Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a medical condition characterized by chronic widespread pain that affects several body parts/muscle groups. The pain depends on the nervous system and how it processes and interprets pain. People with fibromyalgia have increased pain sensitivity which means that light pressure or increased muscle work causes pain. It is a complex disease that is not fully investigated. Hereditary factors appear to influence the development of the disease.

The defining symptoms of fibromyalgia are chronic widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and heightened pain in response to tactile pressure (allodynia). Other symptoms may include tingling of the skin (paresthesia), prolonged muscle spasms, weakness in the limbs, nerve pain, muscle twitching, palpitations and functional bowel disturbances.

Many people experience cognitive problems (known as “fibrofog”), which may be characterized by impaired concentration, problems with short-and long-term memory, short-term memory consolidation, inability to multitask, cognitive overload, and diminished attention span. Fibromyalgia is often associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms.

There is no known way to prevent fibromyalgia. It is in your best interest, however, to remain as healthy as possible. Maintaining a good diet, doing safe exercise, and getting enough rest are good rules to follow if you hope to prevent any medical condition, including fibromyalgia.

Since it is not established what causes fibromyalgia, there is no cure. Fibromyalgia is a complex disease that is treated with a combination of physical and psychological treatments, drugs and pain relief. To alleviate the symptoms, a combination of relaxation techniques, physical exercise, and drugs are often used.
Psychological support with, for example, ACT treatment (acceptance and commitment therapy) can help with pain management.

Get help if:

• you have long-lasting pain without a clear cause
• you have pain that affects everyday life.

You can contact APPOTEK if you suspect fibromyalgia. A nurse or a physician will make an individual assessment based on your symptoms, then may prescribe treatment or refer you for further examination. Our psychologists are also available for support and ACT treatment.