Understanding Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia, once considered a syndrome, is now recognized as a disease characterized by chronic muscle pain that spreads to various parts of the body.

These pains can vary in intensity and are usually accompanied by significant fatigue, sleep disturbances, and an increased sensitivity to pain, even for stimuli that are normally painless, such as heat or cold.

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia, although not causing severe complications, can be very disruptive, limiting the ability of those affected to lead a normal life, including full-time work. Symptoms encompass various forms of chronic muscle pain, affecting muscles, tendons, and, less frequently, joints. These symptoms manifest as sensations of burning, throbbing, crushing, sharp pain, diffuse pain, bruises, and more. They can vary throughout the day, week, month, and year.

Despite the intensity of these symptoms, it is often difficult to detect lesions or inflammation that can be attributed to fibromyalgia. Recent studies have established links between various physiological and genetic factors, such as abnormalities in the system (neurotransmitter levels), hormonal disturbances, stress, and sleep problems, as potential causes of fibromyalgia. Nevertheless, external events such as traumas or infections could also contribute to this condition.

Treatment Options for Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is complex due to its varied symptoms, which can also be associated with other diseases or syndromes such as rheumatism, joint disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome, migraines, and more. Diagnosis is often complicated, requiring numerous medical consultations and tests such as blood tests and X-rays to rule out other diseases.

Currently, there is no universally effective treatment for fibromyalgia. However, healthcare professionals generally recommend a treatment combining medication, physical exercises, education about fibromyalgia, and management of mood and sleep disorders. Prescribed medications include pain relievers, antidepressants, or antiepileptics due to their analgesic effect on the central nervous system (independent of depression treatment with antidepressants). The choice of medications is tailored to each individual, taking into account their morphology and the functional rehabilitation plan, which includes exercises.