Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a long-term problem that causes pain in the muscles and soft tissues of your body. It can make you feel tired and ache all over. You may have no energy or have trouble sleeping. These and other symptoms can be bad enough to affect your work and home life. Symptoms tend to come and go, but they may never go away completely. Fibromyalgia does not harm your muscles, joints, or organs.

What are the symptoms?

People with fibromyalgia have pain in their soft tissues, especially the muscles. They may also have sleep problems. Some people get so tired that they become weak and disabled.

People with fibromyalgia may also have other problems related to the condition. These include headaches, morning stiffness, trouble concentrating, and irritable bowel syndrome.

As with many conditions that cause chronic pain, people with fibromyalgia often have anxiety and depression. These can make you feel worse.

How is it diagnosed?

Fibromyalgia can be hard to diagnose because the symptoms vary from case to case. And different people feel the symptoms in different ways. Also, the symptoms are similar to those of many other disorders and diseases.

There are no tests for fibromyalgia. But your doctor will check to see if you have other illnesses that could cause your symptoms.

The doctor will also ask you how widespread your pain is, and whether you have other symptoms such as fatigue, trouble sleeping or feeling unrefreshed in the morning, and trouble thinking. And your doctor will consider whether you have had the symptoms for at least 3 months.

People who have fibromyalgia sometimes describe having pain and tenderness at specific spots on the body, or tender points. You may also hear these called trigger points.

How is it treated?

There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but doctors can treat and control the symptoms. You can help manage the symptoms by taking an active part in your treatment. Treatment may be different for each person. Your doctor may suggest that you:

  • Get regular exercise to help with muscle aches and stiffness.
  • Change your routine, schedule, and surroundings to improve your sleep habits and reduce stress.
  • Take medicine to help you sleep better and relieve pain.
  • Get counseling to help you manage long-term pain and find better ways to handle stress.

Some people also find complementary treatments helpful. These include acupuncture, massage, behavioral therapy, and relaxation techniques.

Tips for living with fibromyalgia

  • Exercise often. It will help with pain and sleep problems and make you feel better. Many people with fibromyalgia have been inactive for a long time because of fatigue and pain and should start exercising slowly. Overexerting yourself may make your symptoms worse.
  • Try to get a good night's sleep. Go to bed and get up at the same time each day, whether you feel rested or not. Make sure you have a good mattress and pillow.
  • Reduce stress. Avoid things that cause you stress, if you can. If not, work at making them less stressful. Learn to use biofeedback, guided imagery, meditation, or other methods to relax.
  • Make healthy changes. Eat a balanced diet, quit smoking, and limit alcohol and caffeine.
  • Use a heating pad set on low, or take warm baths or showers for pain. Using cold packs for up to 15 minutes at a time can also relieve pain.
  • Take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Be safe with medicines. Talk to your doctor if you take pain medicines frequently. They can cause problems.
  • Antidepressant drugs can sometimes help with your pain even if you are not depressed. If your doctor prescribes a medicine for fibromyalgia, take it exactly as prescribed.
  • Learn about your disease. This makes coping easier.
  • Think about joining a support group with others who have fibromyalgia to learn more and get support.

When should you call for help?

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • You feel sad, helpless, or hopeless; you lose interest in things you used to enjoy; or you have other symptoms of depression.
  • You think you have injured a muscle or joint, and the pain does not go away in a few days.
  • You have any new symptoms.
  • You have any problems with your medicine.
  • You have questions or concerns.

Do you have any questions or concerns after reading this information? It's a good idea to write them down and take them to your next doctor visit.