Fibromyalgia Symptoms Are Not Always Clear

Fibromyagia can best be characterized as a habitual state of pain due to disruption in the signals of nerves. Fibromyalgia, or FM, is an intricate malady with a diverse range of symptoms that can come and go with no warning, which makes it hard to recognize and treat. Physicians and experts have estimated that about 10 million Americans have FM, most of them are women.

Fibromyalgia is hard to identify because the symptoms are very similar to those of other disorders, and even often coexist with disorders. Common symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

Pain: The most common symptom of FM is the chronic and crippling pain that all FM patients go through. Pain from FM varies widely in location and intensity, from throbbing, to shooting, to aching. Numbness and tingling sensations can also accompany the pain experienced.
Exhaustion:The second most defining symptom of FM is widespread and intense exhaustion or fatigue. “Feeling tired” is an understatement in describing this symptom; people afflicted with FM suffer from extreme fatigue that makes it hard to complete one’s everyday routines and habits.
Insomnia and lack of sleep
Cloudy or foggy state of mind
Stiffness in the morning
Cramping, muscle weakness
Other: Other significant symptoms of FM can include headaches/migraines, irritable bowels, itchy or burning skin, rashes, weak bladder, bladder spasms, TMJ, arthritis, dry mouth, dry eyes, depression, anxiety, vision issues, dizziness, lupus, ears ringing, sensitivity to sound, touch, light, and Raynaud’s syndrome. Phsyicians will also look at 18 different but specific pain points while diagnosing FM.

As of today, there are three medications approved to treat FM. Seeing as there is only three medications approved, there is a lot more research that needs to be conducted over FM. Treatment is primarily focused on the treatment of pain because there is no known cure for FM. Due to the constant pain experienced by those with FM, it leads to them being withdrawn from friend and family and can eventually lead to depression.

If you or a loved one is experiencing fibromyalgia, is looking for answers, or is seeking to engage in a medical research study, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Institute for Advanced Medical Research at 770-817-9200.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Telehealth: The Advantages of Telemedicine

Struggles to get to the clinic? Trying to reduce your exposure to COVID-19, as well as other contagious illnesses, and still need to see your doctor? Telehealth is safe and easy — receive quality care from anywhere.

Innovation in the field of neurogenesis

Adult neurogenesis is the process in which neurons are generated from neural stem cells in the adult.

Anxiety, not Halloween, may be the cause of your nightmares

But for many, the spooky season of Halloween time only highlights the nightmares that interfere with sleep and quality of life. Today we examine the relationship between anxiety and the nighttime disturbances of nightmares and night sweats.

What has Fibromyalgia stolen from you?

Due to the variety of symptoms patients can report, Fibro can steal your quality of life. All of these symptoms can trigger the others, causing an endless loop of dysfunction.The good news for those with Fibro is that there are exciting new solutions.

5 ways to be a healthier parent for healthier kids

It is not just anecdotal – studies have shown that the mental health of children is closely connected to their parents’ mental health. A child’s healthy development depends on their parents—and other caregivers who act in the role of parents—who support th

The VA diagnosed you with PTSD, now what?

If you have been diagnosed with PTSD, know that you have options outside of the VA, many at no charge to you. We offer clinical research studies, private practice support with physicians who are veterans and ketamine therapy.