What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a long term, chronic pain condition that causes wide spread pain throughout the body, but it doesn’t stop there; most cases of people that suffer with Fibromyalgia also report other conditions too.

These are just some of the most common troubles linked to fibro, as stated on the NHS website (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/fibromyalgia/) -

• Increased sensitivity to pain.
• Fatigue (extreme tiredness).
• Muscle stiffness.
• Difficulty sleeping.
• Problems with mental processes (known as "fibro-fog") – such as problems with memory and concentration.
• Headaches.
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – a digestive condition that causes stomach pain and bloating.

Remember, if you are ever unsure about whether or not you have Fibromyalgia or you have more than one of the above symptoms, then don’t hesitate to speak to your GP.

How Fibromyalgia is treated?

Currently there is no known cure for Fibromyalgia though there are many studies and speculations out there which help us to deal, live and come to terms with this condition.

A standard treatment plan for sufferers is usually in 3 steps:

1. Medication
2. Therapies
3. Positive Lifestyle Changes

Having a treatment plan in place really helps you to fight this chronic condition. Your GP will be able to put you on different medication combinations to help you deal with the pain and fatigue it causes.

Popular medicines prescribed are often anti-depressants and Opioid pain killers (Such as Co-Codamol). It is important that you tailor your medication and other treatment to what works best for you, though tedious it may take some time for you to find the perfect medication that can help you and have a positive effect on your life.

Therapies are also a great way to overcome this condition and come out on top with things like Cognitive Behavioral Therapies, Counselling and Alternative Therapies such as Reflexology.

Positive lifestyle changes like exercise programs and relaxation techniques are yet another way to prevent Fibromyalgia from taking over your life and these are often things you can do yourself too.

It is important to remain hopeful, no cure does not mean that Fibromyalgia is a lost cause! In fact, there is plenty of ways to alleviate and relieve most of the pain but one of the best-known ways to help yourself is to stay positive and keep your mind healthy.