Fibromyalgia is not known to cause other medical conditions. However, people who have fibromyalgia seem to be at high risk for developing other painful conditions, including osteoarthritis (the common type of arthritis caused by wear and tear on the joints) as well as other related conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and ankylosing spondylitis. Also, people with fibromyalgia are frequently diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, and certain other conditions.
Fibromyalgia Complications
People who have fibromyalgia frequently complain of a variety of symptoms that affect other parts of the body. Many people complain of gastrointestinal issues and restless legs syndrome (RLS). Additionally, the chronic pain and discomfort of fibromyalgia may lead to depression.
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Johns Hopkins Medicine answeredFibromyalgia is a disorder that causes chronic muscle and soft tissue pain, widespread tenderness, general fatigue, and non-restful sleep. Fibromyalgia often strikes people with lupus. In fact, fibromyalgia causes most of the pain a person experiences if they have lupus. A variety of lifestyle changes can ease and manage the pain and symptoms that fibromyalgia causes.
Here are some tips to help keep the fibromyalgia symptoms under control:
•Stay active - You may believe that limiting your daily activities helps to reduce pain and fatigue, but actually the opposite is true. You can schedule short daily rest times to help you keep up with your day, but spending too many hours resting may make your symptoms worse.
•Manage your stress - Stress can trigger your physical symptoms such as headache, increased pain, and muscle tension, so try to keep your stress under control. Of course, there are some stressors that you can control, and some are simply out of your hands. Focus on what you can control, and direct your energy toward future growth.
•Exercise - Research has shown that light stretching activities such as Tai Chi and yoga can help relax muscles and improve some of the pain associated with fibromyalgia. Moderate or intense exercise for about 30 minutes helps your brain release endorphins-substances that make you feel good and experience a "natural high."
•Socialize and eat a healthy diet - A supportive social network and a healthy diet can also help to ease feelings of emotional and physical discomfort and promote an overall sense of well-being.
If you feel you need more help in managing your fibromyalgia, your doctor can assist you in devising coping strategies. -
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Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) answeredSee All 2 AnswersFibromyalgia can affect many parts of the body. The primary physical symptom of fibromyalgia is pain, which is typically felt in many areas of the body. When diagnosing fibromyalgia, doctors ask about pain in different areas, including the neck, shoulders, chest, waist, hips, elbows, and knees.
People who have fibromyalgia frequently complain of a variety of symptoms that affect other parts of the body. For instance, headaches are a common problem. Some people with fibromyalgia develop gastrointestinal problems in the form of irritable bowel syndrome. Others say they have numb or tingling extremities. Still others find that their eyes and ears become sensitive to bright lights and loud noises. Fibromyalgia seems to affect the whole body, from head to toe. -
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Natural Medicines answeredSee All 2 AnswersGeneral: Fibromyalgia is not a progressive disease and generally does not lead to other conditions or diseases. It may, however, lead to pain and lack of sleep. These problems may disrupt family or work relationships and performance, leading to frustration and depression. Other conditions that may occur in fibromyalgia patients include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, recurrent migraine or tension-type headaches, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Depression: Many fibromyalgia patients suffer from depression when the condition interferes significantly with the patients' lifestyles, including causing pain. Individuals and members of their family should consult their healthcare providers if they experience feelings of sadness, low self-esteem, loss of pleasure, apathy, and difficulty functioning for two weeks or longer with no known underlying cause. These may be signs of depression.
Fatigue and sleep disturbances: Fibromyalgia patients often do not feel rested, even after getting sufficient sleep. It is possible that these patients are unable to reach the deep restorative stage of sleep known as rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Sleep and fatigue disorders associated with fibromyalgia include: restless legs syndrome, sleep apnea, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Other: Other complications of fibromyalgia may include: premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and painful periods, chest pain, morning stiffness, cognitive or memory impairment, numbness and tingling sensations, muscle twitching, difficulty with swallowing, bowel and bladder abnormalities, swollen hands and feet, skin sensitivities, dry eyes and mouth, palpitations, dizziness, reduced exercise tolerance, and impaired coordination. Fibromyalgia patients are often sensitive to odors, loud noises, bright lights, and sometimes even the medications they are prescribed.
You should read product labels, and discuss all therapies with a qualified healthcare provider. Natural Standard information does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) answeredThe long-term health effects of fibromyalgia vary from person to person. In many cases, fibromyalgia never goes away. Yet there is some good news about long-term health effects associated with fibromyalgia. Unlike other painful conditions such as osteoarthritis -- the most common cause of joint pain -- fibromyalgia is not a progressive disease. It doesn't cause tissues in the body to wear away. For this reason, the symptoms of fibromyalgia may not worsen over time. In fact, some people with fibromyalgia notice that their symptoms actually improve. Working closely with your doctor can help you to manage fibromyalgia over your lifetime.