Symptoms of Fibromyalgia Pain
Did you know that as many as 12 million Americans suffer from a debilitating pain that no one else can see? This invisible pain is called Fibromyalgia, and many friends and family may think the person suffering from it is mentally unstable or just plain lazy. Understandably, a person suffering from Fibromyalgia can feel overwhelmed, misunderstood and lonely. This pain often goes undiagnosed. While it is believed that more than 12 million people suffer from chronic pain, less than 4 million seek treatment and have officially diagnosed with Fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia is not like arthritis, which affects the joints. Conversely, Fibromyalgia affects the ligaments and muscles. When seeking treatment for this type of pain, a patient may hear a few different terms to diagnose their specific pain. Chronic muscle pain syndrome and myofacial pain syndrome are terms that are often used to describe Fibromyalgia symptoms.
The most common symptoms of Fibromyalgia are painful and tender spots on the neck, shoulders, chest, lower back, hips, knees, elbows and shins. This pain causes fatigue and sleepless nights due to body aches. A person may also experience a reduction in stamina, or becoming tired after minimal exercise. Other symptoms include headaches, irritable bowels, pain in the facial muscle and sensitivity to noise and temperature. Even symptoms such as restless leg syndrome, depression and tingling in the hands and feet are common in sufferers of Fibromyalgia. Changes in mood and extreme anxiety are often reported as well.
Because Fibromyalgia is so misunderstood and difficult to precisely identify, it can take over five years to the make the diagnosis. Tests will be done to rule out other possible afflictions such as Lupus, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Ankylosing Spondylitis and Multiple Sclerosis. In order for a person to be diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, at least 11 of 18 points on the body will have a certain degree of tenderness or pain. Points in the lower back, neck, thighs, shoulders, knees, elbows and chest will be tested.
Commonly, Fibromyalgia affects women much more than men. This may be because men do not often seek treatment and try to ignore the pain. Fibromyalgia usually develops when the person is in their 20s or 30s, and previous diagnoses of Rheumatoid Arthritis or Lupus may make developing Fibromyalgia more likely. There can also be other factors that may lead to person developing Fibromyalgia. Lack of sleep, an infection or injury, as well as changes in the metabolic system of muscles may cause it to develop. Most people diagnosed with Fibromyalgia have a sleep disorder or suffer from severe fatigue.
A person who may have Fibromyalgia can feel frustrated and embarrassed. The excruciating pain can stop them from going out in public and living a normal life. It can be difficult to cope with on a daily basis. Seeking help and a professional diagnosis will help the person develop methods and skills to alleviate pain and cope with the burden of living with Fibromyalgia.