Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain all over the body, fatigue, and other symptoms. It is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues. The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but researchers think that certain things might contribute to its cause, such as stressful or traumatic events, repetitive injuries, and illnesses such as viral infections. Fibromyalgia tends to run in families, so genes may play a role in the cause. People with fibromyalgia may be more sensitive to pain than people who dont have it, which is called abnormal pain perception processing.
The primary symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
- Widespread pain: The pain associated with fibromyalgia often is described as a constant dull ache that has lasted for at least three months. To be considered widespread, the pain must occur on both sides of your body and above and below your waist.
- Fatigue: People with fibromyalgia often awaken tired, even though they report sleeping for long periods of time.
- Sleep disturbances: Fibromyalgia often causes sleep disturbances, which can leave you feeling exhausted.
- Cognitive difficulties: A symptom commonly referred to as "fibro fog" impairs the ability to focus, pay attention and concentrate on mental tasks.
- Other symptoms may include headaches, including migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, pain in the face or jaw, including disorders of the jaw known as temporomandibular joint syndrome, depression, and anxiety.
While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, a variety of medications can help control symptoms. Exercise, relaxation, and stress-reduction measures also may help.
