As per the research, around 5 million people in the country suffer from fibromyalgia and amongst them 80-90% are women. Fibromyalgia affects middle-aged people primarily women, however, even men and adolescents can develop this condition.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia, also known as fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a long-term chronic disorder that affects the muscles and ligaments. In addition to this, this ailment can also cause pain, general fatigue, sleep disorder, and mental distress to the affected person. The symptoms of fibromyalgia may resemble that of arthritis but fibromyalgia affects only the soft tissues and does not cause swelling or damage to the joints, unlike arthritis.

What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?

Sadly there is no cure for fibromyalgia but medications and other treatments can help reduce its symptoms. The main symptom of fibromyalgia is the pain. Other symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Headache
• Depression
• Tiredness
• Breathing problems
• Anxiety
• Numbness and tingling sensation in the hands and feet
• Sleep disturbance
• Painful menstrual periods
• Bowel syndrome and constipation
• Sensitivity to cold, heat, light, or sound
• Memory and concentration problems
• Pain in lower abdomen

What causes fibromyalgia?

The cause of fibromyalgia is not completely known and there have been conflicting theories about what causes fibromyalgia but according to medical researchers and doctors, this condition depends on a combination of causes. Here are some of the factors that contribute to this condition but none of these factors are scientifically proven.

• Hormonal Imbalance

  It is seen that majority of fibromyalgia patients are women, which leads doctors to believe that fibromyalgia is caused largely due to hormones. Estrogen is a hormone that stimulates the brain while progesterone relaxes it. Fibromyalgia can develop when one of these hormones goes out of balance.

• Genetics

  Researchers think genetics can play an important role in this. If anybody in your family is suffering from this condition, then your chances of developing this disorder are high.

• Trauma

  People who experience trauma, either physical or emotional may develop fibromyalgia. Physical trauma can be due to accidents or injury while emotional trauma can include sexual abuse or witnessing a traumatic event.

• Infection

  Infection or other illnesses can trigger fibromyalgia and make the condition worse. Arthritis and other diseases like lupus are closely associated with fibromyalgia.

• Sleep disorder

  Researchers are trying to examine if sleep disorders cause fibromyalgia or if fibromyalgia causes sleep disorders. But one thing is certain that both these conditions are most often present together.

• Stress

  People suffering from fibromyalgia have lower levels of serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals govern and regulate stressful situations. The absence of these hormones can create a long-lasting effect and contribute to fibromyalgia.

How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?

Diagnosis of fibromyalgia takes time as there is no specific lab test or examination for it. The doctor can neither depend on an x-ray nor do a blood test to confirm it but instead has to check the symptoms and do a physical exam.

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