The term myalgia refers to muscle pain. Both fibromyalgia and polymyalgia cause pain and tension in the muscles, but they differ in their other symptoms, causes, and treatments. Getting a correct diagnosis is key to ensure proper treatment and symptom management. Both polymyalgia and fibromyalgia are more common in women than men. Polymyalgia usually occurs in people aged over 55, while, fibromyalgia is common among young and middle-aged people. In this article, we look at the similarities and differences between polymyalgia and fibromyalgia, including symptoms, treatments, and medications. Polymyalgia vs. fibromyalgia Polymyalgia and fibromyalgia are often…
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Fibromyalgia: Many may receive wrong diagnosis
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that affects millions of people in the United States. However, the authors of a new study now warn that a significant number of people who have received a diagnosis may not, in reality, have this condition. People with fibromyalgia experience pain all over the body, as well as fatigue, headaches, and increased sensitivity to painful stimuli. Other symptoms may include depression and anxiety, poor sleep, and problems with memory or thinking. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fibromyalgia affects approximately 4 millionTrusted Source adults in the U.S., which equates to…
Read MorePeople with fibromyalgia have different gut bacteria
A study that compared women with and without fibromyalgia has, for the first time, linked gut bacteria to the long-lasting disease and its main symptoms. Researchers in Canada identified 19 species of gut bacteria that were present in higher or lower numbers in individuals with fibromyalgia. “We found,” says Amir Minerbi, of the Alan Edwards Pain Management Unit at McGill University in Montreal, “that fibromyalgia and the symptoms of fibromyalgia — pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties — contribute more than any of the other factors to the variations we see in the…
Read MoreFibromyalgia Awareness Day on May 12 calls attention to fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia Awareness Day on May 12 calls attention to fibromyalgia, which has plagued many people over the centuries. Fibromyalgia is a musculoskeletal disorder that causes chronic pain all over the body. Other symptoms also include fatigue, anxiety, migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, skin sensitivity, insomnia, numbness, stiffness, etc. People suffering from fibromyalgia either go undiagnosed for years or are misdiagnosed. Due to a lack of research and the difficulty in identifying the factors that cause the illness, many also believe that the disease is psychological and not real. Moreover, there is…
Read MoreDealing with thick, discolored toenails
A nail fungus infection is notoriously hard to cure, but various treatments — including home remedies — can help. By Julie Corliss, Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter Wriggling toes in the sand and wearing sandals are warm weather treats, unless you’d rather keep your toes under wraps due to thickened, yellowish nails. Nail fungal infections (known as onychomycosis) are common, affecting up to 14% of the general population. In advanced cases, nails can become brittle, crumbly, or ragged, or even separate from the nail bed. While completely curing these fungal infections is difficult,…
Read MoreWhy are my heels cracked?
Ask the doctor By Toni Golen, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Women’s Health Watch; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing; Contributor Q. Even though I apply rich moisturizers to my heels, they’re severely cracked—so badly that they sometimes bleed. Why is this happening? A. Also known as heel fissures, cracks in the heels occur when the skin on the bottom of the heel becomes hard and parched, and is sometimes associated with thick heel calluses. Often, softening the skin with moisturizers or petroleum jelly does the trick — especially during dry winter months —…
Read MoreIs fibromyalgia hereditary?
Protect yourself from the damage of chronic inflammation. Science has proven that chronic, low-grade inflammation can turn into a silent killer that contributes to cardiovascular disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes and other conditions. Get simple tips to fight inflammation and stay healthy — from Harvard Medical School experts.LEARN MORE View Protect yourself from the damage of chronic inflammation. Ask the doctors Q. My mother has fibromyalgia, and I think I’m starting to experience similar symptoms. Is fibromyalgia hereditary? A. Yes. Fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition that affects some six million or more…
Read MoreLady Gaga says she suffers from fibromyalgia; what is it?
Days after debuting her Netflix documentary Lady Gaga: Five Foot Two at the Toronto Film Festival on Friday, the singer/actress says she wants to connect with others struggling with fibromyalgia. “In our documentary the #chronicillness #chronicpain I deal w/ is #Fibromyalgia I wish to help raise awareness & connect people who have it,” she tweeted Tuesday. She also replied to a user who commented on how Gaga’s discussion of the illness opened the door for others to talk about their experiences with chronic pain. “I am praying that more and more people come forward…
Read MoreMedication for Fibromyalgia
NYU Langone doctors may prescribe one or more medications to help alleviate the chronic pain of fibromyalgia. No two people with fibromyalgia have exactly the same symptoms, so your doctor carefully considers your symptoms and other medical conditions when recommending a medication. Schedule an Appointment Browse our specialists and get the care you need.Find a Doctor & Schedule Antidepressants Antidepressants are commonly prescribed for people with fibromyalgia. These medications may reduce fibromyalgia pain and fatigue by increasing the amount of certain neurotransmitters, or chemicals, in the brain. These neurotransmitters can…
Read MoreLifestyle Modifications for Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that must be managed over time. NYU Langone doctors encourage people with fibromyalgia to proactively report changes in symptoms or the occurrence of new symptoms. Schedule an Appointment Browse our specialists and get the care you need.Find a Doctor & Schedule There is no cure for fibromyalgia. However, research suggests that symptoms, such as pain, can often be managed by making changes to your lifestyle. An NYU Langone rheumatologist oversees your care and helps you to manage this condition. He or she may refer you…
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