Fibromyalgia: Symptoms and Treatment

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease characterized by widespread pain in muscles, ligaments, and tendons and increased sensitivity in specific body points. It affects millions of people worldwide, especially women, and often goes undiagnosed for a long time. In this article, we will consider the main symptoms of fibromyalgia and modern approaches to treating this complex disease.

Fibromyalgia symptomsFibromyalgia is a disease that can manifest itself differently in each person. The main symptom is chronic, widespread pain in various parts of the body that can last for months or even years. However, pain is not the only symptom associated with fibromyalgia.

Chronic pain
Physical activity, stress, weather changes, or sleep disturbances can aggravate painChronic pain is the main symptom of fibromyalgia. It is usually found in muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Patients describe this pain as aching, dull, sometimes pressing, or burning. Pain can be aggravated by physical activity, stress , weather changes, or sleep disturbances. Some patients note that the pain is more intense in the morning or evening.

Increased sensitivityFibromyalgia patients often have increased sensitivity to specific points on the body called trigger points. These points are located in different body parts physical activity, stress, weather changes, or sleep disturbances can aggravate pain, such as the neck, shoulders, chest, lower back, and hips. Pressure on these points causes sharp pain that can spread to nearby areas.

Fatigue and sleep problemsMany people with fibromyalgia experience chronic fatigue that doesn’t go away even after prolonged rest. Fatigue is often accompanied by sleep disturbances such as insomnia, frequent awakenings at night, or unrefreshing sleep. Patients usually describe the condition as a constant "fatigue" that prevents them from performing daily tasks.

Cognitive disordersAnother symptom of fibromyalgia is cognitive impairment, which includes problems with memory, concentration, and thinking. This condition was given the unofficial name "fibrofog" (from English fibrofog), which translates as "fog in the head." Patients may have difficulty concentrating on simple tasks, forgetfulness, or slow information processing.

Other symptoms
Fibromyalgia can also be accompanied by other symptoms such as depression, anxiety, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome , and sensitivity to light, sound, and smell. Some patients may develop restless legs syndrome, which causes an irresistible urge to move the legs, especially at night.

Fibromyalgia treatmentFibromyalgia treatment is a multifaceted process that includes both drug therapy and non-drug methods. Treatment aims to reduce pain, improve sleep quality, and boost the patient's quality of life. It is important to note that there is currently no medication that can completely cure fibromyalgia, so therapy focuses on controlling symptoms.

Drug therapy
Drug treatment for fibromyalgia involves the use of various medications to reduce pain, improve sleep, and reduce fatigue. These include:
- Antidepressants: Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) can help reduce pain and improve sleep. This medication is also used to treat depression , which is often associated with fibromyalgia.
- Painkillers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioid analgesics can be used to relieve pain. However, caution should be exercised when using them, as long-term use can lead to addiction .
- Anticonvulsants: Some anticonvulsants, such as pregabalin and gabapentin, have been shown to be effective in reducing pain and improving sleep in patients with fibromyalgia.

Non-drug treatment methods
Non-drug treatments play an essential role in treating fibromyalgia. Regular exercise , such as walking, swimming, or yoga, can help reduce pain and improve overall health. It is necessary to start with light exercise and gradually increase the intensity to avoid increasing pain.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps patients change negative thoughts and behaviors related to pain and fatigue. This treatment can reduce anxiety and depression, improve quality of life, and teach the patient how to manage the condition. Manual therapy can help relieve muscle tension and pain, while physical therapy aims to improve flexibility and muscle strength.

Relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce stress and improve sleep. These techniques are beneficial for people with extreme stress and anxiety .