The 10 Myths and Truths About Fibromyalgia

The 10 Myths and Truths About Fibromyalgia,  which many think is true but is not. In addition, Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by chronic localized or extended muscle pain. These pains can also be joint, tendon or bone. Fibromyalgia is also associated with chronic fatigue, depression , anxiety , or recurring headaches .

Fibromyalgia is not a rare or new disease, there are records of this disease since the 19th century, with about 8% of the adult population suffering from Fibromyalgia . Get to know a little more about the disease and discover the myths and truths that are spoken about it.The Causes of Fibromyalgia:  There is no certainty about the causes of Fibromyalgia , however, there are several hypotheses about its causes:

• Changes in the endocrine system or hormonal system;
• Hypersensitivity to pain;
• Muscle abnormalities;
• Viral infection;
• Some abnormality in the immune system .

This syndrome does not cause serious complications, but it is very demanding and often prevents the sufferer from performing daily activities or providing a full-time job. So, check out Know Fibromyalgia – Fibromyalgia Truths and Myths:

Myth: It’s all in your head.

Fact: For people who experience the pain and other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia , the health condition is real, chiropractic doctors claim. It can be associated with headache , nerve pain, and a variety of other symptoms. Pain and fatigue can be severe and debilitating.

Fibromyalgia is not a diagnosis made. A review of research from 1955 to 2014, published in 2014 in The Journal of the American Medical Association, described fibromyalgia as a disorder characterized by a combination of intertwined symptoms, including an increased central nervous system pain response along with fatigue, of sleep, Dysfunctions and mood swings.

Myth:  The diagnosis of fibromyalgia is a “guess”.

Fact:  Fibromyalgia can take time to diagnose because the symptoms overlap with those of other conditions. There are no diagnostic tests that can identify that fibromyalgia exists, but the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has established criteria for determining when a diagnosis of fibromyalgia should be made. These include having a history of widespread pain that lasts for more than three months and the number of areas on the body where there is pain, among other symptoms.

Myth: Fibromyalgia only affects women.

Fact: An estimated 5 million adults in America have fibromyalgia , according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The majority of those diagnosed – between 80 and 90% – are women, but men can also be affected. Why fibromyalgia afflicts women more than men is not known.

Myth: Fibromyalgia and arthritis  are the same thing.

Fact: A diagnosis of Fibromyalgia is not associated with a person having arthritis or any type of tissue damage. Fibromyalgiamay be described by some as “ good arthritis  ” because of similar symptoms of pain and fatigue, but fibromyalgia is  not truly an arthritic condition because it does not cause inflammation or joint damage.

The sensation of pain is not always associated with joint and muscle damage – it may be due to neurological imbalances. The NIH reports that Fibromyalgia can be present when the body has a hypersensitive neurological response to stimuli that would not normally be considered painful.

Myth: A special diet is needed for Fibromyalgia .

Fact: Eating a well-balanced diet is essential for overall well-being, but there is no specific diet that has been proven effective in improving Fibromyalgia symptoms .

Myth: Complementary and alternative treatments are useless.

Fact: Meditative movement therapies such as tai chi, yoga , appear to improve fibromyalgia symptoms , according to a review published in Rheumatology International in 2013. Measures for improvement were seen in sleep disorders, fatigue, and depression .

Myth: You should avoid exercise.

Fact: Arthritis symptoms can make physical activity difficult, but finding a way to get exercise some part of your daily routine is crucial. Exercise is one of the most effective treatments for fibromyalgia , according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.

Start where you can. If pain and fatigue keep you from a vigorous workout, start with a walk, or try tai chi and gradually build up from there. A study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases in 2014 found that resistance exercise resulted in improved physical function and less pain.

Myth: You’re just tired.

Fact: A review of research published in Arthritis Research & Therapy in 2013 identified fatigue as a disabling, persistent, and stubborn symptom of Fibromyalgia . It concluded that fatigue does not occur in isolation, but is intertwined with other symptoms – and that the symptoms influence each other.

Myth: There’s nothing you can do.

Fact: There is no cure for Fibromyalgia , but the condition is not progressive or fatal. Symptoms can be successfully managed. The possibility of relief exists. The first step to getting that relief is finding a doctor familiar with  Fibromyalgia . This may be a primary care physician, general internist, or rheumatologist. Treatment options include medications, alternative approaches, behavioral therapy, and physical therapy.