Researchers call it a potential "game-changer"
The symptoms of the condition tend to fluctuate. People can go through periods where they are generally fine and experience very little pain, and other weeks where they are incapacitated with pain.
Headaches, IBS, dizziness, restless legs syndrome, painful periods, anxiety, and depression are some of the other symptoms.
What causes the condition isn’t very clear. It’s suspected to be passed on genetically and by certain chemical imbalances.
The symptoms can be accentuated by the weather, stress, and by a person’s health. Symptoms can be treated, but they are unlikely to disappear completely.
It can be triggered by a physical or emotionally stressful event, like an injury, a viral infection, giving birth, having an operation, abuse, or the death of a loved one.
The condition can negatively affect people's sleep and ability to think and learn.
Beyond seeing medical professionals, sufferers are often treated with antidepressants, painkillers, muscle relaxants, anticonvulsants, and antipsychotics.
Tightness and stiffness are common. People most commonly feel it when they have been in one position for an extended period.
Because symptoms are different from person to person, there is no clear way of treating it. People have to find what works for them. This may be visiting a physiotherapist or a psychologist.
Because it affects the nervous system, those who are suffering from the condition can feel a heightened sensitivity to pain. The slightest stub of the toe can cause pain for an extended period.
The most common symptom is widespread pain. Commonly, people will experience pain in their back and neck. This may also travel to other areas like down the legs, in the shoulders, and down the arms.
For an individual close to someone with fibromyalgia, learning to be flexible will be useful. They will need to understand that whoever is suffering may feel fine one morning, but be debilitated by the afternoon.
Suggesting that you go for a walk, a bike ride, or sign up for a fitness class together might be a good way to get them moving. However, don’t be surprised if the answer is a flat no.
Support networks are very useful. There are many support groups online, and there are many local ones from city to city, too.
Urge your loved one to join a support group. Whether the person goes to a support group physically or virtually, it can be helpful for the person to share their experiences and get advice from others.
This is where the individuals around the person with the condition can step in. Knowing the symptoms and understanding the condition will help these supporters better understand what the person is going through.
Caring for someone with a chronic illness is not an easy task. It shouldn’t be taken lightly and is rarely a one-person job.
Physical activity is usually the last thing on someone’s mind when they feel fatigued, tired, and aching all over. However, exercise has been found to ease fibromyalgia symptoms hugely.
Feeling sorry for yourself or the person suffering from the condition is of no benefit to anyone. Treasure what you both have and try to live your life and encourage them to live theirs to the best of both of your abilities.
Another way of supporting someone with the condition is through encouraging them to pace themselves. This may mean urging them to take a regular rest period and resting more when approaching events, rather than doing too much and taking themselves out of the game for days.
To help the person with “fibro fog,” which causes confusion, difficulty with concentration, and lapses in short-term memory, encourage them to write notes and reminders, have a daily routine, and keep a calm and organized environment.
Sources: (URevolution) (Everyday Health) (NHS)
See also: Stars who suffer from chronic illnesses
It can be difficult to live with someone with the condition because they may become depressed, angry, confused, and may lose interest in many aspects of life.
The condition can slow down and even cease someone’s social activity in many ways. They can feel isolated. That’s why it’s even more important to let them know what’s going on.
If you’ve made plans to do something together, it will help if you’re understanding and willing to reschedule.
Another way that individuals around the person suffering can help is by lending a hand in the small ways that they can. This could be as simple as cooking something, taking out the trash, or running an errand.
In attempting to treat the condition, there is no easy way of doing it. One must just try to ease the symptoms to minimize their negative effect on quality of life.
One of the biggest wishes of people with fibromyalgia is to be understood and believed.
A huge help to someone with fibromyalgia is a support network of people who are educated on the condition.
Yet it's not only difficult for the person with fibromyalgia—it can also be hard on those close to the person. To understand more about the condition and how one can support someone who is suffering from it, click through this gallery.
Fibromyalgia: the hidden struggles of an invisible illness
There's currently no cure available
HEALTH Conditions
Even though fibromyalgia is estimated to affect millions across the globe, the cause of the disorder is still unknown. It’s understood to be related to an abnormality of certain chemicals that change the way the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord, and nerves) interprets pain. This means that people who suffer from the condition may have varying symptoms. As the cause of the condition is still very unclear, there is no known cure. Those affected must learn to live with it and the pain it causes.
Yet it's not only difficult for the person with fibromyalgia—it can also be hard on those close to the person. To understand more about the condition and how one can support someone who is suffering from it, click through this gallery.