Fibromyalgia is a persistent pain and discomfort disorder. The NIH estimates it affects 5 million Americans (NIH). The illness commonly affects women in their forties, although it can affect males and people of all ages, including toddlers. Autoimmune diseases including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis increase the risk of the illness.

Symptoms and Related Conditions

Many people who have fibro — also known as fibromyalgia syndrome or FMS — may suffer from the following symptoms:

• Tender spots and areas of discomfort
• Fatigue
• Problems with sleep
• “Fibro fog” is a term used to describe memory and concentration
• Anxiety and depression are two different things.
• stiffness in the morning
• Numbness and tingling sensations in the hands, arms, feet, and lower legs
• Headaches
• Constipation is a symptom of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
• Having difficulties urinating
• Menstrual pains that are excruciating

Causes

The specific etiology of fibromyalgia is unknown at this time. Current thought in the field of rheumatology, on the other hand, believes that fibromyalgia is an issue with central pain processing in the brain, where there may be a heightened sensitivity or perception of pain in response to a specific trigger or stimulus.

Risk factors for heart disease include a variety of factors such as:

• a catastrophic physical or mental experience that is stressful and upsetting, such as a car crash
• Injuries that occur repeatedly
• the autoimmune illness rheumatoid arthritis or another autoimmune disorder such as lupus
• difficulties with the central nervous system (CNS)
• the method in which our genes influence how we respond to unpleasant stimuli

Fibromyalgia may also be passed on through families. Females who have a close relative who suffers from fibromyalgia are at an increased chance of developing the condition themselves.

An increased chance of developing fibromyalgia is associated with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and spinal arthritis (also known as ankylosing spondylitis), as well as with various other rheumatic disorders. Trusted Source

 

Diet

Dietary modifications have been proposed as a means of alleviating the symptoms of fibromyalgia. These are:

Low-sugar high-energy foods: Almonds, beans, oats, avocado, and tofu are high in fiber yet low in sugar. These can assist enhance energy throughout the day, alleviating weariness caused by the illness.

Gluten-free diet: A 2014 research linked gluten sensitivity to fibromyalgia. The study found that avoiding gluten-containing foods may help lessen discomfort in people who do not have celiac disease. This is connected to an anti-inflammatory diet.

Eliminating FODMAPs: A recent study found that a low-FODMAP diet may reduce pain in fibromyalgia patients.

Not consuming excitotoxins: According to one study, avoiding chemicals like aspartame and monosodium glutamate (MSG) can dramatically lessen pain sensations. The research participants’ discomfort increased once these chemicals were reintroduced into their diets.

More seeds and nuts: There is minimal evidence to link seeds and nuts to a reduction in fibromyalgia symptoms. In addition, they are known to contain potent micronutrients and minerals that are vital for cell activity.

A balanced diet and healthy weight are important for long-term health and can improve quality of life. Weight loss has been demonstrated to enhance the quality of life and pain levels in patients with fibromyalgia and obesity.

More study is required on food and fibromyalgia, although avoiding sugar and gluten is a good start. No harm in attempting these methods to help assist therapy.

 

Treatment

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that requires medical treatment since it is difficult to control. Because it is a syndrome, each patient will present with a unique collection of symptoms, necessitating the development of a customized treatment strategy for each patient.

Some or all of the following treatments may be used to treat the condition:

• a regular physical activity regimen
• acupuncture
• psychotherapy
• Behavioral modification therapy is a type of treatment in which a person changes his or her behavior.
• treatment using chiropractic etiquette
• massage
• Physical therapy is a type of treatment that involves moving about.

Low-dose antidepressants, however, are not recommended as a first-line treatment for fibromyalgia Patients with fibromyalgia should collaborate with their doctor to develop a treatment strategy that will provide the greatest outcomes.