Fibromyalgia Awareness Week 4 - 11 September 2016.

[Steve49]

Fibromyalgia, also called fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), is a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body.

As well as widespread pain, people with fibromyalgia may also have:

increased sensitivity to pain

fatigue (extreme tiredness)

muscle stiffness

difficulty sleeping

problems with mental processes (known as "fibro-fog") – such as problems with memory and concentration

headaches

irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – a digestive condition that causes stomach pain and bloating

If you think you have fibromyalgia, visit your GP. Treatment is available to ease some of its symptoms, although they're unlikely to disappear completely.

Read more about the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

What causes fibromyalgia?

The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but it's thought to be related to abnormal levels of certain chemicals in the brain and changes in the way the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord and nerves) processes pain messages carried around the body.

It's also suggested that some people are more likely to develop fibromyalgia because of genes inherited from their parents.

In many cases, the condition appears to be triggered by a physically or emotionally stressful event, such as:

an injury or infection

giving birth

having an operation

the breakdown of a relationship

the death of a loved one

Read more about the causes of fibromyalgia.

Who's affected?

Anyone can develop fibromyalgia, although it affects around seven times as many women as men. The condition typically develops between the ages of 30 and 50, but can occur in people of any age, including children and the elderly.

It's not clear exactly how many people are affected by fibromyalgia, although research has suggested it could be a relatively common condition. Some estimates suggest nearly 1 in 20 people may be affected by fibromyalgia to some degree.

One of the main reasons it's not clear how many people are affected is because fibromyalgia can be a difficult condition to diagnose. There's no specific test for the condition, and the symptoms can be similar to a number of other conditions.

Read more about diagnosing fibromyalgia.

How fibromyalgia is treated

Although there's currently no cure for fibromyalgia, there are treatments to help relieve some of the symptoms and make the condition easier to live with.

Treatment tends to be a combination of:

medication – such as antidepressants and painkillers

talking therapies – such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and counselling

lifestyle changes – such as exercise programmes and relaxation techniques

Exercise in particular has been found to have a number of important benefits for people with fibromyalgia, including helping to reduce pain.

Read more about:

treating fibromyalgia

self-help for fibromyalgia

Support groups

Many people with fibromyalgia find that support groups provide an important network where they can talk to others living with the condition.

Fibromyalgia Action UK is a charity that offers information and support to people with fibromyalgia. If you have any questions about fibromyalgia, call the charity's helpline on 0844 887 2444.

The charity also has a network of local support groups you may find helpful and a online community, where you can find out about news, events and ongoing research into the condition.

[TheAuthor]

Absolutely wonderful post my friend, thank you so much for sharing

[Steve49 in reply to TheAuthor]

Hi, no probs - anytime my friend.

Steve.

[Marie_71]

Hi does anyone with fibromyalgia suffer with bad heartburn😟

[TheAuthor in reply to Marie_71]

Hi Marie_71

I am so genuinely sorry to read that you have this horrid heartburn, and I have pasted you an excerpt from the *Fibromyalgia Symptoms website. I have this myself with my Fibro but it is being treated with mediation:

*Gastrointestinal Esophageal Reflux Disease

If you are battling with fibromyalgia syndrome then you are probably having to deal with a variety of unpleasant symptoms. From chronic muscle pain to migraines, fibromyalgia can be a debilitating illness, which makes it difficult to carry out even the most simple of tasks. Unfortunately, fibromyalgia also increases your risk for developing a number of associated conditions. One of the conditions, known as Gastrointestinal Esophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD, is a severe form of acid reflux. It can cause a number of unpleasant symptoms and may even exacerbate your fibromyalgia. Luckily, there are a number of effective treatments available to help eliminate GERD.

*What is GERD?

GERD is a severe form of acid reflux, in which the food and acid contained in your stomach begin to back up into your esophagus. This causes uncomfortable symptoms, including heartburn, throat sensitivity, and chest pain. Similar to heartburn, GERD is very common throughout the United States, affecting between 5% and 7% of the population. Unlike heartburn, however, GERD can occur many times a week, and often produces symptoms on a daily basis. If left untreated, GERD can have a detrimental effect on your overall health, causing many severe complications.

It would probably prove beneficial if you discussed your acid problem with your doctor to try and ascertain some treatment for it. I want to sincerely wish you all the best of luck, and please take care of yourself.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

[Hidden in reply to Marie_71]

Hi Marie

Yes I get the evil heartburn

I have found its triggered by certain foods - bread, cheese, bananas and most distressing chocolate!!!!