Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes aches and pains all over the body. There are tender points throughout the body for the patients who are suffering from Fibromyalgia. These tender points are in specific places such as the neck, shoulder, back, hips, and legs that hurt when pressure is applied to them.

In addition to pain, people suffering from fibromyalgia can experience the following symptoms:

• Conjunctive and memory problem sometimes called fibro fog
• Trouble sleeping
• Morning stiffness
• Headaches
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Painful menstrual periods
• Numbness and tingling of hands and feet
• Restless leg syndrome
• Temperature sensitivity
• Sensitivity to loud noises and bright lights

Fibromyalgia may affect anyone from the age of 18 years and above.

Causes of fibromyalgia
The exact causes of fibromyalgia are not known. Researchers think that several factors come together in order to cause fibromyalgia. It occurs on its own but has been linked to the following:

• Having a family history of fibromyalgia
• Being exposed to traumatic and stressful events such as car accident, injuries in the body happening again and again also called repetitive injuries and infections or illness.

How to diagnose it?
To diagnose fibromyalgia doctors would make a study on the basis of the following criteria-

• A history of widespread pain lasting for 3 months to confirm if the pain has been present in both the right and the left side of the body as well as above and below the waist.
• The body has about 18 tender points. And to diagnose fibromyalgia a person must have 11 or more tender points. The patient may feel pain when pressure is applied on these tender points.
• The doctors must do other tests to rule out other causes of pain and fatigue.
• Fibromyalgia is hard to be treated, therefore a team of doctors must work together for fibromyalgia treatment. A physical therapist, pain management specialist, a neurologist and rheumatology specialist get together for fibromyalgia treatment.

Fibromyalgia treatments

Pain management :  To manage the pain the doctors generally prescribe oral medicines. Pregabalin, Duloxetine, and Milnacipran are some popular medications for fibromyalgia.

Sleep management :  Because of the pain, a patient may experience fatigue and tiredness. Getting the right amount of sleep at night may help in overcoming the pain.
A few tips to get good sleep are-

• Try keeping regular sleep habits. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day even on weekends and vacations help.
• Avoid consumption of caffeine and alcohol in late afternoon and evening.
• Fix your time for exercises regularly in daytime. Exercises improve nighttime sleep. It is advisable not to exercise within 3 hours of bedtime which may result in stimulation of your body and keep you awake.
• Do not have daytime naps. If you sleep in the afternoon you will have a problem sleeping at night.
• Avoid watching TV, reading suspense thriller novels, or working on the laptop in the bed. This stimulates your brain and makes it hard for you to sleep.
• The bedroom should be kept dark, quiet and cool.
• Foods and a lot of liquids should be avoided before going to bed. This may result in late night trips to the bathroom which would lead to disturbing sleep.

A warm bath or listening to soft music and lowering your physical activities would help you go to bed in time.

Psychological support:  Living with chronic and high pain conditions can be very hard. It would be helpful if you find a fibromyalgia support group. Counseling sessions with a well-trained counselor may help in improving your understanding of your illness. It also helps you accept your situation and fills you with positivity and strength to overcome it.

Other fibromyalgia  treatments:  There are alternative therapies that may help you overcome and decrease the pain of fibromyalgia. Your physician would best advise you about the fibromyalgia treatments. Some other fibromyalgia treatments are-

• Physical therapy
• Massage
• Myofascial release therapy
• Water Therapy
• Light aerobics
• Acupressure
• Acupuncture
• Yoga
• Breathing techniques
• Aromatherapy
• Conjunctive therapy
• Biofeedback
• Herbs
• Nutritional supplements
• Osteopathic on chiropractic manipulation

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder which is tough to be cured. With the help of medicines, exercises, proper rest, and alternative therapies the pain can be managed and kept under control to live a normal life. Positive attitude towards this condition is very important. Support and care of the loved ones are equally needed.