What Is Fibromyalgia?
You may have heard the word fibromyalgia on TV commercials, on the radio, amongst talk about arthritis conditions, or even read about it in your favorite magazine. You may think it's some sort of condition like arthritis that affects the joints, and you'd be close, but there's actually a little bit more to it. To clear up any confusion surrounding the term fibromyalgia and to better explain symptoms you may be experiencing yourself, we've defined fibromyalgia, its symptoms, and how this condition can impact your life.
Fibromyalgia: Defined
Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and is accompanied by many symptoms. It is the second most common musculoskeletal condition after osteoarthritis. The symptoms and pain are often felt in localized areas of the body like the muscles and joints. Fibromyalgia is a complex condition that can affect a person physically, mentally, and emotionally. Symptoms can vary from person to person, and fibromyalgia can be found in people of all ages, including children. According to the National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association, approximately 10 million Americans live with fibromyalgia, with a ratio of roughly 8 women to 2 men. From a scientific perspective, fibromyalgia is seen as a chronic pain state in which the nerve stimuli that produce pain start mainly in the tissues of the body. People with fibromyalgia essentially have a lowered pain threshold.
Symptoms and Treatment
The cardinal symptoms of fibromyalgia are widespread pain and tenderness to touch. Symptoms can vary in intensity and are experienced differently by each person. Other common symptoms include:
- fatigue
- sleep disturbances
- cognitive difficulties (thinking clearly/memory problems)
- migraines
- depression
- anxiety
- irritable or overactive bladder
- irritable bowel syndrome
- pelvic pain
- tension headaches
There is no cure for fibromyalgia. Many different approaches exist for managing symptoms, and your doctor is the right person to help you build a plan. The most common approaches include gentle exercise, cognitive therapies, medications, and, alongside medical care, joint supplements that support everyday joint comfort and a healthy inflammatory response. Once your long-term health goals are identified and a care plan is put into place, you may find your symptoms easier to manage and your flares less frequent.
How Fibromyalgia Can Impact Your Life
Fibromyalgia and its symptoms can range from mild to severe. If one word could be associated with fibromyalgia it would be pain, and that pain comes and goes like the tide of the ocean. It can persist despite treatments and medication. Stigmatization and cultural attitudes toward people who experience chronic pain often cause people with fibromyalgia to withdraw from their friends and family. Trying to manage fibromyalgia while feeling alone and isolated can contribute to depression. Experiencing fibromyalgia can make everyday life difficult and keep overall morale down. It's important that if you or someone you know is living with fibromyalgia, you share it with your doctor and support system. This will make it easier to keep the condition under control and your life more manageable.
Now that you know what fibromyalgia is and how it can impact your life, we hope you will be able to recognize these symptoms in yourself or your loved ones. If you are experiencing joint discomfort from fibromyalgia or another arthritic condition, adding a daily joint supplement to your routine is one option you can discuss with your healthcare provider.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results vary. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement.