Fibromyalgia is a disease that has a characteristic aspect of pain. In particular, the pain is chronic in nature and occurs at various areas across the body. This includes pain that appears due to something which in typical situations would not cause pain. This issue is known as allodynia, and in the case of fibromyalgia is brought on by pressure.

Symptoms

Arthralgia can show up amongst the pain that is experienced in patients with fibromyalgia. Although pain is the characteristic symptom of this condition, other symptoms may also be present. For example, the patient may experience a sensation of weakness in his arms and legs. Muscles can be affected both my twitches and spasms, the latter of which may be lengthy. Paresthesia, which is a sensation of numbness or tingling, can show up.

The patient may be strongly affected by fatigue. Difficulty swallowing, a situation known as dysphagia, may affect the person. Sleep can be disturbed. Aside from pain, the joints may also be affected by stiffness. Cognitive dysfunction is one of the other possible symptoms, but please keep in mind that there are also many others that may be involved in a case of fibromyalgia.

Causes

The medical reason behind fibromyalgia is not known at the present. There are various items that are considered to possibly be involved. One potential factor is genetics. There is a high incidence of it occurring in families where someone else is affected, although the exact way that it is passed to children is not known. It is thought that trauma to the neck also leads to a greater possibility of developing this condition. Stress is also thought to possibly be a significant factor in the development of this disease. There are also other possibilities that are considered at this time.

Diagnosis

No particular test can be used to make a diagnosis of a case of fibromyalgia. Even the specific criteria that is used in the diagnostic process is not agreed upon. A couple of possible things to consider include pain that is spread around the body, and has lasted at least three months, and tender points in at least eleven of the eighteen possible places. If you are looking for a diagnosis, please talk with someone who is qualified in medicine.

Treatment

No cure is currently known for patients with fibromyalgia. There are various methods that are used to treat it, however. Some possibilities include medication, psychological treatment, and physical treatment.