About Fibro
What is Fibro
Fibromyalgia, sometimes known just as Fibro or FMS. Is a long-term, chronic condition that impacts the central nervous system. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain and spinal cord process painful and nonpainful signals.
As an invisible illness, many with this condition can appear totally fine and it affects approximately three million people across the UK. Fibro is an incredibly debilitating and life-altering condition. But with the right support people can sometimes lead a relatively normal life with long periods of remission.
Fibro is a common condition and is, in fact, more common than rheumatoid arthritis and unfortunately even more painful. The name is made up from ‘fibro’ for fibrous tissues such as tendons and ligaments, ‘my’ indicating muscles, and ‘algia’ meaning pain.
Causes
The actual cause of fibro has not yet been found and is still being studied, 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. What has been discovered is that people with the disorder have an increased sensitivity to pain, so they feel pain when others do not.
Genetics. Fibro tends to run in families but little is known for sure about the specific genes involved.
Infections. Some illnesses appear to trigger or aggravate fibromyalgia.
Trauma. This can act as a trigger, a car accident, childbirth, an operation or emotional event.
Diagnosis
Fibro is a difficult condition to diagnose due to there being no specific test for the condition. Usually your GP rules out other conditions that could be causing the symptoms first. This can be time consuming.
A doctor will likely take down your medical history, asking about the location, severity and duration of your pain plus any other symptoms you have experienced. They may also ask about other conditions as it can be common for people to have others with fibromyalgia.
A physical exam will also be done to examine your joints. Tests that could be done include urine and blood tests. You may also have X-rays and other scans. If you are found to have another condition this does not rule out fibro as you could still have this as well.
Symptoms
Fibromyalgia has many different symptoms that can vary from person to person. During your time with this condition your symptoms could improve or get worse depending on factors such as your stress levels, changes in weather and how physically active you are. The pain symptoms are that of pain, fatigue, sleep and cognitive problems.
Widespread Pain – This may be felt throughout your body but could be worse in particular areas. It is likely to be continuous, improving or getting more severe at different times. The pain could feel like a burning sensation, an ache, a sharp, stabbing pain or even a mixture of these.
Fatigue – You might find yourself often waking up tired even though you have slept for long periods. The fatigue can range from feeling it mildly to a deep exhaustion often felt during a flu-like illness.
Sleep Problems – Your night’s sleep can often be disrupted by pain and many people with the condition also have other sleep disorders.
Cognitive Problems – These are issues related to mental processes such as thinking. You may have trouble with your memory, learning new things, paying attention and concentrating. Have brain fog (or fibro-fog) making you confused or different to speak.
Other Symptoms – sensitivity, stiffness, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome (ISB), dizziness, abnormal temperature sensations, anxiety, numbness, digestive issues and more.
Treatment
There is no cure for this condition but there are treatments which aims to ease your symptoms, making it easier to live with and improve your quality of life. The main three treatments recommended for fibro are, exercise, talking therapies and medicines.
Traditional treatments like pain medication aren’t always helpful. A doctor can help you explore your options and help you decide the best treatment for you. Depending on what you prefer and what is available in your area.
Due to this condition affecting people different, remember that something that works for one person may not work for you.
Exercise, movement and activity – It is important to be physically active with fibro, it can be difficult if you’re in pain but it can be a useful way to manage and reduce pain. Try to find something you enjoy and can continue doing long-term. Also keep in mind your lifestyle, health needs and physical ability when choosing.
Talking Therapies – There are two talking therapies that could help reduce pain cause by fibro. One, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Where you learn to accept what is out of your control and commit to making changes that will improve your life. Two, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). A talking therapy that can help you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave.
ACT has been shown to improve sleep, reduce pain and help deal with negative thoughts and feelings. Whilst CBT can also help improve the quality of life for people living with long-term pain.
Medicine – Antidepressants are sometimes used to help relieve the pain of this condition. They can also help improve your sleep, emotional health and overall quality of life. There are many different types and you may find one works better for you than others or even have to change to another over time if one stops being affection.
More Information
Fibro Support
Links to websites with information, support & more.
Downloads
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