Fibromyalgia is a condition that still puzzles those in the medical field, as well as the millions of individuals that are affected. It is a condition that has no cure, and doctors are still unsure of what actually causes it.
Some doctors believe that certain circumstances cause the condition. Characterized by severe pain in areas throughout the body, Fibromyalgia is a condition that can cause a great deal of pain, both physically and emotionally, to those that are suffering. Fibromyalgia has no cure, and more than six million people currently have a fibromyalgia diagnosis. More women than men have the condition, however, it is not obsolete for men.
Signs of Fibromyalgia
If you think that you have fibromyalgia the first thing that you should do is evaluate the signs and symptoms that come along with it. Remember that these signs must be present for a period of six months or longer to be considered fibromyalgia. There are a number of signs that indicate fibromyalgia is present in the body. Some of those signs include:
- Joint stiffness
- Pain on both sides of the body
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Unexplained pains in various areas of the body
- Changes in lifestyle/habits and activities that were once enjoyed
- Anxiety and panic disorders
- Depression
These are just some of the signs that might indicate that you have fibromyalgia. The doctor will first need to rule out other health problems before determining if fibromyalgia is, in fact, the condition that is affecting you. Many people with fibromyalgia have other problems, such as allergies, itching through the body.
Not all people will have the same symptoms, nor will they affect all people in the same way. Some days are certainly better than others for a fibromyalgia patient. To be considered fibromyalgia, an individual must have the pain for a period of six months of longer. The doctor may wish to perform a series of exams and tests as well.
What to do if you Have Fibromyalgia
If you suspect that you have fibromyalgia, a visit to the doctor is the first step in getting the right diagnosis as well as the right treatment. The doctor will first perform a number of different exams and procedures to ensure that you are affected by fibromyalgia. The treatment that the doctor will recommend will be variable and based upon the type of symptoms that you are experiencing.
Finding a good support group is also a good idea. There are support groups that can be found locally, online, and of course having a family member of friend there to support you is an option. Support groups can help you in a number of ways. The simple fact of knowing that you are not alone can make a world of difference in your treatment, and along the way you might just learn a few tips and tricks that will make your life a little bit easier.
Many times the doctor will prescribe pain medications to treat the condition, and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and other symptoms that come along with it. These medications will be given based upon the amount of pain that you have. Again, the doctor will need to evaluate your condition on a case by case condition to ensure that you are getting the right treatment.
In addition to prescription medications, the doctor will also likely recommend that many lifestyle changes are made. Exercise is something that should be added to your daily lifestyle, if it is not already. While fibromyalgia might make things a little more difficult for you to deal with when it comes to physical activity, without it there will be far more unbearable and painful consequences that you will experience.
There are a number of different exercises that can be performed when you have fibromyalgia. You can talk to the doctor and he can recommend the exercises that are most suitable for your disease. Take his advice and be sure that you are physically active so that fibromyalgia does not win the battle that you have going on.
Other lifestyle changes should include rest. Although there may be a lot of things that you like to do, with this condition cutting back on some of the activities might be just what the doctor ordered. Take things on a day by day basis, and listen to what your body is telling you. It will not lie. On the days that you feel bad, do not try to push the limits, but make sure that you do participate and engage in physical activity otherwise.
Your Diet & Fibromyalgia
One of the things that your doctor might recommend to help ease the pain of fibromyalgia is a change in your diet. If you are not eating the right foods, your body is depleted of the necessary nutrients and vitamins needed to stay healthy. If you’re diet isn’t filled with fresh fruits and vegetables and lean meats, it is time to make adjustments to include these items.
There are plenty of delicious foods that you can prepare for a fibro-approved diet, and having those on the menu is a must. You can cook meals that will be beneficial to you and enjoyable by the whole family.
The bottom Line
Despite the fact that there is no cure for fibromyalgia, there are many treatments that can ease the pain that comes with it. The first step in finding relief for fibromyalgia is to actually make the right diagnosis and to talk to your doctor as soon as possible. If you are one of those people that is affected by the condition, use this information to help ease your pain and resume a normal life once again. Fibromyalgia is a fairly new condition to these in the medical field, but it is not one that is stumping the medical field. You can live with fibromyalgia if you visit the doctor and get the help that you need quickly. Do not allow fibromyalgia to take over your life when there is help and hope out there.
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