Dispelling Misconceptions about Fibromyalgia

Dispelling Misconceptions about Fibromyalgia Patients need to know that fibromyalgia symptoms can be effectively managed with prompt diagnosis, proper treatment, and lifestyle changes.

Fibromyalgia is a common painful condition in the United States, with around 4 million Americans affected by it. In healthcare centers offering rehabilitation services in Brooklyn, physicians from different specialties utilize an integrated approach to treat fibromyalgia.

Despite the condition being so prevalent, there are many myths doing the rounds. These myths need to be dealt with so that patients don’t have any preconceived notions about it that could hamper early diagnosis and treatment. Having a clear understanding about the condition is important for patients to gain control of their symptoms.

Common Misconceptions about Fibromyalgia •

The pain is imaginary

One of the most common myths is that fibromyalgia is imagined. This isn’t true. According to Rheumatology Advisor, a controlled clinical study published in 1981validated the symptoms in fibromyalgia. The World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognized the disease in 1994.

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The cause of the condition is known

Equally prevalent is the concept that the cause of fibromyalgia is known to researchers. Well, researchers have found that genetic factors, mental stress, physical trauma and other conditions could contribute to fibromyalgia. But no one knows for sure what the exact cause of the condition is.

Fibromyalgia is characterized by musculoskeletal pain along with mood issues and memory and sleep problems along with fatigue. Fibromyalgia increases the pain sensations and affects how your brain processes the pain signals. It is a strange combination of symptoms, which is why it is hard for researchers to pinpoint the exact cause for the symptoms. Sometimes, the symptoms can start as a result of some infection or an automobile accident or any such episode of physical trauma. They could also be triggered by surgery or psychological stress such as depression. But symptoms could also occur without any single trigger.

But that doesn’t mean it can’t be treated. Though the exact cause is not known, the symptoms can be addressed. Antidepressants, over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-seizure medications, etc can help deal with the symptoms. Lifestyle modifications will also have to be made, including dietary modifications and appropriate physical activity.

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Fibromyalgia and Arthritis are Similar

There’s another myth in circulation that fibromyalgia is similar to arthritis. While there are some similarities between arthritis and fibromyalgia, and they have some common symptoms such as musculoskeletal pain and fatigue, they are not connected in any way.

Fibromyalgia is a condition affecting the nerves, while arthritis is an autoimmune condition. That’s why fibromyalgia symptoms include muscle and soft tissue pain, while arthritis symptoms typically include joint inflammation. Fibromyalgia patients have also been known to develop other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ) and also psychological conditions such as depression and anxiety.

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Fibromyalgia affects only Women

While women have a greater tendency to get fibromyalgia than men, it is a misconception to think that it only affects middle-aged women. Though the majority of the cases involve women between 40 and 60 years of age, women of all ages as well as men and even children are known to have fibromyalgia.

Pain management centers offering neurology services in Brooklyn can help you manage fibromyalgia symptoms and improve your quality of life.

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