Why You Have Unexplained Aches In Your Body And What To Do About Them

Jun 19, 2018 by apost team

If you're suffering from unexplained aches and pains in your joints or muscles, there's a good chance that you have fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). This chronic condition affects anywhere from 2-8% of the American population, and 90% of sufferers are young to middle-aged women. However, fibromyalgia is incredibly difficult to diagnose. That's because there are no particular markers or catalysts for the onset of the condition, and since symptoms progress over time, it can be challenging to identify which symptoms are related to fibromyalgia. Thanks to this guide, however, you can learn to identify fibromyalgia, and how to manage the pain that comes along with it. 

There is no specific cause known of fibromyalgia; however, researchers have determined a few factors that likely play a role in the case of most sufferers. These causes may include: 

1. Genetics: you can receive a test to find out if you have the 5-HT2A receptor 102T/C polymorphism gene. If so, you may be at a higher risk of developing fibromyalgia. 
2. Lifestyle: Making poor lifestyle choices can increase your chances of developing fibromyalgia. These may include obesity, lack of physical activity, poor diet, and smoking. 
3. Mental Health: Various psychological factors have been linked to fibromyalgia, including stress, depression, and trauma. 

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If you suspect you suffer from fibromyalgia, unfortunately, there are no specific tests that can give you a definitive answer. The medical and scientific communities have long debated over whether it's even possible to effectively diagnose fibromyalgia; that's why a diagnosis often doesn't come until all other possibilities have been exhausted. It may take years to reach a conclusion, and in many cases = up to 75%, in fact - it is not ever diagnosed. However, there are a few key symptoms you can watch for, and if you have several of these symptoms, fibromyalgia may be the answer. 

-Chronic pain: If you experience pain in multiple parts of your body, lasting for three months or longer, you may have fibromyalgia. 
-Muscle stiffness: In most sufferers, this is worst in the morning, and decreases throughout the day. 
-Tender points: If you experience pain in and around 18 tender points, it could be linked to fibromyalgia. You can also use the widespread pain index (WPI) and symptom severity scale (SS) to determine your pain levels. 

-Fatigue: If you constantly feel tired, even with sufficient rest, fibromyalgia is a likely culprit. You may have trouble falling asleep and waking up, too, in addition to constant fatigue. 
-Fibrofog: Fibromyalgia sufferers experience this phenomenon, which leads to a loss of concentration, performance speed, diminished attention span, and the ability to multi-task. 
-Menstrual problems: If your menstrual periods are heavy or painful, fibromyalgia might be to blame. 

Additionally, you may experience such symptoms as temperature sensitivity, sudden weight loss or gain, hearing and vision issues, irritable bowel syndrome, and sudden onset of allergies. 

If you believe you have the symptoms of fibromyalgia, schedule an appointment with your doctor right away. Be prepared for the fact that it may take some time to get a diagnosis, and your doctor will want to rule out any other health issues. Other diseases and issues that could cause similar symptoms include rheumatic diseases, depression, stress, and other neurological or psychological disorders, and small-fiber polyneuropathy, which is often mistaken for fibromyalgia. 

There are several things you can do to take care of your body and treat your symptoms of fibromyalgia. These include: 

1. Use of painkillers: Over-the-counter painkillers can help relieve some of the symptoms of pain and stiffness that you experience with fibromyalgia. 
2. Prescription medication: Talk to your doctor about prescriptions that might help you manage your symptoms. 
3. Plenty of rest: It's important to ensure you're getting enough sleep. Set yourself up for sleep success by creating a routine, sleeping in a dark, cool room, and limiting caffeine, alcohol, and exposure to electronic devices before bed. 
4. Exercise: Regular activity allows you to stretch your muscles, which can go a long way to relieving pain. You'll also experience a mood boost and better sleep. 
5. Stress relief: Taking steps to reduce your stress will help your fibromyalgia symptoms. Activities like yoga or tai chi can be helpful, along with massage, meditation, and breathing exercises. 
6. Healthy diet: Eat lots of leafy greens, fruit, whole grains, and other foods loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory qualities. 

Although a diagnosis of fibromyalgia can be devastating, you can live a healthy, happy life with it. Part of learning to cope with chronic pain is finding a good support system. The National Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association can help you find a support group that can offer tips and encouragement. 

Above all else, awareness of fibromyalgia is key, especially since as many as 75% of sufferers are never diagnosed. The best way you can help yourself, someone you love, or anyone else suffering the symptoms of fibromyalgia is to learn more about it and help spread accurate information about diagnosis and treatment. Make sure you pass this article on so people can start learning about the symptoms.

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!