How to Recognize the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a musculoskeletal disorder characterized by degenerative pain in the muscles, joints, tendons and the ligaments. It is a condition that is commonly prevalent now across the world and its incidence is more commonly observed among women in the age group of 20 to 40 years old. Here's how to recognize the symptoms of fibromyalgia so that you can take prompt medical action.

Instructions

1. Note if there is chronic pain and tenderness in certain specific points (known as the tender points) such as the knees, elbows, hip, upper back and chest or the rear side of the neck. Pains may sometimes be aches, burning sensation, abnormal throbbing or in the form of muscular cramps. It may keep moving from one part of the body to another, which is another specific symptom of this disorder.

2. Verify if the pain and stiffness make it problematic for the patient to carry out his or her daily physical activities and chores such as sitting, standing, walking and taking steps.

3. Determine if the problem is aggravated at night and causes sleep disorders such as insomnia. Also see if the person feels stiffness in the joints, especially in the mornings.

4. Check if the person has frequent bouts of numbness or a tingling feeling in several parts of the body due to insufficient blood circulation.

5. Find out if there is a persistent and frequent desire to pass urine or frequent urination as well as pain in the urinary bladder area. For women, there might be cases of chronic pain during menstruation and also during sexual intercourse.

6. Check for other symptoms, such as accelerated heartbeats and pulse rates, difficulty in breathing after even minimal movements and swelling or a feeling of puffiness in and around the tender spots.

7. Notice gastrointestinal symptoms such as problems with swallowing or digesting food, nausea, gas, abdominal pains, burning sensation in the stomach and chest and diarrhea or constipation.

8. Look for psychological symptoms such as severe exhaustion, heightened irritability or depression, and hyper reactions to strong scents, sounds and lights or severe headaches.

9. Check for skin-related problems such as itchiness, excessively dry skin, rashes, and tenderness (skin that hurts when touched and discolored skin).

Tips & Warnings

• Consult a doctor, who will prescribe medicines that will help to deal with pain, fatigue, depression and sleep disorders. They will also suggest other therapies such as massages, heat and ice rubs as per the symptoms. Cognitive therapies and counseling also facilitate improvement by cutting down emotional strain and instilling confidence and willingness to cope with the problem.

• Regularize activities and adhere to the stipulated diet, activity and exercise schedule as much as possible. Try not to undertake avoidable movements.

• Understand that although the symptoms are long lasting, they are always manageable with simple changes in the daily living patterns. Make efforts to manage them.

• Avoid consumption of caffeine and alcohol, specifically at bedtime, so as to avoid the aggravation of sleep problems.

• Confirm with your doctor about the diagnosis of your medical condition before taking any medication or therapy.