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Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain and spinal cord process painful and nonpainful signals (central sensitization).
Common Symptoms
Widespread, chronic musculoskeletal pain
Severe fatigue
Cognitive difficulties (fibro fog)
Unrefreshing sleep
Tender points across the body
Causes & Triggers
- Physical or emotional trauma
- Infections
- Genetics
- Chronic stress altering central nervous system function
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is clinical. The updated American College of Rheumatology criteria focus on widespread pain index and symptom severity scores, rather than the older tender point exam, and require symptoms to be present at a similar level for at least 3 months.
Treatment Approaches
Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)
Gentle movement and physical therapy
Stress reduction and cognitive behavioral therapy
Medications (e.g., Gabapentin, Duloxetine)
Nutritional support (Magnesium, D-Ribose, CoQ10)
Research & Sources
The American College of Rheumatology Preliminary Diagnostic Criteria for Fibromyalgia
Arthritis Care & ResearchView Source
Central sensitization: a generator of pain hypersensitivity by central neural plasticity
The Journal of PainView Source