Fibromyalgia, a largely misunderstood condition, confuses and frustrates patients and doctors alike. I know this because I’ve seen it from both sides, as a doctor and as a woman living with the disease. This common chronic condition is characterized by widespread muscle pain, fatigue, and brain fog. An estimated 5 million Americans currently suffer from the disease, and approximately 90%…
Most women with fibromyalgia report having memory problems and being unable to concentrate, and most also suffer from anxiety and depression, according to a new Spanish report. Its authors recommend that their findings be further analyzed to improve the well-being of women with the disease. The study, “Cognitive Complaints in Women with Fibromyalgia: Are they due to depression or cognitive…
Coping with Fibromyalgia, Numbness and tingling. For most people, the morning brings enough energy to get going. That is, most people who don’t have fibromyalgia. People with fibromyalgia can barely walk in the morning, but they still manage. Some days the pressure just to put your feet on the ground is unbearable. Feet are stiff and tingling, legs are stiff, knees…
Disability related to fibromyalgia: After osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia is the second most common rheumatic disease. However, it is difficult to detect early because its symptoms are variable. By Adele Alexander This condition affects more women than men. It is characterized by widespread pain throughout the body, accompanied by stiffness and fatigue. Dr. Daniel Clauw, professor of anesthesiology at the University of…
By Adrienne Dellwo. Hypervigilance is a state of constant tension, on guard, and exceptionally aware of one’s surroundings. A small but growing body of research suggests that hypervigilance is a hallmark of fibromyalgia and may contribute to the common symptom of sensory overload. The idea is that our brains become overly aware of things, which can include painful stimuli, noises,…
Why does fibro seem to get worse over time? Is fibromyalgia progressive? The medical profession doesn’t classify it as a progressive or degenerative disease, but with long, frequent flare-ups that repeat themselves over and over again, it’s no wonder so many of us think things get worse over time. Although your body isn’t technically deteriorating, you may feel like your…
The fatigue experienced when suffering from fibromyalgia goes beyond “ normal fatigue ,” according to a recent publication in the journal BMC – Musculoskeletal Disorders. The researchers wanted to gain a deeper understanding of the fatigue that occurs in fibromyalgia and the impact it has on our lives. After conducting a series of interviews, they analyzed the results and developed a conceptual…
People with fibromyalgia have more difficulty falling asleep, the quality of sleep is lower and the quantity less, compared to the general population, according to the results of a new examination. The researchers have drawn the attention of doctors specializing in sleep disorders in fibromyalgia patients, as better sleep can help improve symptoms of the disease. The study, “Sleep Disturbances…
Subsequently, FM surfaced into the media’s attention with publications like The Guardian and The Independent publishing features to explain the condition to those who had never heard or experienced it. In short and by definition, Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition which causes wide-spread pain around the body. Correlating symptoms include increased sensitivity to pain, muscle stiffness, extreme fatigue, difficulties with…
Chronic fatigue syndrome Diagnosing fibromyalgia is very difficult , as there are no blood tests or other types of clinical tests that offer a concrete answer. The only way to detect it is through a physical evaluation and an adequate clinical history performed by a rheumatologist or a doctor highly qualified on the subject. The first step for a quick and accurate diagnosis is to…