Understand Your Fibromyalgia (By Mehraj sheikh)

Fibromyalgia syndrome affects the muscles and soft tissue. Fibromyalgia symptoms include chronic pain in the muscles, fatigue, sleep problems and painful tender points or trigger points at certain parts of the body. Fibromyalgia pain and other symptoms can be relieved through medications, lifestyle changes, stress management, and other fibromyalgia treatment.



Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
Symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
• Chronic muscle pain, muscle spasms or tightness, weakness in the limbs, and leg cramps
• Moderate or severe fatigue and decreased energy
• Insomnia or waking up feeling just as tired as when you went to sleep
• Stiffness upon waking or after staying in one position for too long
• Difficulty remembering, concentrating, and performing simple mental tasks
• Abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and constipation alternating with diarrhea (irritable bowel syndrome)
• Tension or migraine headaches
• Jaw and facial tenderness
• Sensitivity to one or more of the following: odors, noise, bright lights, medications, certain foods, and cold
• Feeling anxious or depressed
• Numbness or tingling in the face, arms, hands, legs, or feet
• Increase in urinary urgency or frequency (irritable bladder)
• Reduced tolerance for exercise and muscle pain after exercise
• A feeling of swelling (without actual swelling) in the hands and feet
• Painful menstrual periods
• Dizziness
Diagnosis & Tests
Because there is no lab test or X-ray to diagnose fibromyalgia, oftentimes patients are misdiagnosed, which can delay good treatment. Find out how doctors make a fibromyalgia diagnosis and which doctors are experts in treating this common pain syndrome.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis and Misdiagnosis
Diagnosing fibromyalgia is oftentimes difficult -- and can be misdiagnosed. Learn the important steps you should go through to make sure you get an accurate diagnosis.
Finding the Right Doctor
Learn what to look for and steps to take to help you find the best fibromyalgia doctor for you.
Treatment & Care
Learn which fibromyalgia treatments work best, including treatments that target muscle pain and trigger points, treatments that help with sleep problems and depression, and treatments that help manage stress and anxiety.
Treatment
Fibromyalgia Treatments
Get up-to-date information on the latest fibromyalgia treatments -- from medications to ease pain, fatigue, and sleep problems to physical therapy, relaxation modalities, and regular exercises.
Medications
Fibromyalgia medications treat symptoms, such as the deep muscle pain, sleep problems, anxiety, and depression. Learn more to find out which medication might be right for you.
Cymbalta
Cymbalta helps people manage the unique symptoms of fibromyalgia. Is this medicine right for you?
Lyrica
Doctors think Lyrica may help fibromyalgia by calming overly excited nerves that cause pain. Learn more to see if this treatment may help you.
Savella
Doctors aren't exactly sure how Savella helps fibromyalgia but it's been shown to relieve pain and improve physical function. Learn more.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is often recommended to help ease fibromyalgia pain and teach self-management skills. Learn more about the different types of physical therapy for fibromyalgia.
Home Remedies
Many people turn to home remedies, including herbs, supplements, and alternative treatments, for relief of fibromyalgia symptoms. Discover which home remedies may help and which may not work at all.
Complementary Treatment
Herbs and Supplements
Can natural herbs and supplements help fibromyalgia symptoms? Review the different fibromyalgia herbs and supplements and learn how they might help manage symptoms.
Complementary Treatments
Complementary treatments for fibromyalgia include massage, acupuncture, meditation, and more. But are they safe and effective in ending fibromyalgia pain and fatigue? Discover the latest findings.
Diet
The Diet Connection
Can certain foods or nutrients ease symptoms of pain, stiffness, and fatigue? Can other foods actually trigger fibromyalgia symptoms? Learn more about the diet connection to fibromyalgia.



Exercise
Fibromyalgia & Exercise
Discover the importance of exercise for fibromyalgia. Find out which exercises are best for easing muscle pain and stiffness.
Coping
Tips for Coping
There's no doubt that fibromyalgia can be exhausting -- both physically and emotionally. Discover strategies to manage your symptoms so you can do the things you enjoy in life.
Fibromyalgia and Sex
Have problems with fibromyalgia and sex? Discover some practical tips to help reignite your libido and sex life without fear of added pain and stiffness with fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia and Pregnancy
Learn all about the effects of fibromyalgia on your pregnancy. Discover ways to manage fibromyalgia symptoms so you and baby stay healthy.
Work and Disability
Does fibromyalgia affect your ability to work? Find out how to cope with work-related obstacles and fibromyalgia symptoms at work.
Finding Help
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