Fibromyalgia patients suffer from widespread pain throughout the body. Tender points arising from the muscles that become painful to the touch often characterize the pain. Fibromyalgia also causes sleeping disorders and fatigue. The pain and tiredness become frustrating because the symptoms interfere with their family lives and jobs. The limitations patients face make it difficult for them to make daily or long-term plans, according to the Fibromyalgia Network.
Identification
Patients complain about their muscles feeling overworked even with little exertion. The muscles may feel tight. Pressing on the tender points may send the pain to other muscles in the body. Physical activity and even mental exertion can worsen the problems. People describe the pain as burning, aching, stabbing or throbbing.
Theories/Speculation
The fatigue from fibromyalgia mimics the fatigue felt in chronic fatigue syndrome, and many fibromyalgia patients may also have the syndrome. The Fibromyalgia Symptoms website states that more than 75 percent of chronic fatigue syndrome patients have similar symptoms to people with fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue patients often describe their symptoms as being flu-like. Extreme fatigue, as with pain, often sets in following physical or mental exertion for fibromyalgia. The fatigue may also heighten stress and increase the pain. Memory loss or forgetfulness may result from the fatigue.
Effects
Fibromyalgia patients suffer from sleep disorders that prevent them from getting a deep restorative sleep, the Fibromyalgia Network explains. Patients often have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. They experience frequent bouts of arousals during the night, preventing them from getting a necessary sound rest from sleep, and often do not feel refreshed in the morning.
Function
Co-existing conditions that may occur with fibromyalgia include irritable bowel syndrome, which causes abdominal pain and bloating, gas and nausea. Migraine or tension headaches happen to more than half of fibromyalgia patients, according to the Fibromyalgia Network. The headaches may result from painful tender points in the neck, head and shoulder muscles. Patients may also experience acid reflux, numbness and tingling sensations throughout the body, chemical sensitivities, dizziness, heart palpitations or shortness of breath. Changes in the weather, stress, anxiety or depression may aggravate symptoms.
Medication
Aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help relieve the pain for some patients. Antidepressants may be prescribed to ease the pain and fatigue, the Mayo Clinic explains. Antiseizure drugs have been found to help with pain in some fibromyalgia patients.
Prevention/Solution
Moderate exercise helps restore muscle balance and reduce pain, the Mayo Clinic notes. However, fibromyalgia patients often become exhausted and find increased pain following physical activity. So individualized exercises are designed with the help of a physical therapist. Stretching techniques are often recommended. Therapy also includes hot or cold applications to the painful areas. Additionally, patients are advised to exercise for short intervals, such as 10-minute periods, to help avoid exhaustion. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps patients deal with their stress and strengthen their belief in overcoming difficulties.
