Fibromyalgiais a chronic condition that causes pain in the muscles, skin, and joints.
The researchers reported that the tissues surrounding the muscles in women with fibromyalgia overreacted to the lightest touch.
Muscle activity was the same in all three groups.
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Widespread Muscle Pain
Widespread muscle pain is a hallmark of fibromyalgia.
It can make you feel like you have the flu or “hurt all over.”
In addition to medication, physical therapy and massage may help to help ease the pain.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Exercises like yoga, walking, or swimming help loosen your muscles and joints and maintain your flexibility.
you’re able to buy “boil and bite” ones in pharmacies and sporting goods stores.
Dentists can make custom-fit ones, but they cost more.
For TMJ pain, try taking anti-inflammatory drugs such as Aleve (naproxen) or Advil (ibuprofen).
If your pain persists, ask about a muscle relaxant or an FDA-approved FMS pain drug.
Allodynia
Allodyniais a kind of skin pain where even the lightest touch can hurt.
Mild clothing pressure from a waistband or bra strap can feel painful.Researchers believecentral sensitizationcauses allodynia.
This means the brain, nerves, and spinal cord overreact to sensations.
Specialized nerves callednociceptorssense information through the skin about things like temperature.
They cause you to react immediately.
That’s why you jerk your hand away when you touch something hot.
The prescription drug Lyrica (pregabalin) can help treat allodynia.
Still, patients have typical reflexes and strength.
This is a painkiller made from peppers.
Skin rubs with lidocaine, like Ben Gay, can also be helpful.
Dosages also varied widely in the studies.
While uncomfortable and nagging, they are not disabling.
Migraines are more painful.
They often occur on one side of the head and may be associated with light and sound sensitivity.
IBS can be difficult totreat, but lifestyle strategies and an array of medications are often effective.
Acid refluxis another digestive disorder common among people with fibromyalgia.
This triggers when stomach acid flows back up the tube connecting your stomach and mouth.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Living with the pain involved in fibromyalgia can be stressful.
FMS patients are often exhausted and may have emotional and mental health issues.
FMS is also associated with an increased risk of suicide.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call911.
Researchers believe that the nervous systems of people with fibromyalgia are overly sensitive to pain.
The FDA has approved three medications to treat fibromyalgia pain.
Exercise helps patients loosen their muscles and joints and maintain flexibility.
Other lifestyle choices such as reducing stress and getting enough sleep can also help FMS patients manage pain.
It can be hard to live with fibromyalgia, especially since painful attacks can be unpredictable.
Finding the right treatments may take time and experimentation.
With dedication, many people with FMS do find relief.
Sluka KA, Clauw DJ.Neurobiology of fibromyalgia and chronic widespread painNeuroscience.
2016;338:114-129. doi:10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.06.006
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Fibromyalgia.
Kodner C.Common questions about the diagnosis and management of fibromyalgia.Am Fam Physician.
2015;91(7):472-478.
