According to the National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA), fibromyalgia affects an estimated 10 million Americans or three to six percent of the world population. That makes it the second most common musculoskeletal disorder — next to carpal tunnel syndrome. But what exactly is it? To shed some light on the issue, the experienced primary care doctors and rheumatologists at Albany, NY’s Urgent & Primary Care have created the following guide.  

Everything You Need to Know about Fibromyalgia

What Is Fibromyalgia?

As mentioned above, fibromyalgia is a musculoskeletal disorder, meaning it affects the bones and muscles. It is not an autoimmune- or inflammation-based illness, but research suggests it could be linked to a problem with how the brain and spinal cord process pain signals.   

How Does It Affect the Body?

Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread muscle and joint pain. Essentially, you ache all over. Fibromyalgia can also cause persistent fatigue, insomnia, headaches, low pain thresholds, and a burning sensation in the muscles. People with this musculoskeletal disorder often have trouble concentrating and remembering during flare-ups. This phenomenon is called “fibro fog.”     

What Causes It?

Beyond the possible neurological dysfunction, there is no known cause of fibromyalgia. But, according to Urgent & Primary Care, there are a variety of known risk factors:

• Gender: Women are more likely than men to develop fibromyalgia. In fact, according to the NFA, women represent 75-90% of the current total cases. Males also tend to get fewer and milder symptoms. Rheumatologists believe this gender difference is due to estrogen and hormone fluctuations.   
• Family History: Do any of your immediate relatives have fibromyalgia? If so, you may be at a higher risk for developing the musculoskeletal disorder. Genes alone, however, do not cause fibromyalgia.
• Medical History: According to these Albany-based family care physicians, medical history also plays a role in fibromyalgia. If you have rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, in particular, you are more likely to have the condition.  
• Emotional Stress: Post-traumatic stress disorder and mood disorders like depression and anxiety affect both the sympathetic nervous system and the immune system. In turn, this correlation may lay the foundations for fibromyalgia.
• Physical Inactivity: Obesity and physical inactivity, in general, put you at a higher risk for fibromyalgia. Exercise protects the joints and decreases pain levels, both of which are cornerstones of the disorder.

How Is It Diagnosed?

There are no diagnostic tests that can detect fibromyalgia. However, your primary care doctor may administer X-rays, take a blood sample, or conduct additional tests to rule out other causes of muscle pain such as arthritis, hypothyroidism, or ankylosing spondylitis. They may also perform a physical exam to detect any tenderness and gain a better understanding of your symptoms.

How Is It Treated?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for fibromyalgia. But with a combination of medication and non-drug treatments, patients can manage their symptoms and lead happy, healthy lives. For example, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved three drugs for the treatment of fibromyalgia. The first two regulate brain chemicals — specifically serotonin and norepinephrine — to control the body’s pain levels. The third minimizes the activity of nerve cells involved in pain transmission.

Aside from medication, Urgent & Primary Care urges their patients to engage in regular aerobic exercise. Running, swimming, cycling, and walking all strengthen the muscles and protect the joints. According to the family care physicians, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can also help those with fibromyalgia by teaching them how thoughts affect their pain levels.

Whether you have fibromyalgia or just want to learn more about it, Urgent & Primary Care is here to help. Call them at (518) 463-8262 today to schedule an appointment with one of their experienced primary care doctors. For more on their rheumatology services, visit them online.