Fibromyalgia

The most common symptoms of fibromyalgia are pain throughout the body (often in the arms, legs, head, chest, abdomen, back, and buttocks), fatigue, and sleep issues. Pain usually affects the muscles, as well as the ligaments and tendons that connect muscles to bones. Some people describe their pain as a constant, dull ache, but for others it can feel like burning or throbbing.

People with fibromyalgia may also have muscle and joint stiffness, tenderness to touch, headaches, and sensitivity to light, sound, and smells. In some cases, pain and heightened sensitivity may be accompanied by problems with thinking clearly, concentration, and memory (often known as “fibro fog”).

Other symptoms include tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, facial or jaw pain (including temporomandibular joint syndrome, or TMJ), depression, anxiety, and digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Fibromyalgia can cause disability, a lower quality of life, and an increased risk of hospitalization, depression, and other types of arthritis and rheumatic conditions.

The main standard for a fibromyalgia diagnosis is widespread pain in at least four of five areas of the body for at least three months. These five areas include the right and left upper regions, right and left lower regions, and the axial region (neck, back, chest, and abdomen).

A doctor will typically diagnose fibromyalgia through a physical examination, medical history review, X-rays, and blood tests. Blood tests can help rule out other conditions.

There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but pain and other symptoms can be managed with medication and certain lifestyle changes. Many people work with a rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in treating fibromyalgia and other types of arthritis.

Drug treatments may include prescription and over-the-counter medications, such as pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medicines, antidepressants, and anti-seizure drugs. 

People with fibromyalgia can also reduce pain and improve symptoms with regular exercise, healthy sleep habits, and stress management activities like yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and massage. Patient education classes, physical and occupational therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can also provide individuals with tools and strategies to minimize symptoms and manage the psychological and emotional burden of the disorder.

Current research is focused on better understanding fibromyalgia and its causes, as well as finding more effective ways to diagnose, treat, and ultimately cure the disorder. Some clinical trials are investigating different treatment options for pain management, including neurostimulation like vagus nerve stimulation, which has been FDA-approved to treat certain forms of epilepsy and depression. There are also clinical trials underway to evaluate the effectiveness of Neurotropin, a drug that has been used in Japan to treat chronic pain conditions, including fibromyalgia.