5 Things You Didn't Know about Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is still like a black box, where most do not know much about it. Up till now, it is still incurable with no proven method to fix it. There are certain pharmaceutical medications that are being prescribed to help with the symptoms but it is always NOT recommended to take them. They always come with side effects that will hurt your body even more in the long run. Meds can also be extremely costly and it can take a toll on your finances. Hence, many fibromyalgia sufferers would just have to live with the symptoms. It is important to have great support from family and friends or have a small community of people who understands what you are going through. 

Right now, it is best to know more about fibromyalgia as there would be something you do not know. Furthermore, there is always room for more knowledge in everyone. We asked Fibromyalgia experts and acclaimed authors to tell us what most people don't know about fibromyalgia. This is what they told us.

Fibromyalgia can enter at any moment in your life. Knowing the symptoms and its triggers can significantly help to prevent its development and manage its effect. 

Fibromyalgia shows symptoms such as muscles aches, fatigue and tender points. However, there are more to fibromyalgia than these usual symptoms which many are not aware of. Gaining more knowledge of the Fibromyalgia can help detect early signs and avoid the manifestation of the pain condition. Here are 5 things you didn't know about fibromayalgia. 

1. A rare disease, yet the most prevalent chronic pain disorder

In America, fibromyalgia is one of the most common and familiar chronic pain disorders. Over 5 million people in America suffer from this disorder and 80% of it affects women. Fibromyalgia or fibro in short is a chronic pain that is not easily diagnosed. In some cases, it would even take years for patients to realize their condition and get a proper diagnosis from a specialist. The little advantage that you can have when diagnosed with fibro is that, treatments and medications are available to control its symptom and more advanced studies are ongoing for its prevention.

2. Digestive problems can be an early sign

In some cases, digestive problems also trigger fibromyalgia. Studies have shown that around 70% of people who have fibromyalgia also have digestive problems or IBS. Professionals drew conclusions that these two conditions may be due to the same cause after patients from both conditions showed similar abnormal pain responses in individual brain tests. However, the treatment for each condition should also be done separately. The easiest remedy when fibro and IBS occur concurrently is to control your diet by reducing intake of caffeine and increasing intake of veggies rich in cruciferous. Taking prescribed medication with natural supplements can also help. Just make sure that your diet does not affect any of your fibro treatments. 

3. Heightened senses

With fibromyalgia, your senses are heightened. You will be more sensitive to touch and pain. This condition is also referred to Allodynia. You are inclined to avoid handshakes or any body contact so as to avoid the pain sensitivity of your skin. Studies show that this is possibily caused by abnormal activity of neurotransmitters and nerves as well as the effect of poor sleeping habits. You may also experience light sensitivity, noise sensitivity and scent sensitivity.

4. Excess Perspiration can surface

Excessive perspiration becomes a natural effect for a fibro patient who is suffering from pain and the anxiety of it. Excess perspiration can also be caused by a deteriorating hypothalamus gland. The role of the hypothalamus gland is to control the automatic function in the body including the body’s sweat glands. There are treatments available to control the response of hypothalamus through medications and lifestyle changes. However, if your case is severe, you may want to consider Botox injections to control the problem. For minor cases, antiperspirant can also be used in problem areas. 

5. It can result in resentment

Many patients with fibromyalgia do not get full support from family members and friends. They are often questioned about their condition because others do not understand the pain disorder and patients themselves do not talk about it. They sometimes face resentment when they do not participate in family activities and when they are being resentful of their own condition. This can only resolve with more communications with and more understanding from family and friends.