Fibromyalgia: Common signs you shouldn’t ignore

If you experience severe pain along with mental fog, it might be a sign of fibromyalgia, a chronic condition that causes musculoskeletal pain, which leads to cognitive problems, and disrupts daily life. This means noticing its early signs is crucial for timely intervention to prevent its symptoms from getting worse over time. Learn what causes fibromyalgia and the early signs of fibromyalgia in this article. Visit the best Pain Management Clinic in Brooklyn at Doral Health & Wellness or log on to www.doralhw.org.

Causes and risk factors

While the exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, in most cases it is believed that fibromyalgia is caused by excessive levels of pain stimulators or amplifiers in the central nervous system, triggering muscles that cause pain. Research found that people with fibromyalgia have subtle chemical changes called neurotransmitters, which are found in the brain and nervous system. These chemicals are responsible for sending messages between nerves and brain cells. It also involves a higher amount of protein called substance P, which works as a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator (modifies signals of the brain). This substance P can affect how pain messages are transmitted and may increase your pain signals.   This means the central nervous system of fibromyalgia patients releases pain signals that normally indicate injury, but in the absence of injury. This increased level of pain-producing neurotransmitters is called central sensitization. While these triggers are not popular, treating the muscles won’t improve this type of pain. Treating the nerve signals helps to manage this type of pain. In many cases, it gets triggered by emotional and physical stress.

Certain factors can increase your risk of developing fibromyalgia, such as:

• Your age: People who are older than 40 are more likely to experience fibromyalgia. However, anyone can develop this condition, including children.
• Your sex: Women are more at risk of developing fibromyalgia.
• Chronic illnesses: People with any chronic condition like osteoarthritis, depression, anxiety disorders, chronic back pain, and irritable bowel syndrome, are more likely to develop fibromyalgia.
• Infections: Some people may develop fibromyalgia after an infection, particularly when they experience severe symptoms.
• Stress: The extent and amount of stress you experience in life will impact your health and increase your risk.
• Traumas: People with physical or emotional trauma or who have suffered a severe injury may develop fibromyalgia.

Common signs of fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia symptoms can vary from person to person; however, pain is the most common symptom every patient experiences. Your symptoms may get better or worse, depending on your triggers, like stress level, weather, or how active you are. Here are the most common signs of fibromyalgia you might experience:

1. Pain: Pain is one of the most common signs of fibromyalgia, which may affect your whole body over time. It can be deep, sharp, dull, throbbing, or aching. This can start in certain parts like the neck or back and then become more painful than other areas; however, it is not applicable to everyone. For some, pain comes and goes but may get worse in some periods.
2. Stiffness: You may develop stiffness all over the body if you have fibromyalgia. It may start from one position and then extend to other parts over time (like when you get up in the morning, it might feel worse). However, some people may experience stiffness all the time.
3. Fatigue: Fibromyalgia may constantly make you feel fatigued and drained, even when you are well-rested at night. It may feel like the flu. Excessive fatigue can occur without a warning, which makes you feel too exhausted to do anything at all.
4. Sensitivity: Your body may feel highly sensitive to pain and discomfort from a tiny bit of contraction. Some patients with fibromyalgia may develop Allodynia, a condition where pain occurs from something that doesn’t hurt, like a gentle touch. This extreme sensitivity might exacerbate other fibromyalgia symptoms.
5. Poor sleep: Trouble sleeping is very common in people with fibromyalgia. They feel exhausted when they wake up and are not able to get enough sleep. Their sleep is very light and easily gets disturbed, which leads to exhaustion and other health issues because they are unable to get the rest they need. Experts found that people with fibromyalgia have constant interruptions/bursts in their brain activity during sleep, which keeps them awake. These interruptions affect their deep sleep, where the body restores itself, which keeps them feeling tired during the day.
6. Cognitive problems: Cognitive problems are very common with fibromyalgia; hence the name ‘fibro-fog’ is given to the issue. While it is not completely understood, it is believed that treating the mental issues of fibromyalgia along with other symptoms will improve your condition. Fibro-fog may cause these symptoms:
7. Forgetfulness
8. Difficulty remembering new information
9. Slowed thinking, especially when distracted
10. Attention loss
11. Lack of alertness
12. Difficulty concentrating
13. Problems having conversations
14. Difficulty remembering names or words
15. Problems with planning, making decisions, and thinking abstractly
16. Headaches: Some people with fibromyalgia experience migraine or tension headaches regularly, which leaves them with neck and upper back pain. It often causes tight neck muscles. These headaches can range in severity from minor to severe, which sometimes also makes you feel nauseous.
17. Irritable bowel syndrome: Some people with fibromyalgia experience irritable bowel syndrome symptoms like belly pain, gas, bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.

When to see a pain management specialist

You should see a pain management specialist for fibromyalgia if you experience unexplained pain, brain fog, or depression, and some other symptoms that impact your everyday life.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes musculoskeletal pain, which leads to cognitive problems that impact your daily life activities and relationships. That’s why noticing the early signs of fibromyalgia is crucial to take timely treatment to manage these symptoms and prevent severe complications.

Need help with fibromyalgia? Visit our pain management clinic in Brooklyn to get professional medical help. If you’re ready to take the next step in managing your pain, we recommend consulting with our Pain Management experts to explore the right treatments or therapies for you. Always listen to your body and adjust your daily routine to prioritize your well-being. Visit Doral Health & Wellness Pain Relief Department in Brooklyn, to get professional help and guidance on how to manage your problem. Call us on + 1-718-367-2555 to get a consultation. If you need help learning coping methods, register your information and make direct contact with our doctors at https://yuz88hfiyh7.typeform.com/Doralintake. Log on to www.doralhw.org. Or visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212.