At least one in ten of us suffer some sort of troublesome, long-term (chronic) pain. But not all have fibromyalgia. People with fibromyalgia have chronic widespread pain — including musculoskeletal aches, pain and stiffness, and soft tissue tenderness — in many areas across the body. This affects other systems like the brain, impacting a person’s ability to concentrate and remember things. People who have fibromyalgia often refer to this as the “fibro fog”. It can affect sleep patterns, emotions, and many other aspects of everyday living. So what causes fibromyalgia? How does it…
Read MoreFibromyalgia: More evidence of links to immune system
People with fibromyalgia have chronic pain and sensitivity to pressure and cold all over their body. They may also have trouble sleeping and experience fatigue and emotional distress. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source, close to 4 million adults in the United States have fibromyalgia, which equates to about 2% of the adult population. According to most estimates, 80%Trusted Source of people with the condition are female. There is no cure, but treatments to relieve symptoms usually include pain relief medication, antidepressants, and lifestyle changes, such as increasing…
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 MoreMyofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia
Both myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia cause muscular pain. However, myofascial pain syndrome causes pain in certain areas, compared with fibromyalgia, which causes pain throughout the body. Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a condition that causes musculoskeletal pain in a particular area of the body. Fibromyalgia causes widespread pain and tenderness in the body, as well as fatigue and sleeping difficulties. MPS and fibromyalgia are two separate conditions, but they do share some similarities. This article looks at the similarities and differences between both conditions, as well as causes, symptoms, treatments,…
Read MoreDrug Used to Treat Diabetes May Be Effective Against Fibromyalgia
Could the key to understanding and treating fibromyalgia involve insulin resistance? An estimated 10 million adults in the United States live with fibromyalgia — a condition that causes pain throughout the body, sometimes to the point where it’s difficult to function. It can be a tricky condition to diagnose and treat, but researchers from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) at Galveston found that metformin, a drug intended to combat insulin resistance in people with diabetes, was effective at reducing pain in people with fibromyalgia. They publishedTrusted Source their findings earlier this month…
Read MoreWhat’s New in Obesity Treatment?
Ozempic and Mounjaro are drugs that can be used to treat type 2 diabetes. But you’ve likely heard of them because they’re all over the news for weight loss. Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Saxenda are in a newer class of drugs called GLP-1 agonists. These once-weekly injectable medications are currently the most effective diabetes and weight management medications available, leading to an average weight loss of 6% to 20% depending on the drug. But only Wegovy, Zepbound, and Saxenda are approved specifically for weight loss. Research shows that some…
Read MoreCan Weather Changes Really Make Arthritis Symptoms Worse?
Key Takeaways A new study validates what many of us have long heard from friends and loved ones: that the weather can directly impact symptoms caused by osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis.1 But existing research on the subject has been inconsistent, with some studies finding no association between the two and others finding a clear connection. The new systematic review and meta-analysis, published in the Annals of Medicine, set out to explore the existing evidence to reach some kind of conclusion. Researchers found that 13 of 14 studies contained strong evidence…
Read MoreWhat Doctors Treat Lupus and Fibromyalgia ?
What kind of doctor treats lupus? It’s a common question for those who may have or have been diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or another form of lupus. Since most people with lupus end up seeing a number of different specialists, it can be helpful to explore the types of specialists who may be involved in your comprehensive medical care. Rheumatologists (Autoimmune Disease Specialists) Typically, lupus is treated by rheumatologists. Rheumatologists are internists or pediatricians (or both) that specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles,…
Read MoreCostochondritis and Fibromyalgia: The Connection
f you have fibromyalgia (FMS), chest pain may be one of your symptoms. A condition called costochondritis, which causes pain around the breastbone and rib cage, could be to blame. It is caused by inflammation in the cartilage that connects your ribs and sternum (breastbone). It’s believed to be common in people with FMS.1 Costochondritis is also called noncardiac chest pain or musculoskeletal chest pain. It does not involve the heart, but it is sometimes confused with heart palpitations. Because any other sources of pain can make your FMS symptoms worse, it’s crucial to treat costochondritis.2 Fibromyalgia…
Read MoreWhat Kind of Healthcare Provider Treats Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia (FM) is often treated by a team of healthcare providers. The first stop in diagnosing and treating FM is typically a primary care provider. Rheumatologists, pain specialists, mental health professionals, and other specialized care providers may also be part of a diagnostic and treatment plan for FM.1 This article will discuss the kinds of providers who diagnose and treat FM, why a diagnosis may be delayed, how to find FM specialists and get referrals, and how to foster a good relationship with FM specialists. Providers Who Diagnose and Treat Fibromyalgia The first…
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