What Fibromyalgia Is

Fibromyalgia is different for everyone, but in almost all cases, it’s a chronic disease that causes severe body aches, joint pain and fatigue, along with other symptoms.

Who It Affects

While fibromyalgia is most common in middle-aged to older women, men and even children can have it, too.

Symptoms

Fibromyalgia can mimic other conditions, making it difficult to diagnose and treat. Common symptoms include extreme body pain, tenderness and fatigue. Other symptoms may include:

• difficulty sleeping
• headaches
• noise and light sensitivity
• problems with memory and thinking, aka “fibro fog”
• restless legs syndrome
• numbness
• tingling
• morning stiffness
• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Causes

Just what causes fibromyalgia remains somewhat of a mystery. While concrete causes haven’t been confirmed yet, doctors have a good idea of factors that may contribute to its onset. A car accident, injury, illness or other major life event that causes mental and physical stress may up the risk. A person’s genes likely has something to do with it, too. 

Treatment

Fibromyalgia has no cure. The best approach is to try multiple kinds of treatments. Talking with a general practitioner, rheumatologist or physical therapist can help you understand the different treatments that are available. Your doctor may prescribe medication, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta), milnacipran (Savella) or pregabalin (Lyrica). Basic over-the-counter drugs -- think aspirin and ibuprofen – can help provide daily relief. Though pain and fatigue may make it difficult, exercise is considered to be one of the most effective treatments. And for some people, alternative therapies such as massage and acupuncture can help ease the pain. 

What to Do

See your doctor if you’ve had unexplained pain paired with other mysterious symptoms, such as sleep or memory problems, for longer than three months.