Summary When we look at the root cause of fibromyalgia we need to look at two levels: The cause of the symptoms Although the cause of fibromyalgia is said to be unknown, scientists in general terms understand that the symptoms are caused by a sensitisation of the nervous system causing it to act like an amplifier. Because of this normal stimuli becomes painful and pain becomes much worse. Also, because the nervous system control practically everything in your body it can cause a host of seemingly unrelated symptoms. The cause…
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How to recognize fibromyalgia flares
Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that causes pain and tenderness throughout the body. Symptoms of fibromyalgia flares vary but often involve widespread pain, joint stiffness, and extreme sensitivity to stimuli. Scientists estimate that around 4 million adultsTrusted Source in the United States have fibromyalgia. Women are twice as likely to have fibromyalgia as men. Children can have fibromyalgia, but it is more common in older adults. When fibromyalgia pains flare up, every activity can seem more difficult. All people experience flares differently, and there can be different triggers depending on the person. This…
Read MoreIs fibromyalgia real?
Ask the doctors Q. My friend was recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia, but it seems like she might be imagining her symptoms. Is fibromyalgia a real condition?A. The short answer to your question is yes. Fibromyalgia is a real condition that affects some four million Americans. It’s a chronic pain syndrome that experts believe may be caused by a malfunctioning nervous system. Researchers using magnetic resonance imaging to examine the brains of people with fibromyalgia have found abnormalities in the part of the brain that processes pain signals from the body. It appears that this…
Read MoreIs fibromyalgia worse in women?
Women are more likely to develop fibromyalgia than men. They also typically experience more severe symptoms. Fibromyalgia symptoms in women can include fatigue, pain throughout the body, digestive issues, and more. Studies show that women with fibromyalgia typically experience moreTrusted Source generalized pain, distress, and other associated symptoms, than men. In this article, we explore the different ways that men and women may experience fibromyalgia. We also describe common causes and treatments. A note about sex and gender Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,”…
Read MoreHidden and unexplained: feeling the pain of fibromyalgia
For some people, waking up every day means the start of persistent pain that affects their mood, thinking and relationships. This experience is more difficult when the pain doesn’t seem to have a cause; at least not a visible one. That’s the reality for people with fibromyalgia, a chronic disorder characterised by pain and muscle tenderness throughout the body where even the slightest touch can be sensitive. Sufferers often have other health issues, including sleep difficulties and fatigue. For a long time, fibromyalgia was thought of as a medical mystery. Technological advancement…
Read More7 organs or glands you may do just fine without
But if they’re unneeded, why do we have them? September 18, 2023By Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing There was a time when pediatricians routinely recommended tonsil removal, even for healthy children — including me. As far as I can tell, I suffered no ill effects — plus, I got extra ice cream! That practice is no longer routine. But it does raise an interesting question: Why do we have body parts that can be safely removed? If they’re not…
Read MoreCellulitis: How long does it take to heal on legs?
When this common skin infection affects the lower leg, symptoms can persist for days after successful antibiotic treatment. November 20, 2023By Julie Corliss, Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter Cellulitis is an infection of the deep layers of the skin. It develops when bacteria enter through a cut, bite, or wound — including tiny breaks in cracked, dry skin. Common skin-dwelling bacteria, Staphylococcus or Streptococcus, are the usual culprits. Although cellulitis can occur anywhere on the body, the most common location is the lower leg. Dr. Arash Mostaghimi, a dermatologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and associate professor…
Read MoreWhat is the difference between polymyalgia and fibromyalgia?
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…
Read MoreFibromyalgia: 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…
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