Fibromyalgia: Causes, symptoms and prevention

Living in pain can make it hard to get out bed every morning. Simple tasks become more difficult when you’re in pain. But what’s worse is not knowing what is causing the pain.

For years, diagnosing fibromyalgia was difficult. Doctors could not pinpoint its cause since symptoms of fibromyalgia are similar to other health conditions. Unfortunately, there is no set test to detect it, so a person might live in pain for years before receiving a proper diagnosis.

Today we have a better understanding of fibromyalgia and more insight to treat the symptoms. Below, you will find everything you need to know about fibromyalgia.

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia encompasses pain, fatigue, trouble sleeping and changes in mood. Researchers believe fibromyalgia affects how the brain processes pain. People may first begin to notice symptoms of fibromyalgia after surgery or a traumatic event.

Women typically experience fibromyalgia more than men. Although there is currently no cure, treatment can ease symptoms.

Risk factors of fibromyalgia

Some risk factors associated with the development of fibromyalgia include gender, family history and rheumatic disease.

Causes and symptoms of fibromyalgia

An exact cause is still unknown. Researchers believe genetics, infections or physical and emotional trauma might spark the onset of fibromyalgia.

Because fibromyalgia shares many symptoms with other disorders it can be hard to diagnose. Here are some symptoms commonly associated with fibromyalgia:

• Pain – this pain is not isolated in one area of the body.
• Fatigue – lack of sleep due to pain can leave a person tired with low-energy.
• Cognitive difficulties – Ability to focus or concentrate may be associated with fibromyalgia. This is often referred to as “fibro fog.”

Link between fibromyalgia and osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is the weakening of bones. While it often occurs in women, men are not immune. As we age our bones lose calcium. This can result in more fractures and can make daily life quite difficult.

Studies show that there appears to be a strong link between fibromyalgia and osteoporosis. This connection is believed to occur because fibromyalgia suppresses the production of growth hormones. If bones don’t receive these hormones they can become weak, which leads to osteoporosis.

Home remedies for fibromyalgia

If you want to take steps to better manage your fibromyalgia at home here are some useful home remedies to try:

• Reduce stress: Stress can make us more sensitive to the effects of pain. It can wreak havoc on all our major bodily systems. Taking the time to relax and reduce stress can better help you manage systems associated with fibromyalgia.
• Sleep: Sleep is essential to overall good health. Pain can reduce your ability to sleep and therefore cause daytime fatigue. It’s important for those with fibromyalgia to get adequate sleep to feel their best – napping may help support this.
• Exercise: You may not feel up to exercising due to the pain, but exercise holds benefits for those with fibromyalgia. Completing exercises that are easy on your joints can help you build stronger muscles and ease symptoms. Biking and swimming are good exercise options. Also, exercise works to build strong bones, which is beneficial in preventing the onset of osteoporosis.
• Know your limit: Don’t over-exert yourself. You may have good days and bad days, so knowing your limit and working within it is your best course of action.

These are just some helpful home remedies that you can practice to help ease the symptoms of fibromyalgia. With a doctor’s help, you can find the best treatment plan for your needs.

Although living with fibromyalgia may be difficult, it is possible. With healthy habits and support you, too, can live with fibromyalgia.

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Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibromyalgia/basics/definition/con-20019243
http://www.niams.nih.gov/health_info/fibromyalgia/
http://www.fibromyalgia-symptoms.org/fibromyalgia_osteo.html