What is fibromyalgia pain compared to?

Fibromyalgia pain differs from general chronic widespread pain in many ways. Fibromyalgia pain is not only characterized by its widespread musculoskeletal pain, but the fatigue, cognitive difficulties and other symptoms it causes (i.e. headaches, depression, restless leg syndrome, etc.).

What pain level is fibromyalgia?

According to those criteria, you have fibromyalgia if you meet the following three conditions: You have a widespread pain index (WPI) score of seven or higher and a symptom severity scale (SS) score of five or higher. Or you have a WPI score of three to six and a SS score of nine or higher.

How would you describe fibromyalgia pain?

The main symptoms of fibromyalgia are: Chronic, widespread pain throughout the body or at multiple sites. Pain is often felt in the arms, legs, head, chest, abdomen, back, and buttocks. People often describe it as aching, burning, or throbbing.

What is similar to fibromyalgia?

Several rheumatic diseases can mimic fibromyalgia. These include sero-negative rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Lyme disease, polymyalgia rheumatica and lupus. They have symptoms of widespread pain along with joint involvement. Most rheumatic diseases are treated with medication and physical therapy.

Is fibromyalgia more painful than arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis causes visible damage to joints. Fibromyalgia does not. Rheumatoid arthritis also gets progressively worse, causing swelling and sometimes deformities. The pain from fibromyalgia is more widespread, while rheumatoid arthritis is concentrated initially to hands, wrists, knees and balls of the feet.

Real Pain and 'Explosive' Brains | Fibromyalgia

How serious is fibromyalgia pain?

Fibromyalgia can cause pain, disability, and a lower quality of life. US adults with fibromyalgia may have complications such as: More hospitalizations. If you have fibromyalgia you are twice as likely to be hospitalized as someone without fibromyalgia.

Why does fibromyalgia cause so much pain?

The central nervous system (brain, spinal cord and nerves) transmits information all over your body through a network of specialised cells. Changes in the way this system works may explain why fibromyalgia results in constant feelings of, and extreme sensitivity to, pain.

Is fibromyalgia a muscle or nerve?

Fibromyalgia is one of a group of chronic pain disorders that affect connective tissues, including the muscles, ligaments (the tough bands of tissue that bind together the ends of bones), and tendons (which attach muscles to bones).

Can fibromyalgia turn into MS?

While MS and fibro may have some symptoms in common, they are ultimately distinct conditions with very different causes and treatments. Fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis are both chronic diseases with no cure. Fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis can both cause some of the same symptoms.

Is fibromyalgia autoimmune or Neurological?

Fibromyalgia Might Be an Autoimmune Disorder, A New Study Says. Fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition commonly thought to originate in the brain, might actually be a disorder of the immune system, according to a new study.

Is fibromyalgia a muscle or bone pain?

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain in muscles and soft tissues all over the body. It is an ongoing (chronic) condition. It can affect your neck, shoulders, back, chest, hips, buttocks, arms, and legs. The pain may be worse in the morning and evening.

Will fibromyalgia pain ever go away?

There's no cure for fibromyalgia, but your healthcare provider will help you find a combination of treatments that relieve your symptoms. Even though experts don't know what causes fibromyalgia, it's real — and so are your symptoms. They might come and go or be hard to describe, but how you feel is valid and important.

How do I explain fibromyalgia to my boss?

First, openly discuss your fibromyalgia with your boss and coworkers. Talk about the symptoms of pain, fatigue, and stiffness. Explain how you may have good days and bad days. Explaining fibromyalgia will give people at work a better idea of what you are feeling each day.

Is fibromyalgia a physical or mental illness?

Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by widespread pain and other somatic or physical symptoms like headaches, tender point pain, irritable bowel syndrome, fatigue etc. There are psychological features like depression, sleep disturbances and mood changes as well that arise with fibromyalgia syndrome.

What are the four stages of fibromyalgia?

Results: There were four parent stages of FM identified and labeled: 1) regional FM with classic symptoms; 2) generalized FM with increasing widespread pain and some additional symptoms; 3) FM with advanced and associated conditions, increasing widespread pain, increased sleep disturbances, and chemical sensitivity; ...

Can MRI detect fibromyalgia?

It means that an MRI may help both with diagnosing fibromyalgia, as well as the identification of the individual patient's unique subtype of the syndrome. This level of detail will potentially help doctors create more customized treatment plans for their fibromyalgia patients.

Should I see a neurologist for fibromyalgia?

The pain from fibromyalgia is what typically prompts people to visit a neurologist, and this specialist may prescribe medications to control your pain. Pain Management doctors treats all forms of pain, including that caused by fibromyalgia.

Does fibromyalgia affect the brain or nerves?

Overview. Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain and spinal cord process painful and nonpainful signals.

How I cured my fibromyalgia?

What part of the body does fibromyalgia affect the most?

If you have fibromyalgia, one of the main symptoms is likely to be widespread pain. This may be felt throughout your body, but could be worse in particular areas, such as your back or neck. The pain is likely to be continuous, although it may be better or more severe at different times.

What is the best exercise for fibromyalgia?

Experts typically recommend any low-impact aerobic activity, such as walking, swimming, or cycling. Your doctor may advise you to work with a physical therapist on exercises specifically aimed at reducing pain and stiffness and improving function.

Does fibromyalgia damage your body?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease that is often a lifelong condition. But fibromyalgia is not a progressive disease, meaning it will not get worse over time. It also does not cause damage to your joints, muscles, or organs. Taking steps to treat fibromyalgia can help relieve your symptoms.

Can you recover from fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a complicated condition. It has no specific causes and no known cure. Yet for those who have it -- as many as one in 50 Americans -- the chronic pain, fatigue, and psychological strain of fibromyalgia are all too clear. Fibromyalgia symptoms are treatable, however.

How long does fibromyalgia usually last?

Knowing what this pain feels like can help you determine whether it's time to see a doctor for treatment. The most common symptom of fibromyalgia is pain all over the body. The pain typically lasts for at least three months.

Why is it so hard to work with fibromyalgia?

Having fibromyalgia can make it difficult to carry out daily activities, including working at many types of jobs. Symptoms of fatigue, brain fog, and widespread pain may make it difficult to get through the day due to lack of concentration, preoccupation with pain, and other challenges associated with assigned duties.