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FibromyalgiaPublished by Bupa's health information team, February 2008. This factsheet is for people who have fibromyalgia, or who would like information about it. Fibromyalgia is a long-lasting condition that causes pain and stiffness in your muscles, ligaments and tendons. Fibromyalgia also causes fatigue.
About fibromyalgiaFibromyalgia can affect different areas of your body such as your arms, legs, neck and back. The severity the symptoms of fibromyalgia can vary. You may sometimes find that your symptoms are mild and you can carry on with your normal daily activities. However, sometimes the symptoms of fibromyalgia can become more severe. There are no outward signs of fibromyalgia, so people often don't realise they have it. The symptoms of fibromyalgia can carry on for a long time, sometimes permanently. Symptoms of fibromyalgiaThe pain associated with fibromyalgia tends to feel like aching or burning. It can be worse at some times than at others and can change location, often becoming more severe in parts of the body you use most. Fibromyalgia can also make you feel very tired. As well as the pain and tiredness, you may also experience the following symptoms of fibromyalgia:
Fibromyalgia symptoms are often very similar to those of chronic fatigue syndrome or ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis). Doctors don't yet know whether the fibromyalgia and ME are different parts of the same condition. Causes of fibromyalgiaNo-one knows the exact cause of fibromyalgia. There are many theories, but there is no clear evidence of the cause. Fibromyalgia doesn't seem to be inherited from parents and it doesn't appear to be caused by a virus. Sometimes fibromyalgia develops after a traumatic event, for example a car accident or a fall, which may act as a trigger. However, sometimes no trigger is involved. People with fibromyalgia seem to be more likely to have sleeping problems, such as insomnia, than usual. One theory is that the production of hormones, essential for maintenance of the body's cells, is reduced by abnormal sleep rhythms. But doctors aren't sure whether the sleep problems cause fibromyalgia, or the other way round. Diagnosis of fibromyalgiaFibromyalgia is not new, but because the symptoms are so varied, it's difficult to diagnose. It can't be identified on X-rays and many of the symptoms of fibromyalgia are similar to other conditions. If you think you are suffering from fibromyalgia, you should see your GP. Your GP will ask about your symptoms and carry out a physical examination. He or she may apply pressure to various "trigger" points throughout your body. This pressure would be no more than a little uncomfortable to most people. But someone who has fibromyalgia will find it much more painful. Your GP may need to carry out some tests to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. For example X-rays or blood tests. These conditions include:
Your GP may refer you to a rheumatologist or hospital pain clinic for further tests. Treatment of fibromyalgiaAt the moment, there is no cure for fibromyalgia and there are no specific fibromyalgia treatments. However, you can learn to manage symptoms of fibromyalgia, so you can continue with your normal activities (see Living with fibromyalgia). Self-helpThere are a number of practical things you can do yourself to help control your symptoms of fibromyalgia. These include the following.
ExerciseIf you have painful muscles and joints because of fibromyalgia, exercising may be the last thing you feel like doing. But a gentle programme of aerobic exercise - exercise that increases your heart rate and makes you feel slightly out of breath - can make a big difference. Taking a daily walk or going swimming two or three times a week can be a good way to start. You should stretch your muscles regularly, to prevent them becoming too tight. You can do your stretches anywhere - at home, at work or even in the bath or shower. When these are no longer difficult, a low-impact aerobics class that will not put too much strain on your joints and muscles could be the next step. You can then start to exercise for 20 to 30 minutes four or five times per week, but it may take a while to build up to this. Before you begin, ask your GP or a physiotherapist for a regime to suit your circumstances. Talking therapiesCognitive behavioural therapy can help people with fibromyalgia to understand the thoughts (cognitions) they have about their pain and to develop new ways of coping with it (behaviours). It may also help to talk to other people with fibromyalgia - see Further information for details. Complementary therapySome people find that complementary therapies such as acupuncture help relieve fibromyalgia. Your GP can refer you to a qualified practitioner. Pain clinicYour GP may refer you to a pain clinic for more specialist advice on how to cope with the pain associated with fibromyalgia. MedicinesPainkillers you would normally take for a headache can help with the pain associated with fibromyalgia. Over-the-counter sleeping tablets are best avoided because they can cause dependence and eventually lose their effect. A steroid injection in the affected area may give you temporary relief if one or two places are particularly painful. For some people a tricyclic antidepressant can help relieve the pain associated with fibromyalgia. It can be effective for long-term (chronic) pain and also have a sedative effect to help you to get a good night's sleep. The starting dose will be lower than that usually used for depression. Your doctor will give you advice on these medicines and their side-effects. Living with fibromyalgiaBeing diagnosed with fibromyalgia can be distressing, both for you and your family. However, charities such as Fibromyalgia Association UK can give advice and support (see Further information). You could also try to find out if there's a local support group in your area, where you can talk to other people with fibromyalgia. It's important to make sure your family learns about fibromyalgia, so they will know how and when to help you. Further information
Related topicsSources
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional. Publication date: February 2008
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