Difficulty concentrating;
memory problems;
headaches and dizziness;
gastrointestinal issues (stomach aches, constipation, diarrhea);
breathing difficulties (shortness of breath, chest pain);
jaw pain;
frequent urination;
painful periods;
tingling in the extremities;
hypersensitivity to noise, light, and smells;
intolerance to hot and cold.
According to the website Vidal.fr, people with fibromyalgia are four times more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression than the general population. Feeling overwhelmed by their symptoms, they also tend to isolate themselves socially.
What causes fibromyalgia?
Most of the time, fibromyalgia develops gradually, without any apparent cause. Sometimes, “it appears following an illness, trauma, or a stressful or highly emotional experience,” explains the Arthritis Society of Canada. While the exact trigger for this condition remains unknown, “recent studies suggest that pain signals are not properly transmitted by nerve cells and that, instead of diminishing over time, they intensify.” As a result, the nervous system becomes overloaded, the brain struggles to decipher the messages it receives, and interprets pain sensations more intensely.
How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?
After ruling out other conditions (through negative laboratory results and/or X-rays, for example), the doctor suspects a diagnosis of fibromyalgia in people who have had widespread pain for at least three months, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms, and particularly fatigue.
Is it possible to cure fibromyalgia?
Once diagnosed, the patient can learn to manage their condition. However, there is currently no cure for fibromyalgia. Treatment primarily aims to reduce symptoms. It is based in particular on:
pain medication;
medication to improve sleep;
stress management techniques;
breathing and/or meditation exercises;
stretching;
gentle massage;
application of heat to sensitive areas;
progressively increasing physical exercise;
psychological support.
