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How Fibromyalgia Affects Your Entire Body
Fibromyalgia affects about 4 million adults in the US, which accounts for 2% of the adult population. From causing pain in your muscles and joints to disrupting your sleep patterns, cognitive function, and emotional well-being, fibromyalgia can feel debilitating in every aspect of your life.
At Innovative Pain Medicine, pain medicine specialist Dr. Usman Saleem, MD, MSPT, and our team of experts are here to help you find long-term solutions. Whether it’s through self-management strategies or medication, we’ll develop an individualized treatment plan to help treat your fibromyalgia symptoms.
In the meantime, the first step on the road to recovery is understanding what fibromyalgia is and how it affects your entire body.
Defining fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a complex and often misunderstood condition that affects the body in various ways. It’s characterized by widespread pain and tenderness in the muscles and joints, along with other symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive difficulties, and emotional challenges.
While the exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, it’s believed to involve changes in how the brain and spinal cord process pain signals. It's important to understand that fibromyalgia is a real and debilitating condition, and seeking proper diagnosis and management strategies can greatly improve your quality of life.
How fibromyalgia affects your entire body
While it’s important to know what fibromyalgia is, it’s even more important to know what fibromyalgia symptoms look and feel like. The following symptoms will help you better understand how fibromyalgia affects your entire body:
Widespread pain
Aching, burning, or throbbing pain throughout your body are hallmarks of fibromyalgia. The pain is often accompanied by tender points, specific areas that are more sensitive to pressure.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a prevalent symptom of fibromyalgia. It's characterized by a constant feeling of tiredness, even after a good night's sleep. The fatigue can be debilitating and impact your ability to engage in daily activities.
Sleep disturbances
Fibromyalgia often disrupts sleep patterns. You may experience difficulty falling or staying asleep, resulting in unrefreshing sleep. As a result, you may wake up feeling tired and lacking energy.
Stiffness
Morning stiffness and muscle stiffness after periods of inactivity or physical exertion are common in fibromyalgia. Your muscles may feel tense, and it may take time for them to loosen up and for your joints to become more flexible.
Headaches
Frequent headaches, including migraines, are associated with fibromyalgia. The headaches can be quite debilitating and add to the overall burden of pain.
Digestive issues
Fibromyalgia can affect the digestive system, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and bowel irregularities. Many individuals with fibromyalgia also have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Increased sensitivity
Increased sensitivity to temperature, light, noise, and certain foods is common in fibromyalgia. You may find that you're more sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, bright lights, loud sounds, and certain odors or flavors.
Mood disorders
Fibromyalgia can impact your emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and mood swings. Coping with chronic pain and other symptoms can take a toll on your mental health. It's important to address these emotional challenges and seek support when needed.
Treating fibromyalgia
Although fibromyalgia is a chronic condition, many strategies can help manage your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life. Here are just some solutions experts recommend:
- Develop a support network
- Engage in gentle exercise
- Prioritize rest and sleep
- Explore stress-management techniques
- Eat a balanced diet
- Seek professional help
Remember, fibromyalgia affects everyone differently, and it may take time to find the best management strategies for your specific needs. Be patient with yourself and don't hesitate to reach out for support. With the right approach and support network, it is possible to live a fulfilling life despite fibromyalgia.
Dr. Usman Saleem and our team at Innovative Pain Medicine are here to determine appropriate medications and therapies for pain management and symptom relief. With various treatment solutions, including medications, physical therapy, and alternative therapies, we’ll find the right combination for your unique situation.
If you’re ready to take the next step on the journey toward treatment, give us a call today at 917-686-0987 or use the online scheduling tool to book your first appointment. We have offices in Williston Park, Queens, Brooklyn, and Port Jefferson Station, New York.