A chronic disorder, fibromyalgia causes widespread muscle pain and tenderness. The pain is often worse at night, but it may be mild during the day. The pain can be so severe that you cannot sleep. It may also cause headaches, depression, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), anxiety, and tingling in your hands or feet.
Fibromyalgia usually has no known cause. Fibromyalgia can occur in any age group and is more common in women than men. However, fibromyalgia can occur at any age and is not necessarily related to age or gender.
Fibromyalgia Diagnosis
There are several ways to diagnose fibromyalgia. The most common is a medical interview with your doctor. Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms, medical history, and current medications. You may also have tests ordered to rule out other possible medical conditions.
Other tests that can be used include:
- Blood tests – Blood tests can help rule out other causes of chronic pain, such as lupus or an autoimmune disorder (for example, rheumatoid arthritis).
- X-ray – It may show damage to bones or soft tissues in the body (soft tissue refers to muscles and organs). Fibromyalgia is associated with pain in the joints and muscles, but not all cases involve these problems. X-rays also may find other conditions that cause pain in the joints and muscles.
- MRI – It can detect injuries and tumors that might not show up on standard x-rays or CT scans. It can also help rule out neurological conditions.
Fibromyalgia treatment
The good news is that fibromyalgia is treatable. (Although, there’s no cure!) A combination of medications and physical therapy can lead to significant improvement in symptoms, even if you are still experiencing pain.
Lifestyle change
Lifestyle changes are the first treatment that should be implemented when dealing with fibromyalgia. Lifestyle changes include exercise, diet, stress management and sleep hygiene. Exercise helps to alleviate pain and improve physical functioning. It also improves mood and increases energy levels. Exercising can also help reduce stress levels, which can be another contributing factor to fibromyalgia symptoms.
When it comes to diet, a healthy diet low in sodium and saturated fats can help reduce inflammation in the body and reduce pain levels from fibromyalgia. A healthy diet includes lots of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains as well as lean meats and low-fat dairy products like skim milk or yogurt. You should avoid foods high in sugar or sodium such as processed foods like bread or pastries or fried foods like French fries or other fast foods.
Stress management is another important aspect of treating fibromyalgia symptoms because stress can make them worse by increasing inflammation levels in your body. Stress management techniques include positive thinking strategies such as breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga; learning how to relax through progressive muscle relaxation (PMR); using relaxation tapes; practicing mindfulness meditation; doing expressive writing exercises; talking with supportive friends or family members.
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Physical therapy
Physical therapy can help people with fibromyalgia get rid of their pain and stiffness more quickly. It also helps them regain strength and flexibility in their muscles, which makes it easier to move around and do things that you need to do every day, such as getting dressed or feeding yourself. Physical therapy may include gentle stretching exercises and strengthening exercises, such as those used with weight machines or exercise balls that you can use at home. Physical therapists often work with patients one-on-one to develop specific exercises they can do at home on their own.
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Medications
You may be prescribed medications to treat fibromyalgia. These include antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and pain relievers. Medication treatment often includes using a combination of two or more drugs. The goal is to reduce the number of symptoms you feel and improve your quality of life.
Final words
If you have fibromyalgia, it’s important to talk to your doctor about the best treatment for you. Your doctor may ask about your symptoms, how often they occur and whether they come on suddenly or gradually. A physical exam and blood tests may also be done to help find out if you have other medical conditions that could be causing your symptoms.
In addition to recommending lifestyle changes, your doctor will probably start by recommending a trial of one or more medications to see which works best for you. You may need to take these medicines long-term because they don’t cure fibromyalgia but they can relieve some of its symptoms.
Consult the best orthopedic doctor in Kolkata and start with the right treatment plan.
Overall, take better care of your orthopedic health. Reach out to specialists if you have any problems. For instance, if you’re experiencing knee problems, consult the best knee replacement surgeon in Kolkata. In the end, your orthopedic health will define the quality of your life.