Understanding the Confusing Condition Known as Fibromyalgia

Many individuals find that it can be very confusing trying to understand the condition known as fibromyalgia.

The reason usually is because there are 60 possible symptoms associated the condition. The symptoms can be in several categories including general symptoms, muscle and tissue-related symptoms, sinus & allergy-related symptoms, sleep-related, reproductive related, abdominal and excretory symptoms, cognitive symptoms, those that have to do with sensory perceptions, or emotional, and also those that are related to the heart, skin, hair, hemorrhoids or nails.

It is difficult for doctors to diagnose the condition because of the many symptoms associated with fibromyalgia and because not all doctors are familiar with fibromyalgia.

The diagnosis for fibromyalgia is made based on the symptoms presented and the impact the symptoms are having on the life of the individual. Typically the doctor will first rule out other diseases or conditions by conducting tests such as urine and blood tests as well as x-rays. You may be referred to a rheumatologist for the diagnosis if your regular doctor does not feel comfortable making the diagnosis.

Treating fibromyalgia is a combination of medications, lifestyle changes emotional coping techniques, diet changes and participating in different therapies such as occupational or physical therapy, massage therapy or acupuncture in order to bring pain relief or to be able to relax and get better sleep.

The individual with fibromyalgia will benefit greatly from adequate support from family, friends and the community. Individuals have learned to cope by making lifestyle changes, by keeping a symptom journal so that they can share with the doctor treating them what symptoms they are having, the intensity and duration of the symptoms and how the symptoms impact their life.

This can help them to understand the condition better and what lifestyle changes may be able to bring some relief or at least reduce the symptoms. Triggers for fibromyalgia flare-ups are also important to recognize and a journal is sometimes used to identify these triggers. Sharing the journal with your doctor can help when planning the treatment for the condition.

Triggers that may affect your condition may include:

· Active infections in your body

· Physical trauma such as an injury or having some kind of surgery

· Stress that most people have on a daily basis, which can be physical, emotional or mental stress

· Changes in your diet, in your exercise routine, or in the medications that you are taking

· Not getting enough sleep

· Allergies

The condition, fibromyalgia becomes less confusing when you understand what symptoms of the condition that you are having, and when you know what triggers your symptoms. It can also become less confusing when you are able to take some measure of control over it by making lifestyle changes that reduce your symptoms.