Fibromyalgia is a disease that causes widespread pain and tenderness of muscles. The patient feels pain, stiffness and fatigue, accompanied by muscle weakness. The underlying cause of fibromyalgia is not known, and there are no abnormalities in the muscle tissue. It can begin when a person is in stressful condition, or after surgery or trauma.
Women show higher incidence of fibromyalgia than men.
Causes
The cause is not known. From experience, the following causes can be pointed:
- physical or emotional trauma
- genetics
- some medical conditions that can worsen fibromyalgia symptoms
Symptoms
The symptoms of fibromyalgia develop slowly, in weeks. The symptoms may show on various muscles in the body, which can be recognized by its pattern of occurring. The symptoms are:
- Pain in the muscles of the upper back, thighs and stomach, as well as the head and hips
- Tender muscles at the base of the skull, and the upper back
- Fatigue
Fibromyalgia is often accompanied by headaches, anxiety, depression and insomnia. In rare cases, the rhythm of intestine excretion is disturbed. Stress can worsen the symptoms.
Risk factors
The risk factors include:
- Sex – women are more prone to fibromyalgia than men
- Family history
- Rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
Complications
The complications arise from the disturbed normal daily functioning considering the symptoms of insomnia, muscle pain, or fatigue. Very often, fibromyalgia can be misunderstood for depression, for which the treatment differs.
