All you need to know about fibromyalgia

Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain and spinal cord process painful and nonpainful signals. Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. 

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia has many symptoms that tend to vary from person to person. The main symptom is widespread pain. 

Pain and stiffness
If you have fibromyalgia, one of the main symptoms is likely to be widespread pain. This may be felt throughout your body, but could be worse in particular areas, such as your back or neck. 
The pain is likely to be continuous, although it may be better or more severe at different times. 
Fibromyalgia can also make you feel stiff - stiffness may be most severe after being in the same position for a long period of time.

Fatigue
Fibromyalgia can cause extreme tiredness (fatigue). 
This can range from a mild tired feeling to the exhaustion often experienced during a flu-like illness. 
Severe fatigue may come on suddenly and can drain you of all your energy. If this happens, you may feel too tired to do anything at all.

Depression
The stress from fibromyalgia's pain and fatigue can cause anxiety and social isolation. 
The chronic deep muscle and tender point pain can result in less activity. 
That causes you to become more withdrawn and can also lead to depression.  It is also possible that anxiety and depression are part of fibromyalgia, just like the pain.​
https://downloads.hindawi.com/archive/2012/486590.pdf

Sleep Problems
Sleep problems are a common symptom of fibromyalgia. 
For some people with the disorder, sleep disturbances exacerbate their symptoms and lead them into a vicious cycle of pain and poor sleep. 
Practicing good sleep hygiene and adopting healthy sleep habits can alleviate fibromyalgia-related sleep issues.

Memory issues
Cognitive problems are issues related to mental processes, such as thinking and learning.
If you have fibromyalgia, you may have:
*trouble remembering and learning new things
*problems with attention and concentration
*slowed or confused speech

Headaches
If fibromyalgia has caused you to experience pain and stiffness in your neck and shoulders, you may also have frequent headaches. 
These can vary from being mild headaches to severe migraines, and could also involve other symptoms, such as feeling sick.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
More than two-thirds of those with fibromyalgia also have stomach pain, bloating, gas, and nausea on a regular basis. 
Some people with fibromyalgia also develop irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
IBS is a common digestive condition that causes pain and bloating in your stomach. It can also lead to constipation or diarrhea.

Treatment of Fibromyalgia
In general, treatments for fibromyalgia include both medication and self-care strategies. The emphasis is on minimizing symptoms and improving general health. No one treatment works for all symptoms but trying a variety of treatment strategies can have a cumulative effect.
In some cases, several different healthcare professionals may also be involved in your care, such as a:
*rheumatologist – a specialist in conditions that affect muscles and joints
*neurologist – a specialist in conditions of the central nervous system
*psychologist – a specialist in mental health and psychological treatments

Medications
There's no cure-all pill for your fibromyalgia, but you've got lots of medicines to choose from to treat your symptoms. 
Some drugs ease the aches and pains, while others may boost your energy or improve your sleep. 
You may need to take more than one  medicine to find relief. 
Common choices include pain relievers, antidepressants and some muscle relaxants. 

Physical activities
Studies show that walking, stretching, water exercise and strength training all help control fibromyalgia pain and muscle tenderness. 
Exercise just three times a week improves life on many levels. Exercise can relieve fatigue and depression, as well as help people feel better about themselves, more in charge of their lives. 
These activities increase your pulse rate so you're getting more blood to muscles. That will reduce pain in muscles.  in muscles. ​
The worst thing [for pain] is to lie there, because then it will only hurt more.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11028838/

Counselling
Fibromyalgia is tough to deal with, and it can take an emotional toll on your health—but it isn't your fault. 
You're not "crazy" for feeling sad or anxious. And there is something you can do about these feelings.
If you've been feeling sad or anxious lately, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor or psychologist. 
Paying attention to your mental and emotional health is just as important as paying attention to your physical health.

Massage therapy
One of the best treatments is for fibromyalgia sufferers to receive is massage therapy.
Such therapy helps people get calf pain relief, decreases their stress hormones, and increases their serotonin level. 
With these benefits, it improves the overall sense of well-being.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19078022/ 

Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been suggested to have many potential health benefits for fibromyalgia, including lower pain levels, better sleep, possible immune system stimulation, enhanced relaxation, better overall health. 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6365227/ 

Disclaimer: The advice provided is intended for informational purpose only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.  Consult with your doctor if you’re seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.​