Fibromyalgia, also known as fibromyalgia syndrome, is an ailing health condition that causes pain all over the body. It affects daily activities and disrupts with body conditions and the overall health of a person. It affects the muscles and soft tissues all over the body.

As such, people with fibromyalgia suffer from musculoskeletal pain and experience mood and sleep disorders. The symptoms of the condition include:

• Widespread pain in the abdomen, back, neck and on both sides of the body above and below the waist
• Fatigue in the whole body
• Anxiety, mood swings or nervousness
• Difficulty in sleeping or disturbed sleep sessions
• Gastrointestinal problems including constipation, nausea, and IBS
• Passing excessive gas
• Migraine and other types of headache
• Muscle stiffness
• Increased sensitivity to pain and cold
• Cognitive issues like forgetfulness and lack of concentration
• Painful menstruation in women

Causes of fibromyalgia
While suffering from fibromyalgia, the person’s pain volume is always turned up. This is because more brain cells carry pain signals than what is considered normal. There are very few cells that slow pain signals down.

In such conditions, even minor bruises and bumps hurt more than they normally do. The person might experience pain in situations where it shouldn’t hurt at all.

The causes include:

• Genes
• Diseases like arthritis
• Emotional and physical abuse
• Posttraumatic stress disorder
• Anxiety and depression
• A sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise

Important things to do to avoid Fibromyalgia

• Exercise
  Exercise is probably the last thing one would want to do. But, simple and gentle exercises help ease pain and make you feel better and energized. Walking, swimming and stretches can be incorporated into your daily regime.
• Massage
  Massage is a proven method to ease muscle pain and reduce stiffness and stress. It helps improve a range of motion and relieves deep muscle pain.
• Moist heat
  It helps relieve stress and boosts blood flow that successfully treats soreness and stiffness. You can use warm and moist cloth over the painful area. It’s also recommended to take a shower or soak in a bathtub.
• Cold packs
  These packs are very effective in treating deep muscle pain of Fibromyalgia.
• Acupuncture
  This proven Chinese healing technique is the insertion of thin needles into specific parts of the body to increase energy flow. It helps relieve pain, stress, and fatigue.
• Scheduled sleep
  It’s often difficult to have a restful sleep while suffering from Fibromyalgia. However, it’s recommended to set a sleep schedule to follow every day and avoiding naps during the day. A relaxing bedtime routine like a warm bath can help.
• Supplements
  There are certain over-the-counter supplements like 5-HTP, melatonin, and SAM-e that relieves Fibromyalgia symptoms. However, it’s better to have a talk with your doctor before using them.
• Stress relief
  Try stress-relieving methods like reading, listening to music and walking to help reduce stress and fatigue. Meditation and deep breathing exercises are effective techniques too.

Diagnosis and treatment for Fibromyalgia
Several types of blood tests help diagnose the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. These include:

• Comprehensive blood count
• Test for erythrocyte sedimentation rate
• Test for cyclic citrullinated peptide
• Rheumatoid factor
• Blood tests for thyroid function

Doctors usually prescribe medications including pain relievers, antidepressants, and drugs that fight and prevent seizures.

Physical therapy with a range of exercises and occupational therapy are proven methods that can be incorporated to fight Fibromyalgia.