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The main symptom of fibromyalgia is pain in the body, which is usually worse in the back and neck and lasts for at least 3 months. The causes of fibromyalgia are still unclear, however it is more common in women between 35 and 50 years old, and the symptoms may worsen after physical exertion, emotional stress or exposure to cold.
In addition to body pain, other symptoms that are usually present in fibromyalgia are:
- Intense pain on touch, due to increased sensitivity;
- Frequent tiredness;
- Sleep disorders;
- Muscle stiffness, especially when waking up;
- Memory and concentration problems;
- Tingling sensation in the hands and feet;
- Feeling of restless legs before bed.
In addition, some people with fibromyalgia may also develop irritable bowel syndrome, which is a gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea. It is also common for there to be psychological changes such as anxiety and depression, for example, as it is common for the person to feel sadness, despair and impotence in the face of the disease, and may lose interest in the activities they enjoy.
How to identify
The diagnosis of fibromyalgia must be made by the general practitioner or rheumatologist according to the symptoms presented by the person, as well as an assessment of the health history and history of fibromyalgia in the family. In addition, a physical examination is performed in which the pain points of fibromyalgia are observed. To confirm the diagnosis, it is necessary that the person feels severe pain in 3 to 6 different areas of the body or milder pain in 7 or more areas of the body for at least 3 months. See what are the pain points of fibromyalgia.
Possible causes
The causes of fibromyalgia are still unknown, but there are some situations that can worsen pain, such as excessive physical effort, emotional stress, infections, exposure to cold, sleep disorders or physical trauma.
Low pain tolerance in fibromyalgia can occur because there is an increase in pain sensitivity, making small stimuli very painful. When pain is felt, the brain receives this information and adapts the intensity of the pain, however, in fibromyalgia this mechanism is altered, causing pain that intensifies on touch.
How to treat fibromyalgia
Treatment for fibromyalgia aims to relieve symptoms, as this disease has no cure. Thus, it is always important to consult a rheumatologist, who can prescribe painkillers and muscle relaxants to relieve pain. In addition, in the presence of neurological or psychological symptoms, a neurologist or psychiatrist should also be consulted to indicate sleeping pills, for anxiety or antidepressants, for example. See how the treatment of fibromyalgia should be.
Fibromyalgia symptoms can also be reduced with a natural treatment, such as massage, relaxation techniques or aromatherapy, for example. In addition, physical therapy sessions can also help relieve symptoms, promoting muscle relaxation, increasing flexibility and decreasing pain.
See in the video below some physiotherapy exercises that can be performed for fibromyalgia: