How did I get fibromyalgia?

The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but it's thought to be related to abnormal levels of certain chemicals in the brain and changes in the way the central nervous system (the brain, spinal cord and nerves) processes pain messages carried around the body.

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What are the main causes of fibromyalgia?

Stressful or traumatic events, such as car accidents, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Repetitive injuries. Injury from repetitive stress on a joint, such as frequent knee bending. Illness (such as viral infections)

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Can you suddenly develop fibromyalgia?

Symptoms of fibromyalgia may appear suddenly after an illness, physical trauma, or significant psychological stress. In some people, however, fibromyalgia symptoms appear gradually, and a specific event is not believed to trigger pain and fatigue.

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Who typically gets fibromyalgia?

Anyone can get fibromyalgia, but more women get it than men. It can affect people of any age, even children, but it usually starts in middle age, and the chance of having it increases as you get older. It occurs in people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds.

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Can fibromyalgia go away?

There's no cure for fibromyalgia, but your healthcare provider will help you find a combination of treatments that relieve your symptoms. Even though experts don't know what causes fibromyalgia, it's real — and so are your symptoms. They might come and go or be hard to describe, but how you feel is valid and important.

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What is Fibromyalgia and what causes it?

17 related questions found

What are the four stages of fibromyalgia?

Results: There were four parent stages of FM identified and labeled: 1) regional FM with classic symptoms; 2) generalized FM with increasing widespread pain and some additional symptoms; 3) FM with advanced and associated conditions, increasing widespread pain, increased sleep disturbances, and chemical sensitivity; ...

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How common is fibromyalgia in Australia?

Fibromyalgia (FMS) is a complex condition defined by ongoing widespread body pain that affects various systems of the body. Estimates are that as many as 1 million Australians experience this chronic pain condition.

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How do you confirm fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is diagnosed based primarily on having pain all over the body, along with other symptoms. Currently, there are no specific laboratory or imaging tests for fibromyalgia.

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What does the start of fibromyalgia feel like?

The main symptoms of fibromyalgia are: pain – you may feel as though you've got pain that spreads throughout your entire body, with certain parts – such as your neck and back – feeling particularly painful. tiredness, fatigue and generally feeling like you have no energy. sleeping badly – waking up feeling unrested.

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What are usually the first signs of fibromyalgia?

The main symptom of fibromyalgia is pain and tenderness in muscles and joints throughout your body. Fibromyalgia also causes several other symptoms, such as: fatigue. trouble sleeping.

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What age does fibromyalgia usually start?

Who's affected. Anyone can develop fibromyalgia, but it's more common in women than men. The condition typically develops between the ages of 25 and 55, but people of any age can get it, including children and older people.

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Is fibromyalgia a nerve or muscle pain?

Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain and spinal cord process painful and nonpainful signals.

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Is fibromyalgia autoimmune or Neurological?

Fibromyalgia Might Be an Autoimmune Disorder, A New Study Says. Fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition commonly thought to originate in the brain, might actually be a disorder of the immune system, according to a new study.

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Is fibromyalgia a physical or mental illness?

Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by widespread pain and other somatic or physical symptoms like headaches, tender point pain, irritable bowel syndrome, fatigue etc. There are psychological features like depression, sleep disturbances and mood changes as well that arise with fibromyalgia syndrome.

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Does fibro run in families?

Yes. Fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition that affects some six million or more Americans, can run in families. In fact, one of the most important risk factors for fibromyalgia is a family history of the disorder. Fibromyalgia is sometimes known to affect multiple members of the same family.

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What part of the body does fibromyalgia affect the most?

Fibromyalgia was formerly classified as an inflammatory musculoskeletal disease but is now considered to be an illness that primarily affects the central nervous system.

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How long does fibromyalgia usually last?

Knowing what this pain feels like can help you determine whether it's time to see a doctor for treatment. The most common symptom of fibromyalgia is pain all over the body. The pain typically lasts for at least three months.

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Do you feel fibromyalgia all the time?

If you have fibromyalgia, one of the main symptoms is likely to be widespread pain. This may be felt throughout your body, but could be worse in particular areas, such as your back or neck. The pain is likely to be continuous, although it may be better or more severe at different times.

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What does fibromyalgia feel like in legs?

What does fibromyalgia leg pain feel like? If you're suffering from fibromyalgia leg pain, you may experience throbbing, shooting, achy, or burning sensations in your legs. Often, you'll feel the pain at your fibro tender points, particularly inside of each knee and on the hip just behind your hipbone.

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How I cured my fibromyalgia?

There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but medication, some lifestyle changes, and natural remedies can help people manage the symptoms.
...
In this article, we discuss natural remedies that may relieve the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
  1. Sleep. ...
  2. Exercise. ...
  3. Rest. ...
  4. Diet and supplements. ...
  5. Reducing stress. ...
  6. Acupuncture. ...
  7. Massage. ...
  8. Yoga and tai chi.

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Does fibromyalgia show up in blood work?

There are no lab tests that can diagnose fibromyalgia. However, because many other conditions have symptoms similar to those or fibromyalgia, your doctor may order tests to rule out other causes of your symptoms.

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What is the drug of choice for fibromyalgia?

Gabapentin (Neurontin) is sometimes helpful in reducing fibromyalgia symptoms, while pregabalin (Lyrica) was the first drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat fibromyalgia.

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Is fibromyalgia classed as a disability in Australia?

Fibromyalgia on its own does not make you eligible for the NDIS. To qualify for NDIS support and funding you must be living with a permanent and significant disability which has been diagnosed by a medical expert.

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Can a GP diagnose fibromyalgia?

Diagnosing fibromyalgia

If you think you have fibromyalgia, visit your GP. Diagnosing fibromyalgia can be difficult, as there's no specific test to diagnose the condition. The symptoms of fibromyalgia can vary and are similar to those of several other conditions.

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How hard is it to get diagnosed with fibromyalgia?

Its main symptoms -- widespread pain and fatigue -- are a lot like those of other health problems. And there's no test or scan that can diagnose fibromyalgia, so it can be hard for your doctor to nail down what's causing your aches and pains.

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