If you suffer from chronic pain and general weakness with no apparent cause, you might be one of the millions of people suffering from fibromyalgia or FM. According to a study done by the American College of Rheumatology, one out of 50 Americans is suffering from fibromyalgia. This statistic translates to about three to six million people who are suffering from this chronic disorder.

While there are a lot of people who seem to be suffering from this disorder, only a few are diagnosed since the symptoms of fibromyalgia are so varied and often overlap with those of other but similar disorders. As such, only a thorough medical evaluation with physical examination and medical history assessment can help determine whether you really have this condition.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder characterized by musculoskeletal pain, stiffness, general fatigue, soft tissue tenderness, and sleeping problems. The most affected areas include the neck, back, shoulders, pelvis, and hands. However, the pain can also be felt throughout the body; making the pain and discomfort widespread. Patients suffering from fibromyalgia also experience a range of symptoms of varying intensities that increase and wane over time.

How is Fibromyalgia diagnosed?

Since fibromyalgia symptoms are varied and often identified with other musculoskeletal disorders, doctors reserve diagnosis until a patient exhibits several pertinent symptoms. Below are some of the most common symptoms associated with the disorder including the following:

1.General Symptoms:
While this list includes some of the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia, it does not mean that a person who exhibits them automatically has the disease. Keep in mind that only a thorough evaluation can provide an accurate fibromyalgia diagnosis.

Disturbed sleep patterns
Widespread body and skeletal pain
Chronic fatigue
Recurrent headaches
Occasional palpitations and racing heartbeats
Decreased muscle coordination
Changes in sensitivity to heat or low temperature
Tender lymph nodes
Depression and anxiety
Tender and painful muscles
Overall body pain
Gastrointestinal problems
Joint and muscle stiffness

2.Diseases Commonly Co-occurring with Fibromyalgia
Aside from the general symptoms associated with fibromyalgia, there are also other health problems that often occur with the onset of the disorder. These are:

Irritable bowel syndrome
Raynaud's disease
Temporal mandibular joint dysfunction

What causes Fibromyalgia?

Since fibromyalgia is a difficult disorder to diagnose and have, it is important to pay attention to its causes for treatment and prevention. While the underlying causes of fibromyalgia still remain a mystery, new studies continue to bring information on the basic mechanisms of the disorder. Most researchers agree that fibromyalgia is a disorder of the central nervous system with neuro-endocrine and neurotransmitter dysfunction. Neurotransmitters of pain are in abundance while those that increase pain tolerance become dangerously low to be able to stave off the onset of pain.

For some, the onset of fibromyalgia is slow. However, a large percentage of patients reported the onset of the disorder at the heels of an illness or injury that caused trauma to the body. These events may exacerbate an undetected physiological problem already present.

How to manage Fibromyalgia?

Due to the variation of its symptoms, managing fibromyalgia requires a multidisciplinary approach. Physical rehabilitation and therapy, pain medications, and treatment for underlying injuries and illnesses are often prescribed for patients suffering from the disorder. Since chronic pain can also induce depression, psychological counseling and guidance are also recommended.