The disease is considered a rheumatic condition, like arthritis, can impair the joints and/or soft tissues, and causes chronic pain and fatigue. But unlike arthritis, it does not cause damage or lead to inflammation.
• What are the symptoms?
Most fibromyalgia patients report pain and fatigue as the primary symptoms.
Others include:
Concentration or memory problems, often called the “fibro fog.”
Sleep disturbances.
Morning stiffness, impaired coordination.
Headaches or migraines.
Irritable bowel or bladder symptoms, painful menstrual periods.
Sensitivity to temperatures, loud noises, or bright lights.
Numbness or tingling of extremities, restless leg syndrome, Raynaud’s syndrome.
Anxiety, depression.
Skin sensitivities and rashes, dry eyes and mouth.
• What causes the disease?
There is no single known cause of the disease, although there may be a genetic component. Researchers believe fibromyalgia may be the result of an injury, emotional distress, or viruses that change the way the brain perceives pain. Those with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and spinal arthritis may be more likely to have the condition, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
• What treatments are there?
A multispecialty approach may be needed to treat the condition, including exercise, massage, movement therapies such as Pilates, chiropractic treatments, dietary changes, and acupuncture.
There are three medications, duloxetine (Cymbalta), milnacipran (Savella), and pregabalin (Lyrica) that are approved by the FDA for the treatment of fibromyalgia.