If you have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia you need to learn and understand everything you can about this chronic illness. You can better treat it if you know what causes it, what often triggers it, as well as the depression that it often leads to. You will quickly learn that the illness causes chronic muscle pain, sleep issues, and fatigue.

Fibromyalgia is the second most common arthritis related illness. However, it is frequently misunderstood as well as misdiagnosed. Today there are more than 12 million people in the United States who have the sickness. Women are 10 times more likely to get the illness than men.

People suffering from this disease generally ache all over. They also feel exhausted to the point it can become crippling. There are tender points on the body that become extremely painful to the touch. Some people also experience swelling. The muscles tend to feel like you over-exercised yesterday when, in reality, you did not exercise at all. Your muscles might twitch, or burn – most likely they offer a deep stabbing pain. Since the illness generally causes pain around the joints, particularly the hips, back, shoulder, and neck this sometimes makes it extremely difficult to sleep.

There are many other symptoms that fibromyalgia brings with it. Some of these include chronic headaches, stiffness, numbness or tingling in the feet and hands, over-sensitivity to cold and heat. Still, others suffer from abdominal pain, fatigue, and the inability to concentrate which is referred to as fibro fog.

Doctors to not have any specific laboratory test they can use to diagnose fibromyalgia. Generally, the patient receives a comprehensive physical examination and specific medical history is reviewed. Since the diagnosis is difficult it generally comes about after other possibilities have been excluded. So, for example, if the doctor first considers the possibility of cancer, once this is ruled out then the diagnosis of fibromyalgia stays on the list. As more and more illnesses are removed from possibilities this can often lead to the diagnosis. Most likely, in order for the doctor to rule out other conditions, s/he will ask for a complete blood count. Others, such as tests for chemicals, such as glucose, will be offered. Most doctors also request a thyroid test. Depending on the doctor, there are a variety of other tests that may be ordered.

Fibromyalgia does not have a cure. There is not any type of treatment that addresses all of the different symptoms. Most patients have traditional and alternative treatments they undergo to effectively treat the illness. Some treatments include medications and exercises. The exercises are usually for strengthening and aerobic conditioning.

The Food and Drug Administration has authorized three drugs for the illness. These include Lyrica, Symbalta, and Savella. It is thought that Lyrica, which is generally used to treat nerve pain as a result of diabetes and shingles, helps to ease the pain for patients of fibromyalgia. Other low doses of tricyclic drugs such as Flexeril also helps to ease the pain. Some types of antidepressants, known as dual reuptake inhibitors, have also shown positive results to relieve the pain.

In situations where the patient is experiencing depression, as a result of the fibromyalgia, doctors often prescribe an antidepressant. Although others can be used the most common antidepressant for this situation includes Zoloft, Paxil, and Prozac. Not only do these pills assist with pain relief but they can also offer help with sleep disorders.

Many people suffering from fibromyalgia turn to alternative therapies. Few of these therapies have been well-tested but they can help patients manage their symptoms. An example is the therapeutic massage. This helps to manipulate the muscles and soft tissues. This therapy can also help ease the deep muscle pain. Another is myofascial release therapy. This covers a broader range of muscles. It helps to gently stretch, soften, lengthen, and realign tissues in order to ease the pain and discomfort.

Many doctors, as well as the American Pain Society, suggest moderate intense aerobic exercise. They recommend such exercise two or three times a week. The society also supports clinician-assisted treatments which includes such treatment as hypnosis, chiropractic manipulation, and acupuncture.

It is important for the patient to set times aside each day to rest and relax. Patients should also have a regular schedule for bed time. Sleep is one of the crucial elements needed as it helps the body to repair itself. People suffering from fibromyalgia often experience painful tender points and they are the only people who know and understand the pain. It is a pain that most people cannot understand.

Fibromyalgia can really play havoc on your life. It is essential that you find a doctor who understands the illness and who is willing to work with you to help you control the disease as well as the pain.

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