What is Fibromyalgia?

WHAT IS FIBROMYALGIA?

A close friend was just diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and although I knew that it was deep pain throughout the body, that is all I knew. So I did some research and am sharing my findings with you.

"Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas."¹In layman's terms it is pain in the muscles, ligaments and tendons. It is not a disease and it is not arthritis.

People diagnosed with fibromyalgia have widespread pain and tenderness in at least 11 of the known 18 trigger points.

Some Common Trigger Points Include:

•The outer elbows
•The hips
*The tops of your shoulders
*The upper chest
*The back of the heard
*The knees

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia include:

*Profound chronic and widespread pain
*Fatigue that can interfere with work and social events - excessive exhaustion and low stamina. Your body can feel like it is weighted down with bricks.
*Sleep problem/disorder that will not allow a deep, restful sleep.
*Exercise difficulties - moderate exercise can increase the pain.
*Jaw pain or TMJ
*Other signs, symptoms and overlapping conditions associated with FM include ringing in the ears, depression, irritable bowel/bladder, headaches, dizziness, anxiety, vision problems, impaired memory/concentration, dry eyes/mouth, skin sensitivities and rashes, neurological symptoms, as well as a few others.
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Look for my next blog where I will discuss causes and treatments to help ease the pain and stress.








¹As defined by Google.
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