Who is susceptible to fibromyalgia

It's possible that disturbed sleep patterns may be a cause of fibromyalgia, rather than just a symptom. People with the condition who sleep badly can also have higher levels of pain, suggesting that these sleep problems contribute to the other symptoms of fibromyalgia. Research has suggested genetics may play a small part in the development of fibromyalgia, with some people perhaps more likely than others to develop the condition because of their genes.

If this is the case, genetics could explain why many people develop fibromyalgia after some sort of trigger. Fibromyalgia is often triggered by a stressful event, including physical stress or emotional psychological stress. Conditions like these are usually tested for when diagnosing fibromyalgia. Page last reviewed: 20 February Next review due: 20 February Treatment is available to ease some of its symptoms, although they're unlikely to disappear completely.

Although there's currently no cure for fibromyalgia, there are treatments to help relieve some of the symptoms and make the condition easier to live with. Exercise in particular has been found to have a number of important benefits for people with fibromyalgia, including helping to reduce pain. The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but it's thought to be related to abnormal levels of certain chemicals in the brain and changes in the way the central nervous system the brain, spinal cord and nerves processes pain messages carried around the body.

It's also suggested that some people are more likely to develop fibromyalgia because of genes inherited from their parents. In many cases, the condition appears to be triggered by a physically or emotionally stressful event, such as:. While there is no known cure for fibromyalgia, there are treatments that can help you take back your life through pain management techniques. Physical therapy is a recommended form of treatment that can help you manage your pain through exercise.

If you have a disability or are concerned that being active might increase your pain, try aerobic conditioning instead. You might also consider behavior modification therapy, which promotes habits for positive thinking while teaching you about various relaxation techniques. Classes are available to those who suffer from chronic conditions and want to learn about navigating their lives with confidence.

The FDA has approved prescription medications, such as pregabalin, duloxetine, and milnacipran to prevent frequent flare ups. Pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and antidepressants that control hormones are also known to treat symptoms. If you suspect that you might have fibromyalgia, call us or request an appointment on our website. Opioid addiction in this country continues its grip, and it may have one of your loved ones ensnared.

Fibromyalgia may be caused by a problem in the brain with nerves and pain signals. In other words, in people with fibromyalgia, the brain misunderstands everyday pain and other sensory experiences, making the person more sensitive to pressure, temperature hot or cold , bright lights, and noise compared to people who do not have fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia has been compared to arthritis. Like arthritis, fibromyalgia causes pain and fatigue. But, unlike arthritis, fibromyalgia does not cause redness and swelling, or damage to your joints. Fibromyalgia affects as many as 4 million Americans 18 and older.

Chronic long-term , widespread pain is the most common symptom of fibromyalgia. You may feel the pain all over your body. Or, you may feel it more in the muscles you use most often, like in your back or legs. The pain may feel like a deep muscle ache, or it may throb or burn. Your pain may also be worse in the morning.

Women with fibromyalgia often have more morning fatigue, pain all over the body, and IBS symptoms than men with fibromyalgia have. Fibromyalgia symptoms can happen without warning.

But certain events may trigger flare-ups, including:. Studies also show that the brains of people with fibromyalgia may not process pain in the same way as people who do not have fibromyalgia. Lower levels of certain brain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin or norepinephrine, may cause you to be more sensitive to pain and have a more severe reaction to pain.

Imaging studies of the brain show that people with fibromyalgia feel pain when people without fibromyalgia do not. Your doctor or nurse will ask about your symptoms and your medical history. There is no lab test for fibromyalgia. Instead, your doctor will make a diagnosis based upon two criteria:. You may have to see several doctors before getting a diagnosis. Doctors try to figure out if fibromyalgia or another health problem is causing your symptoms. Your doctor or nurse may also suggest taking steps at home to relieve your symptoms.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease that is often a lifelong condition. But fibromyalgia is not a progressive disease, meaning it will not get worse over time. It also does not cause damage to your joints, muscles, or organs. Many women with fibromyalgia have no problems getting pregnant, and some women report that their symptoms get better during pregnancy. But, for some women, fibromyalgia can cause problems during pregnancy. Your symptoms may flare or get worse, especially in the first few months of pregnancy.

Also, some normal pregnancy complaints, such as fatigue, stress, and mood swings caused by changing hormones, may be worse for women with fibromyalgia. Talk to your doctor about any medicines you take to treat fibromyalgia, as they may cause other health problems for you or your unborn baby. Most people with fibromyalgia continue to work, but you may have to make changes to do so. You can cut down the number of hours you work, switch to a less demanding job, or adapt a current job.

If you face challenges at work, an occupational therapist can help you design a more comfortable workstation or find more efficient and less painful ways to do your job.