When it comes to fibromyalgia, there are other symptoms that are related or can overlap with fibromyalgia. You may have these symptoms:

• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Chronic pain
• Regional pain syndrome
• Interstitial cystitis
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Headaches (migraines)
• Interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome

The cause of fibromyalgia is not completely known by medical professionals but they believe that these factors cause fibromyalgia:

• Genetics: Fibromyalgia tends to run in families. If you have a relative with fibromyalgia, you have a chance of getting it.
• Viral Infections: Some illnesses such as the flu can trigger fibromyalgia.
• Physical or emotional trauma: Fibromyalgia can be triggered by trauma.
• Stress: Stress was also found to cause fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia can affect anyone but there are certain people who are more likely to be affected by it. These are groups of people who are more likely to be affected by fibromyalgia:

• Age: It is more likely to affect middle-aged people and more as you get older.
• Musculoskeletal-related or rheumatic disease: You have a higher chance of experiencing fibromyalgia.
• Sex: Women are more likely to experience symptoms of fibromyalgia
• Family history: Genetics have shown to be a factor in fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia has some extreme symptoms that can affect your quality of life. This may include things like:

• Lower quality of life: fatigue, chronic pain, etc
• Disabilities
• Interference with your ability to function
• Mental Conditions: severe depression and anxiety
• More likely to be hospitalized
• Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal conditions: rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, etc.
• Metabolic syndrome
• Extreme allodynia
• Obesity or physical deterioration
• Opioid or alcohol dependence

There are many things you can do in addition to the treatment you are taking for fibromyalgia. It will take more effort but they are worth doing. These remedies will help with managing symptoms of fibromyalgia and improve quality of life:

• Reduce stress: Try to manage or limit stress. It will help reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety that is associated with fibromyalgia
• Get good sleep: Fatigue is one symptom of fibromyalgia so getting enough sleep is important. In addition, sleep is an important factor in one’s health and is also related to emotional conditions like depression and anxiety.
• Exercise regularly: Exercise is a great thing to do. It will help increase stamina and is a great way of reducing stress. But, most importantly, it’s healthy. Exercising may be hard starting off, but you’ll see good progress as you continue.
• Pace yourself: Pacing yourself can have many benefits. It can reduce stress and help during days when your symptoms of fibromyalgia are worse. Know what you can and you can’t do.
• Maintain a healthy diet: Similar to exercise, a good diet a good thing to do. Eating healthy helps maintain health and strengthen the immune system. But, it doesn’t mean you can’t have your occasional sweets.

[1]“Fibromyalgia.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 6 Jan. 2020, www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/fibromyalgia.htm.