Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by generalized musculoskeletal pain and accompanied by fatigue, sleep disorders, memory and mood. Symptoms begin after physical trauma, surgery, infection, or significant psychological stress. In other cases, symptoms accumulate gradually over time with no single triggering event. By the way, here are the symptoms of fibromyalgia that you absolutely must know!
Muscle and joint pain
The pain can be deep, sharp, throbbing or painful. It is felt in the muscles, tendons and ligaments around the joints. For some people, the pain comes and goes, and it can spread throughout the body.
Tired
Fibromyalgia sufferers often feel tired even when they should feel rested, for example after a good night's sleep. They feel persistent and unusual fatigue.
Sleeping troubles
Some studies related to sleep and chronic diseases show that people with fibromyalgia are constantly interrupted by brain activity that is similar to what happens in the brain when they are awake. These interruptions limit the time spent in deep sleep and therefore affect the quality of sleep. It should also be noted that this is a vicious circle because pain aggravates sleep disorders and sleep disorders aggravate pain.
Mood disorders
About half of people with fibromyalgia suffer from depression or anxiety disorders when they are diagnosed with fibromyalgia. It is also possible that anxiety and depression may be part of fibromyalgia, such as pain.
Morning stiffness
Most people with fibromyalgia feel they need to "relax" after getting out of bed and before they can start their day. The muscles and joints of their backs, arms and legs are stiff. It's more like the stiffness that a person with rheumatoid arthritis feels.
Swelling and tingling in the hands and feet
Although the cause of numbness, tingling and swelling is unclear, many people with fibromyalgia feel it. These sensations, called paraesthesia, tend to happen randomly and can last for a few minutes or be constant.
Restless legs syndrome
According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, adults suffering from fibromyalgia are much more likely to suffer from restless legs syndrome. This syndrome affects the feet and legs and is illustrated by an irrepressible desire to move his legs. This is a troublesome neurological disorder that occurs during periods of relaxation or inactivity.
In addition, fibromyalgia often coexists with other painful conditions, such as:
Sleep problems
- Grinding of teeth
- Muscular contractions even during sleep
- Have the feeling of falling while sleeping at the beginning of sleep
Allergy and sinus problems
- Buzzing ears
- thick mucus
- Itchy ears or itchy ears
- Runny nose
- Allergy, sensitivity to mold and yeast
- Shortness of breath
Stomach problems and digestion
- Bloating, nausea
- Abdominal cramps and pelvic pain
- Frequent urination and problems with urination
- Irritable bowel syndrome
Sensory problems and sensitivity
- Sensitivity to odors, light, noise, temperature, pressure and climate change.
- Difficulty to drive at night and to see when the brightness drops
Cognitive difficulties
- poor coordination and balance
- Directional difficulties and recognition of a familiar environment
- Spirit elsewhere, difficulty of concentration, short-term memory and differentiation between certain shades of color
- Burns or tingling in the upper limbs
- Language problems and difficulty pronouncing familiar words
Reproductive problems
- Loss of libido
- Incapacity
- Premenstrual syndrome and menstrual cramps
Heart problems
- Irregular heartbeat
- Valve problems
- Pain similar to a heart attack
Hair, skin and nails
- Extremely rigid nails or too striated nails
- Skin that hurts or scars easily or appears spotted
- Hair loss
Mental health symptoms
- Anxiety, depression, panic attacks
- mood changes and unexplained irritability
Other symptoms
- Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
- cravings for carbohydrates and chocolate
- Headaches and migraines
- Vision changes
- Sweats
Although there is no concrete treatment for fibromyalgia, there are natural remedies and tips to follow that help relieve symptoms such as:
- Practice regular physical activity
- Rest as soon as necessary
- Have a healthy lifestyle
- Manage stress
Practice gentle methods such as acupuncture, yoga, massage and sophrology to reduce pain and improve stress management
Use plants such as lavender or chamomile to promote sleep and relaxation
Favor foods and spices rich in nutrients beneficial to the body, especially those with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties (ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, tomato, thyme, onions, linseed, olive oil).