Fibromyalgia

In This Section:

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a condition of chronic fatigue and muscular pain. The cause remains unknown, but it is thought to be triggered by infection, injury, stress or sleep disturbance. The pain may be mild or it may be agonizing. It may also travel from one area of the body to another. Insomnia, headaches, fatigue, sleep disorders, anxiety, depression and numbness in arms and legs may also be present. Other symptoms include nausea, abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, constipation or diarrhea. Chemical sensitivity or sensory sensitivity may also be present.

What might my life be like?

People with fibromyalgia usually ache all over, sleep poorly, are stiff on waking and are tired all day. Fatigue may vary from general feeling of tiredness to utter exhaustion. Some days are better than others.

You may need medications from your doctor or alternative therapies such as massage, heat, relaxation or cognitive therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic treatment or osteopathy to relieve your symptoms.

How does my doctor determine if I have fibromyalgia?

There is no specific test to diagnose fibromyalgia. Doctors may order a number of tests (blood tests and X-rays) to rule out other conditions. They may examine your muscles to locate painful areas called trigger points.

What are trigger points?

These are specific areas of the body that will typically have pain (back, rib, elbow, knee, base of skull, upper back, hip and buttocks).

Tips for feeling your best

Your fibromyalgia, as distressing as it is, is not a life-threatening condition like stroke or heart attack. But it is like a watchdog ... and barks when you abuse your health! You will experience increased symptoms if you neglect your exercise, rest and diet.

• Exercise daily —Push yourself enough to stimulate your heart rate and warm your muscles, but avoid making yourself sore and tired the next day.

• Do gentle stretching —Keep muscles loose. Stretch when muscles are warm. Stretch to resistance, not until you feel pain.

• Get plenty of rest —Even if you have insomnia, make sure you relax and adopt habits to quiet your mind, such as meditation or a soothing bath.

• Eat healthy foods —Avoid all sources of caffeine and alcohol. Identify foods that seem to make your condition worse and avoid them. Many people report that sugar, for example, increases their pain.

• Drink plenty of water — Drink at least eight glasses a day. Limit fluids before bedtime to avoid being wakened with a full bladder.

Take care of your mental well-being

Living with fibromyalgia is a challenge. It is important to take care of your emotional health as well as your physical health.

• Ask for help . It is okay to ask a friend to help with housework, yard work or other tasks. Fibromyalgia imposes real limitations and you do not need to feel guilty.

• Limit your exposure to stress. If you are having a bad day, take it easy! Turn off the TV, use the answering machine, rent a movie, chat with friends or play cards with your kids.

• Avoid lingering anger or resentment . No one is entirely without pain or stress. No one skates through life without feeling that some things are unfair. Fibromyalgia may cause you to deal with more pain, but it is treatable, not dangerous. It does not define who you are.

• Fit pleasure into your routine. Schedule regular events so you never feel limited by your condition. Meet often with positive friends, and go to movies, travel, etc.

• Talk about your feelings. There is a difference between complaining (makes you feel worse) and talking (makes you feel better). Turn to those you trust when you feel overburdened and talk. Be respectful of each person’s limitations and he or she will remain supportive.