The History of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a disorder in which pain is widespread and continues for more than three months. Tender spots on the muscles and extreme fatigue are also common symptoms. Other symptoms included tingling of the skin, muscle spasms, nerve pain, sleeping problems and bowel disturbances. Symptoms and their intensity vary according to the person experiencing the disorder.

Fibromyalgia is not recognized as a true disease by some physicians who believe it is strictly psychosomatic in nature. It is, however, recognized by the American Medical Association as a real condition. Depression is experienced with fibromyalgia. Pain and disability cause much of the depression. Some of the depression may stem from not being able to find the right medicine to ease the pain. Anti-depressants are typically prescribed to help with depression.

The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown. Because of this, fibromyalgia cannot be prevented or cured. Exercise, such as aerobics and walking, may help with the muscle stiffness. Exercise may also improve mood. Water aerobics can also be beneficial. Instead of diagnosing fibromyalgia, a physician may rule out other diseases with similar symptoms. The first thing a physician looks for is a person who has had widespread pain for more than three months. For fibromyalgia to be diagnosed, a person must have tenderness in eleven or more of the body’s eighteen tender points.

Getting enough sleep can help ease pain and stress. Also, keep moving through moderate exercise. Eating right may also aid in pain. Make changes to your schedule according to your pain and stress levels.