Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that causes widespread pain in the body, as well as fatigue, sleep problems, and increased sensitivity to pain. Other symptoms include problems with memory and cognition, often referred to as “fibro-fog”, headaches and digestive problems. The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, although symptoms often begin after stress-inducing events such as surgery, injury or infection, giving birth, or an emotionally traumatic event like the loss of a loved one.
Who is at risk?
Fibromyalgia can develop in anyone, but women are seven times more likely to develop fibromyalgia than men. It typically develops in people between the ages of 30 to 50. Because not much is known about the condition, fibromyalgia can be difficult to diagnose as there is no specific test and its symptoms overlap with a number of other conditions. There is little data on the number of people affected by fibromyalgia, though some estimates suggest almost 1 in 20 people may have it.
Treatment
There is currently no cure for fibromyalgia, but there are numerous treatments that help relieve the symptoms and make the condition easier to live with:
Prescription drugs and over-the-counter painkillers
Aerobic exercise and muscle-strengthening exercise
Relaxation techniques such as meditation, massage and yoga
Physiotherapy at Flxme
We recommend seeing a physiotherapist in order to develop a treatment plan to manage the pain. Increasing flexibility and strengthening muscles through a sustainable exercise routine are key in reducing fibromyalgia pain, and your physiotherapist can help you with both. Your physiotherapist can instruct you on the proper way to stretch. and help you embark on an aerobic exercise program, focusing on low-speed and low-impact activities (as they are less stressful on the joints). Relaxing hands-on treatments will help reduce pain and mobilize stiff joints.
Sources
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/fibromyalgia/
https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/fibromyalgia.htm#:~:text=Fibromyalgia%20