Fibromyalgia - Understanding Chronic Pain Syndrome

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tender points in the body.
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Chronic Pain Management | Fatigue Relief Strategies | Fibromyalgia Symptoms | Pain Relief For Fibromyalgia | Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Jane Cox

Fibromyalgia FAQ


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Do fibromyalgia symptoms ever go away?

Treatment is available to ease some of the symptoms, although it's unlikely they'll ever disappear completely. If you have fibromyalgia, one of the main symptoms is likely to be widespread pain. This may be felt throughout your body, but could be worse in particular areas, such as your back or neck.

What causes fibromyalgia pain?

It's not clear exactly what causes the pain of fibromyalgia, but it may have something to do with how your body sends and receives pain signals. (Photo Credit: E+/Getty Images) Fibromyalgia is a condition that comes with pain and tenderness anywhere in your body. You may also have fatigue and trouble getting the sleep you need.

What is fibromyalgia pain?

Widespread pain. The pain associated with fibromyalgia often is described as a constant dull ache that has lasted for at least three months. To be considered widespread, the pain must occur on both sides of your body and above and below your waist.

What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?

problems with mental processes (known as "fibro-fog"), such as difficulty concentrating or remembering things irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) , a digestive condition that causes stomach pain and bloating The symptoms of fibromyalgia are changeable – for example, they can sometimes suddenly improve or get worse.

Does fibromyalgia cause pain?

Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain and spinal cord process painful and nonpainful signals.

How do I know if I have fibromyalgia?

There’s no specific fibromyalgia test. But your GP may do some blood tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms to fibromyalgia. Sometimes, your GP may refer you to a specialist for further tests or treatment. These may include one or more of the following. A pain specialist, often based in a pain clinic.

What does fibromyalgia mean?

The word fibromyalgia means pain (-algia) coming from the muscles (my-) and fibrous tissues (fibro-) such as tendons and ligaments. Most people with fibromyalgia also have physical tiredness and unrefreshing sleep as well as some other symptoms, listed below. Therefore, fibromyalgia is sometimes called fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).

How can fibromyalgia be treated?

These may include drug treatments. However, physical and psychological therapies can often be a more effective way of managing fibromyalgia than medication. There are also many things you can do for yourself that can change the way your condition impacts upon your life.

Fibromyalgia References

If you want to know more about Fibromyalgia, consider exploring links below:

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