Have you ever heard of fibromyalgia? It is often confused with other diseases, such as arthritis, but it is a chronic disease that causes extreme tiredness and many pains in the body. Like any condition of this type, fibromyalgia requires medical monitoring and some care that we have here. Learn more about this disease that is part of many people’s lives and learn how to fight it.
Fibromyalgia occurs more frequently in women, of whom about 40% are between 35 and 44 years of age. This increases the concern even more, because in this age group women are at the peak of their active life. Depending on the degree of involvement, they are prevented from continuing with their activities of daily living, moving away from leisure and even from their own work.
In addition to chronic pain, the most frequent symptoms of fibromyalgia are: fatigue, morning stiffness, numbness in the extremities, sleep disturbance, swelling, chest pain, palpitations, dizziness and headache. Fibromyalgia can also cause changes in mood and decrease in physical activity, which aggravates the condition of pain. What differs from arthritis is that it does not cause damage to joints and muscles, so it is always worth investigating with a doctor what it is about.
How to treat fibromyalgia?
As it is a chronic disease, the treatment of fibromyalgia requires a professional to do the monitoring. The medication is done through painkillers and, when necessary, antidepressants are associated. Along with medication treatment, there is a need to perform physical activities to maintain joint, muscle mobility and cardiorespiratory condition.
Physical exercises must be accompanied by a physiotherapy professional, who is the most suitable to prescribe the best routine of activities for the patient, always respecting their momentary physical condition. The load progression should be slow and gradual. The most indicated exercises are aerobic with resistance point from light to moderate, the series of stretches and the postural exercises.
1) Muscle hypertrophy exercises: can be done standing with elastics supported on the feet or in a sitting position with elastics supported on the chair. They must be done in two sets with 12 to 15 repetitions.
2) For the legs: the squat to sit and stand on a chair is a great exercise.
3) Lumbar stretches: in the lying position, hug your knees – one at a time and then both together, holding for 20 to 30 seconds.
4) Calf stretch: in the lying position, place a bandage on the tip of the foot and pull the leg upwards without bending the knees.
5) Make circular movements with your head and shoulders to gain mobility. Always slowly and paying attention to the breath.
The diagnosis is only clinical, based on the patient’s history and physical examination. The doctor needs to have experience with the disease. Often, the person has Fibromyalgia, feels pain, but as the exams show nothing, the diagnosis is made by the doctor’s experience and knowledge with the disease. It is necessary to look for a rheumatologist who has experience in the subject.
The cause of Fibromyalgia is not yet known. But in the vast majority of cases, the triggering factor is some type of stress, whether physical or emotional. Therefore, it is important to establish a good doctor-patient relationship, understanding the person as a whole – his body, his emotions and his feelings. The medication part is indispensable and there is no specific remedy.
Avoiding these symptoms and living a normal life is possible and yes, we can overcome this disease. Willpower and dedication is everything! Those who live with this have the best choice of quality of life with adequate food and a willingness to continue living and not fail to do the things they love!
RL WEB 