Fibromyalgia, a disease of the central nervous system, manifests as chronic pain, which can significantly impact patients’ quality of life. Here’s a closer look at its main symptoms.
What is fibromyalgia? Definition.
Fibromyalgia is a condition that affects the central nervous system and the pain centers in the brain, resulting in heightened sensitivity to pain in those who suffer from it. In France, it affects 1.6% of the population. This condition is more common in women, with 80 to 90% of patients being female.
Due to a lack of knowledge about it, fibromyalgia was long perceived as an imaginary illness. It wasn’t until 1992 that it was recognized by the World Health Organization, but at that time it was classified as a rheumatic disease. However, we now know that it is not a joint, inflammatory, or degenerative condition. In January 2006, it was finally recognized as a distinct disease by the WHO.
What are the first signs of fibromyalgia? Pain.
The main symptom of fibromyalgia is chronic pain. “At the beginning, it may be localized, then it spreads throughout the body; those affected say they ‘ache all over,’” explains the French National Health Insurance website. Specifically, the pain is:
Diffuse and migratory: it can manifest in different areas for the same person;
persistent, but fluctuating in intensity over time;
variable depending on the moment: it can take the form of joint, muscle, tendon, or neurological pain.
Body parts close to the spine (neck, shoulders, shoulder blades, hips, lower back, rib cage, etc.) are particularly sensitive, as are the areas surrounding certain joints.
Pressure on soft tissues, such as muscles and tendons, can also be very painful. In fact, patients may find it difficult to tolerate even a simple friendly hug or the weight of a child on their knee. For some people, the pain is more intense upon waking and is accompanied by stiffness. It can also be aggravated by fatigue, stress, strenuous activity—particularly cold and damp conditions.
What are the other symptoms of fibromyalgia?
Besides chronic pain and muscle stiffness, fibromyalgia is often accompanied by other symptoms. Namely:
chronic fatigue;
sleep disorders;
irritability;
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.
