Fibromyalgia Symptoms, Your Doctor Will, Ask You
You may be wondering what symptoms of Fibromyalgia your doctor will ask you. This article discusses pain, sleep disturbances, and fatigue. Your doctor may also ask about any current medications you are taking or are considering. If you haven't been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, you should consult a medical professional before starting any new medications. To ensure that your treatment is appropriate, your doctor may ask you to take a questionnaire that will provide detailed information about your condition.
Pain
While men and women are equally likely to develop Fibromyalgia, women often suffer from the symptoms. Aside from a dull ache in muscles, people with Fibromyalgia may have trouble concentrating, remembering things, or speaking clearly. The fogginess associated with the disease has been called "fibro fog."
Fatigue
In a recent study, researchers identified nine fatigue characteristics in patients with Fibromyalgia. While fatigue is not a typical symptom, it is important to recognize it as a common disease feature. People with fibromyalgia experience excessive fatigue that does not correlate with the effort expended. Those who suffer from chronic fatigue, in particular, often experience cognitive difficulties and a lack of social interaction.
Sleep disturbances
Sleep disturbances are common in FM patients. Sleep laboratory investigations can identify the primary cause of sleep problems in patients with FM. Pharmacologic medications should be used only after adequate pain control and improvement in sleep habits. Simple interventions such as acupuncture can improve sleep and reduce symptoms. However, pharmacological agents should not be used in patients with FM unless they are indicated by other symptoms. This article reviews the literature and discusses common approaches to treating insomnia in FM patients.
Anxiety
Although both conditions can be debilitating, you can find relief by adopting a healthier lifestyle. For mild to moderate symptoms, you can try natural remedies such as vitamin D. Avoiding drug therapy can help you cope better with symptoms. Anxiety and Fibromyalgia can be a vicious cycle. To avoid it, you should learn relaxation techniques and start eating healthier.
Depression
Treatment for depression and Fibromyalgia is not uncommon, and it's possible to get the two conditions together. In fact, treating depression may even help the fibromyalgia sufferer's pain. Antidepressants can help with depression and Fibromyalgia, and several types of antidepressants are available. Among these medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and combined serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Other treatments for depression include cognitive-behavioral therapy and counseling.
Stress
The first step in finding out if stress is a cause of your Fibromyalgia is to understand what causes insomnia and other sleep problems. To prevent these from occurring, practice good sleep hygiene. Try to limit your exposure to light and noise while sleeping. A comfy bed is also essential. Also, pay attention to your behavior, which can aggravate sleep problems. If you can change these behaviors, the better.
