Causes and Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is characterized by a deep or burning pain all over the body, and it causes muscle twitches and muscle fatigue. Patients may report pain in the hips, shoulders, back, and the neck joints, which causes great discomfort and compromises the routine activities of the affected individual.
Causes
Some common causes of fibromyalgia are:
- Emotional or physical abuse
- Arthritis
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Depression
- Lack of physical activity
Symptoms
The symptoms and intensity of the burning pain caused by fibromyalgia vary from person to person. The six types of fibromyalgia pains commonly experienced include allodynia, hyperalgesia, muscle pain, joint pain, paresthesia, and abdominal pain.
- Body pain: A characteristic feature of this condition is a pain in all parts of the body. A few areas like one’s back or neck may feel intense, chronic pain. However, the intensity and location of this pain may vary from time to time.
- Extreme sensitivity: Fibromyalgia makes you very sensitive towards burning pain all over the body. Even a slight touch might feel quite painful for an individual with fibromyalgia.
- Fatigue: With fibromyalgia, it is common to feel fatigued. Like pain, fatigue also varies from mild fatigue to complete exhaustion.
- Lack of sleep: Due to intense and chronic pain all over the body, an affected individual is unable to sleep well.
Acupuncture, exercises, and massages are quite effective in controlling the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Patients can also visit a rheumatologist, a physiotherapist, or they can take some medicines such as muscle relaxants and analgesics to deal with the pain.