About 10 million Americans are affected by fibromyalgia. It is a very common condition. There are even people who have it, but aren’t aware of its presence. There are also doctors who can’t recognize fibromyalgia in a patient and often misdiagnose him/her.
The condition can’t be cured, but some medicines, cognitive behavioral therapies as well asgentle exercise can help you.
Muscle pain is the first thing that people think of when they hear about fibromyalgia.
People with fibromyalgia also feel tenderness to touch which spreads throughout their body as well as many other problems. This is a condition which affects their emotional, mental physical health.
CAUSES AND DIAGNOSIS
It still isn’t clear what causes fibromyalgia. You can’t prevent this condition, but you can control it. You just have to be aware that you have it.
There isn’t a test that doctors can use to diagnose fibromyalgia. The doctor only asks the patient whether he/she experiences some of the symptoms below.
The doctor also performs various tests and methods like: antinuclear antibody, blood count, rheumatoid factor, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, thyroid test, MRIand X-rays.
Here are the most common symptoms. In case you’ve noticed some of them, visit a specialist.
FIBROMYALGIA SYMPTOMS
MUSCLE AND BODY
Muscle twitching
Swelling
Morning stiffness
Tender and lumpy breasts
Mild to severe pain which may spread to other parts of the body
PROBLEMS WITH SLEEPING
Fatigue
Grinding teeth
Hypnic jerk (otherwise known as the feeling of falling while sleeping)
Difficulty sleeping/Broken sleeping pattern, you feel very tired and lethargic every morning
Muscle twitching during sleep
SINUS & ALLERGY PROBLEMS
Ringing ears
Thick mucus
A runny nose as well as post nasal drip
Shortness of breath
Earaches and itchy ears
Sensitivity to molds and yeasts as well as allergies
DIGESTION AND STOMACH ISSUES
Irritable bowel syndrome
Pelvic pain, nausea, abdominal crampsand bloating
Frequent urination
SENSITIVITY AND SENSORY PROBLEMS
Difficulty seeing in night drivingand low lighting
Increased sensitivity to climate changes, light, noise, smells, pressureand temperature
COGNITIVE PROBLEMS
Language impairments as well as difficulty speaking familiar words
Poor coordinationand balance
Burning and tingling in the upper limbs
Zone out often, short-term memory, difficulty differentiating between some color shades and difficulty with concentration
Directional difficulties, difficulty recognizing familiar surroundings
REPRODUCTIVE ISSUES
Loss of libido
Impotence
PMS as well as other menstrual problems
HEART PROBLEMS
Valve problems
Pain similar to a heart attack
Irregular heartbeat
SKIN, HAIR, AND NAILS
Overly-ridged nailsor nails which curve under
Hair loss
Skin which appears mottled, bruises or scars easily
MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES
Mood swingsand unexplained irritability
Anxiety, depression, panic attack
OTHER SYMPTOMS
Family history
Unexplained weight gainor weight loss
Sweats
Headachesand migraines
Carbohydrate and chocolate cravings
Vision problems
All of the abovementioned signs can also mean that you have another condition, so don’t be afraid, For example, PMS, cravings, frequent mood swingsandheadaches don’t only signify fibromyalgia.
Just consult your doctor. Don’t conclude anything yourself.
NATURAL TREATMENT FOR FIBROMYALGIA
THESE ARE SOME TIPS THAT CAN HELP YOU ALLEVIATE THE SYMPTOMS OF FIBROMYALGIA IN A NATURAL WAY:
practice yoga
use acupuncture
try mindful breathing
practice tai chi
go to massages
use anti-inflammatory herbs like for example, turmeric, garlicand ginger
consume organic, whole, anti-inflammatory foods
take magnesium, vitamin B12 and vitamin D supplements
do gentle exercise
