Fibromyalgia is a disease and disorder that primarily affects muscle tissues. The common hallmark of this condition is pain. Pain may vary depending on levels. It can be a tolerable discomfort or extreme and chronic pain felt on various parts of the body.
Usually, the pain is centered on a muscle. This muscle gets highly sensitive even if only light pressure is applied. This is commonly referred to as trigger points or tender points. Trigger points do not necessarily include the whole muscle area. As a matter of fact, trigger points are only a small part of the muscle. This may be harmless, but trigger points basically “trigger” pain on other parts of the body.
For example, if you have a trigger point in your neck, pressing it could probably cause you headache or any pain in other parts of your body. Fibromyalgia is a disorder that affects mostly women. In the United States of America alone, at least 2% of the population suffers from fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia is a disorder that is non-contagious. It is also not life-threatening. Nevertheless, it can affect different parts or body systems either one after the other or all at the same time. Symptoms of fibromyalgia manifest themselves in the respiratory, central nervous system, digestive, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and muscular system.
Fibromyalgia does not have a specific cause. However, stress and fatigue are the usual reasons that cause it. Fibromyalgia worsens when you are stressed or when you have insufficient amount of sleep. Thus, medical experts advise people who suffer from fibromyalgia, to indulge themselves in a healthy lifestyle.
Though there is no specific medication and treatment that would cure this disorder, there are some natural treatments that could help in lessening the symptoms and pain caused by this illness. Natural treatments are suggested because they are less expensive than medications and drugs.
Natural treatments include de-stressing and relaxation. Sleep is a big factor. Thus, people suffering from this disorder should have at least eight hours of sleep everyday. Exercise is recommended but it should also be regulated. Heavy exercises or exercises that could stress you out should be avoided. Massage can help in easing out the pain in the muscles.