Fibromyalgia
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a name given to a group of symptoms marked by generalised pain and muscle stiffness. These symptoms can be felt in all different areas of the body. Extreme fatigue (tiredness) and sleep problems are also common in fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia does not cause inflammation or damage to the painful areas, but seems to be due to an over active pain system. Fibromyalgia is different to polymyalgia rheumatica, a type of arthritis in which symptoms are felt more in the muscles.
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptoms of fibromyalgia are:
- Pain – usually aching, stiffness and tiredness of muscles. Pain may be worst after rest (eg. first thing in the morning) or after activity.
- Extreme fatigue (tiredness), making it difficult to do your normal daily activities.
- Poor sleep.
- Problems with concentration and memory.
- Irritable bowel (diarrhoea, stomach pain).
What causes it?
It is not known what causes fibromyalgia. It may be more common in people who have:
- Inflammatory arthritis (for example, rheumatoid arthritis).
- An illness, such as a virus (or following an illness or infection).
- Pain from an injury or trauma.
- Emotional stress and depression.
For many people fibromyalgia starts without any obvious cause. Extensive research suggests that the body may become extra sensitive in the way it signals and processes pain in people with fibromyalgia.
How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?
Fibromyalgia can be very difficult to diagnose. It does not cause any inflammation or damage. Even the painful muscles have been shown to look and function normally. As such there are no blood tests, x-rays or scans that can test for fibromyalgia. Your doctor or rheumatologist (arthritis specialist) will look for a number of signs that are typical of fibromyalgia. These include widespread pain for more than three months and widespread tenderness of the body.
What will happen to me?
The good news is that fibromyalgia does not cause any lasting damage to the muscles or joints. It is important to remember that, with help and better understanding, the symptoms can be effectively managed. The symptoms of fibromyalgia may range from very mild to severe. They may last for many years or they may come and go at different times. With the right advice most people find they learn to manage the pain and tiredness over time. Health professional input may be required at times if the pain is more severe and affecting your normal activities.
Is there a cure for fibromyalgia?
Currently there is no cure for fibromyalgia. While there are ways you can control your symptoms, you should be wary of any products or treatments that claim to cure fibromyalgia.
What can I do?
Learn about fibromyalgia and play an active role in your treatment. Not all information you read or hear about is trustworthy so always talk to your doctor or healthcare team about treatments you are thinking about trying. Self management courses aim to help you develop skills to be actively involved in your healthcare.