Fibromyalgia – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

Friday, March 23, 2018 by Michelle Simmons

Also called fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain all over the body. The definite cause of this condition remains unknown. However, it is believed to be associated with abnormal levels of certain chemicals in the brain and changes the way the central nervous system processes pain messages transmitted around the body. Moreover, it is suggested that some individuals are at a greater risk of developing fibromyalgia because of the genes inherited from their parents. Furthermore, it seems to be triggered by a physically or emotionally stressful event, such as an injury or infection, giving birth, undergoing a surgery, a breakup, or a death of a loved one. The condition can occur in anyone and typically develops between the ages of 30 and 50.

Known side effects of fibromyalgia

There are many side effects of fibromyalgia. People with the condition suffer from pain and fatigue. Moreover, they have tender points in the body that hurt when pressure is put on them. These tender points include specific places on the neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms, and legs.

Individuals with fibromyalgia may also experience other side effects, such as difficulty in sleeping, morning stiffness, headaches, painful menstrual periods, tingling o numbness in hands and feet, and problems with thinking and memory, which is sometimes called “fibro fog”.

Other possible side effects of the condition include problems with vision, nausea, pelvic and urinary problems, weight gain, dizziness, cold or flu-like symptoms, skin problems, depression and anxiety, and breathing difficulties.

Body systems harmed by fibromyalgia

The body systems harmed by fibromyalgia include the nervous, digestive, and muscular systems.

List of foods or nutrients that prevent fibromyalgia

There is no information on what foods or nutrients exactly prevent fibromyalgia. However, there are certain foods to eat and avoid that help ease the symptoms of the condition. According to an article published on the website Prevention.com, taking vitamin D supplement could help ease the pain caused by fibromyalgia; eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, walnuts, and flaxseed, could help relieve morning stiffness and painful tender joints; and eating more fruits and vegetables that are packed with antioxidant like vitamins A, C, and E, can help fight free radicals that possibly cause fibromyalgia symptoms. On the other hand, foods rich in additives and caffeine could help prevent the worsening of fibromyalgia symptoms.

Treatments, management plans for fibromyalgia

Treatment and management plans for fibromyalgia are mainly for managing pain and improving the quality of life of the patient. People with the condition typically take medications, such as pain relievers, antidepressants, and antiseizure drugs. There are also natural and alternative treatment options for fibromyalgia. These include physical therapy, acupuncture, meditation, yoga, regular exercise, getting enough sleep at night, massage therapy, and a balanced, healthy diet.

Where to learn more

Summary

Fibromyalgia is a prolonged condition that causes pain all over the body.

Fibromyalgia causes pain, fatigue, difficulty in sleeping, morning stiffness, headaches, painful menstrual periods, tingling o numbness in hands and feet, and problems with thinking and memory.

Fibromyalgia may also cause vision problems, nausea, pelvic and urinary problems, weight gain, dizziness, cold or flu-like symptoms, skin problems, depression and anxiety, and breathing difficulties.

Fibromyalgia treatments include medications, physical therapy, acupuncture, meditation, yoga, regular exercise, getting enough sleep at night, massage therapy, and a balanced, healthy diet.

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