What is fibromyalgia?

You used to wake up every morning feeling refreshed and ready for the day, but lately, it feels like a second job just getting out of bed!

Every muscle aches, your joints feel stiff and the simplest task like walking upstairs leaves you feeling drained. What’s going on?

It might be fibromyalgia.

What is fibromyalgia?

This is a chronic condition that triggers pain and fatigue in the body. People with fibromyalgia usually struggle with sleep, remembering things and balancing their mood. It’s a challenging condition as the pain people feel isn't from an injury or inflammation. It stems from how their brain and nervous system understand and process pain signals. This makes it tricky to diagnose as tests often come back normal.

Common symptoms include widespread pain. This pain can feel like a deep ache or burning sensation in the muscles, joints and ligaments. The pain also tends to fluctuate from day to day. Constant tiredness is another big factor of the condition.

No matter how much sleep you get, people with fibromyalgia often wake up feeling exhausted and find it hard to concentrate (this is sometimes called "fibro fog"). Then there are headaches, digestive issues and even sensitivity to temperature changes and bright lights.

How does fibromyalgia start?

Frustratingly, there’s no definitive answer as to what causes the disease. Medical experts suggest that genetics may play a big role, so if someone in your family has fibromyalgia, you could have it too. Certain infections and illnesses also contribute to the disease, as well as physical trauma or emotional stress. The condition is more common in women and often starts in middle age, though men and younger people can develop it too.

Lifestyle helpers

While there's no cure for fibromyalgia, you can do your best to manage the symptoms:

• Many people with fibromyalgia find that a diet with lots of fruits, vegetables and wholegrains can help to minimise the pain. Foods like berries, leafy greens and turmeric could lower inflammation and help the body heal.
• Magnesium helps with muscle function and can relieve pain. Good sources include spinach, nuts and bananas. You could also ask your doctor or pharmacist about magnesium supplements.
• It’s important to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water boosts your energy levels and helps with muscle cramps.
• With the constant tiredness, it’s tempting to turn to snacks for a quick energy boost, but this is misguided. Do your best to stay away from processed foods, sugary snacks and fried foods which can increase fatigue and worsen pain. Focus on natural wholesome ingredients, like lean proteins, healthy fats and fibre to give you more energy for the whole day.
• The last thing you may feel like doing is exercising, but it’s a great way to ease the pain. Try gentle exercises like swimming, yoga or walking.

When to get help

Don’t ignore the pain indefinitely. If it’s been ongoing for more than three months, it’s time for medical assistance. This condition can be confusing as its symptoms may overlap with other conditions, so it's important to rule out other causes with a doctor. Keep track of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life – this will help your doctor make a diagnosis.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, or using any medication.