10 Myths And Facts About Fibromyalgia

Date:   5/2/2018 12:40:19 PM ( 6 y ago)

Fibromyalgia is a painful chronic condition of the nervous system with several symptoms including widespread body pain, fatigue, mood disorders, sleep difficulties, tingling and numbness in the extremities, digestive issues, urinary problems, headaches and more. Because everyone experiences fibromyalgia differently, the disorder is often misunderstood. As there is not a lot of information about fibromyalgia, there are several myths about this condition. Let's take a look at ten myths people believe and the real facts about fibromyalgia.

1. Myth – Fibromyalgia is an imaginary condition.
Fact – Fibromyalgia causes areas in the brain to react to pain differently than those not suffering from the condition. According to research, the nerves in a fibromyalgia sufferer become overactive, resulting in an increased sensitivity to pain. Sufferers feel pain more intensely than non-sufferers and pain occur at lower levels than non-sufferers.

2. Myth – Fibromyalgia only affects women.
Fact – Although more women are diagnosed with fibromyalgia, it can affect both sexes. It is believed that women experience pain differently than men and often experience more symptoms than men. Furthermore, more women than men will seek out medical attention for chronic pain conditions, which may be the reason that more women are diagnosed with the condition.

3. Myth – Fibromyalgia pain is mild.
Fact – Some sufferers experience mild symptoms; however, certain individuals can experience severe pain that can negatively impact the sufferer's life. Simple things like going for a walk or caring for one's family can become extremely difficult. Additionally, when a sufferer is stressed or the weather changes, fibromyalgia pain can worsen.

4. Myth – There is no treatment for fibromyalgia.
Fact – Fibromyalgia patients experience a multitude of symptoms, including pain, fatigue and sleep difficulties. There are numerous lifestyle changes that may help ease these symptoms. For example, certain patients experience increased sensitivity to items in their environment, such as fertilizers, scents, detergents and other chemicals. Using natural and organic products may help reduce or relieve fibromyalgia symptoms.

5. Myth – Doctors use the diagnosis of fibromyalgia when they cannot find the real cause of the sufferer's symptoms.
Fact – Although it is difficult to diagnose fibromyalgia, it can be done when you see a functional medicine physician who specializes in chronic pain conditions. There is no lab test or radiology test that can diagnose the disease. Instead, the doctor will listen to your symptoms and complete a physical exam. The American College of Rheumatology developed a set of fibromyalgia guidelines which include 18 fibromyalgia tender points.

6. Myth – The only symptom of fibromyalgia is pain.
Fact – Pain is one of the main symptoms of fibromyalgia; however, it is not the only symptoms. In addition to pain, sufferers often experience fatigue, depression, anxiety, headaches, sleep issues, sensitivity to temperature, noise, and light and digestive complaints. Pain is particularly felt in the tender points in the body.

7. Myth – Exercise should be avoided.
Fact – Exercise can be difficult due to the pain and fatigue felt by fibromyalgia sufferers; however, most doctors recommend regular exercise. Exercise releases endorphins to ease pain and can help improve insomnia. It can be one of the most effective treatments for fibromyalgia. It can also help in controlling weight which can be important to reducing the pain of fibromyalgia.

8. Myth – Fibromyalgia is the same as arthritis.
Fact – Fibromyalgia was once believed to be a form of arthritis; however, research has proven this false. Arthritis causes inflammation and damage to the joints. Fibromyalgia does not cause inflammation. Instead, it causes abnormal pain processing in the central nervous system.

9. Myth – Complementary and alternative medicine does not help.
Fact – Stress relief therapies like yoga, tai chi, meditation and deep breathing exercises can help to relieve stress and improve mood, fatigue and pain levels. In addition to this, a certified chiropractor can help improve the symptoms of fibromyalgia by correcting misalignments such as subluxations of the spine. The spinal column houses the central nervous system. Misalignments can cause pressure, resulting in increased pain. A chiropractor can correct these and relieve many of the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Acupuncture can also play a role in the treatment of fibromyalgia.

10. Myth – Fibromyalgia damage the musculoskeletal system.
Fact – In the past, fibromyalgia was believed as a musculoskeletal disorder because the pain is felt in the connective tissues, joint and muscles; however, tests have shown that no damage occurs in the musculoskeletal system. Fibromyalgia amplifies pain signals. Pain that would not even be felt in most people can be extremely painful in fibromyalgia sufferers.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic medical condition that causes widespread pain, mood swings, insomnia and digestive troubles. Research has determined that it may be hereditary. Certain genes can impact how your nervous system responds to pain. For this reason, it can be difficult to relieve fibromyalgia; however, regular exercise and chiropractic care can help relieve the its symptoms.

 

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