Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition in which you feel pain in multiple areas of your body (tenderpoints) and experience extreme fatigue. According to the Mayo Clinic, you develop pain in your muscles, tendons and ligaments.
Symptoms
MedlinePlus indicates that fibromyalgia symptoms include body aches, chronic muscle pain, tension headaches and memory problems. It can also cause irritable bowel syndrome, a pounding heartbeat (palpitations), and a numbness or tingling (paresthesias) sensation.
Cause
The Mayo Clinic says that the exact cause for fibromyalgia is unknown. However, genetics, infections, and physical or emotional stress may play a role in triggering fibromyalgia symptoms.
Considerations
Men and women are both susceptible to fibromyalagia. MedlinePlus indicates that fibromyalgia is most common in women ages 20 to 50 years old.
Treatment
There is no one specific treatment for fibromyalgia. Rather, you must treat its individual symptoms. The Mayo Clinic says that medications such as acetaminophen and tramadol can relieve fibromyalgia pain. Antidepressants like fluoxetine can help you sleep. Physical therapy is also available to help you stretch your muscles, and counseling is available to help you pinpoint the source of any emotional trauma.
Statistics
According to the Mayo Clinic, fibromyalgia affects 2 percent of people in the United States.
