neurologist or an algologist, it requires an integrated approach, a combination of several techniques. Among the methods of treatment used, there are non-drug and drug treatments.

Non-drug methods:

• Cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy. Allows the patient to develop a positive outlook on life, reduce anxiety, raise the background of mood.
• Therapeutic exercise. It has been proven that moderate physical activity helps to reduce pain, regression of the symptoms of the disease for a period of up to a year or longer.
• Other methods: biofeedback therapy, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, hypnotherapy. Showed moderate effectiveness in pain relief. Can be used as an addition to basic therapy.

Pharmacotherapy:

• Antidepressants. Effective against fibromyalgia and associated depression, improve sleep. Amitriptyline, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (venlafaxine, duloxetine) have proven efficacy.
• GABA anticonvulsants (pregabalin). Against the background of treatment, there is a significant decrease in pain symptoms, sleep is normalized, and the overall activity of the patient increases.
• Central analgesics (tramadol). Used to relieve acute pain. The analgesic effect of tramadol potentiates its use in conjunction with paracetamol. Side effects are pronounced (dizziness, weakness, nausea), a long course of treatment is addictive.
• Local anesthetics (lidocaine). Used as part of a course of treatment in the form of infusions. When locally injected into trigger points, they have a local and general analgesic effect.

Prognosis and prevention

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pathology. Regular complex treatment can reduce pain by 30-50%, normalize sleep, reduce anxiety and depression, improve the efficiency and quality of life of patients. The best prevention of the disease is a positive attitude towards life, a benevolent outlook on current events, caring for others, as opposed to an excessive focus on internal sensations. People who have developed such an attitude towards life are protected from the likelihood of disease, even if there is a genetic predisposition.

You can share your medical history, what helped you in the treatment of fibromyalgia.

Sources

1. self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.

   Fibromyalgia treatment in Moscow. Osteopath. Manual therapy. Clinic “East Clinic”. Fibromyalgia, treatment, drugs, methods, causes in adults and children.

   How to stop visiting doctors and pharmacies and get real help?

   • Expert level of specialists – doctors with more than 25 years of experience advise us.
   • Team opinion – doctors of several specialties cooperate with each other to achieve the best result.
   • The consultation lasts as long as necessary – to understand the situation in detail.

   Sign up for an initial appointment and find out:

   • What is the cause of your disease, the exact diagnosis and stage of the process.
   • What treatment suits you and what procedures are contraindicated.
   • What to do at home – exercise, nutrition and more.
   • And also immediately go through the first treatment procedure.

   Depending on the stage of the disease, we choose one or more treatments:

   Osteopathy

   Soft technique for working with the spine, joints, muscles, ligaments, internal organs. Eliminates pain, starts the process of self-healing.

   Therapeutic massage, osteopathy, manual therapy

   Helps bones and joints to take the correct physiological position, relieves pain and spasms, relaxes muscles.

   Acupuncture

   Work on biologically active points. It acts on the affected area and the body as a whole. Eliminates the cause of the disease and removes the symptoms.

   In addition, according to indications, taping, pharmacopuncture, FormTotics insoles, exercise therapy with an instructor and other methods are used. The choice of procedures depends on the current state, in combination they act faster and give a more stable result.

   Fibromyalgia symptoms and treatment

   Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain that occurs due to a genetic defect that provokes the development of the phenomenon of central sentization. It manifests itself in the form of diffuse pain in the area of ​​musculoskeletal structures, aggravated by a decrease in energy potential, insomnia and depressive disorders. It is detected by the presence of characteristic symptoms, after exclusion by laboratory or instrumental diagnostic methods, rheumatic or organic causes of pain. Therapy consists of a combination of non-drug and drug treatments.

   Symptoms of the disease, what it is, how to treat fibromyalgia, who helped.

   The basic symptom of fibromyalgia is a persistent pain syndrome that does not go away, accompanied by the appearance of sensory phenomena (loss of sensation, goosebumps). In particular, “phenomena” appear in the limbs. In some cases, the disease is complicated by periodic manifestations of arthralgia.
   In addition to the above symptoms, fibromyalgia is characterized by increased fatigue, especially pronounced in the morning.

   Symptoms characteristic of fibromyalgia may be combined with symptoms of other diseases (headaches that increase in intensity up to migraine; tonic muscle cramps; disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and urogenital area).

   Separately, extremely rare pain syndromes associated with damage to peripheral nerve tissues should be singled out. The development of this type of pain syndrome causes traumatic (open and closing injuries), inflammatory (tissue inflammation in neuritis, neuropathy and other diseases) and dysmetabolic (nervous system damage in diabetes) lesions of peripheral nerve endings.

   In addition, the development of fibromyalgia can provoke some infectious diseases, such as: borrelia, herpes, infectious mononucleosis and Q fever.

   Disease therapy, preparations. In adults and children. Reviews. What is this disease. Diagnostics. Causes, syndrome.

   Fibromyalgia treatment tactics include a symbiosis of drug and non-drug methods, the composition and ratio of which is determined by a neurologist or allologist.

   Drug therapy includes antidepressants or sedatives, local and complex pain medications, enzymes and multivitamin complexes.

   Non-pharmacological treatment includes:

   Cognitive-behavioral treatment – contributing to the development of a positive outlook on life in the patient, helps to reduce anxiety and improve the psycho-emotional background.