The characterizations of Fibromyalgia are pain which is found all over the body from the muscles to the bones, described as widespread (Bennett, 2009). An individual suffering from Fibromyalgia would also experience sleep deprivation, fatigue, mood and memory issues. Studies on Fibromyalgia would suggest that when one has this disorder, the pain signals which are processed in the brain that travel through our nervous system are amplified, and painful sensations increase in their magnitude (Wolfe F, et al., 2010).

The symptoms of this disorder are said to arise after some type of physical trauma which can be seen through surgery or a type of infection (Bennett, 2009). However, psychological stress can also trigger this disorder, and cause pain signals throughout the body to be magnified. There are some cases which find that the symptoms of Fibromyalgia show up with no particular event, and just accumulate and become worse over time.

Statistics show that women have more chances in developing fibromyalgia as compared to men. This disorder is said to affect women, more likely from the age group between 20 years old and 50 years old. Since the disorder affects women more, the statistics for men are unknown (Wolfe F, et al., 2010). A large number of people who have fibromyalgia are said to also experience migranes, irritable bowel syndrome, tempomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and sometimes even anxiety and depression. A plot study shows that there is a possibility that the disease can be genetic or hereditary, however this has not been thoroughly researched (Bennett, 2009).

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for this disorder; however a number of different medications can be prescribed to offer alleviation from the pain and to help bring down the symptoms. Relaxation, exercise and stress-reduction can be used to help control the pain which comes with fibromyalgia (Hassett AL, et al., 2009).

The symptoms of fibromyalgia include pain in all regions of the body. This pain is characterized as a dull ache which is said to be from the muscles (Bennett, 2009). The pain occurs all over the body, experienced on both sides as well as the upper and lower portions. There are specific portions of the body, when firm pressure is applied, that additional pain arises. These areas are called tender points in an individual suffering from fibromyalgia (Wolfe F, et al., 2010). The locations of these tender points vary with each person, and they include areas such as between the shoulder blades, the back of the head, upper hips and inner knees.

Long term side-effects of fibromyalgia include fatigue, severe anxiety, and numbness in both upper and lower extremities as well as severe headaches (Hassett AL, et al., 2009). Most physicians would recommend exercise as a way to alleviate these types of pains. Many people overlook these types of pain and do not get help until the pain is very severe. Most of the time, having musculoskeletal pain such as this is just a sign your body is telling you that you need to take care of your body more, maybe get better nutrition, change your habits or lifestyle, start exercising, etc.

The shooting ranges of fibromyalgia can be from moderate to severe. The pain is usually described as deep-aching and radiating, as if it were gnawing on joints and muscles.  Those who suffer from fibromyalgia tend to have pain that weakens gradually throughout the day (Wolfe F, et al., 2010).

The direct cause of fibromyalgia is still unknown, yet doctors and researchers have strung possible factors which may help put meaning into the possible causes of the disorder. These include: physical or psychological trauma, infections or even genetics. However, it is known that fibromyalgia is a non-communicable disease, meaning you cannot transfer the disease to someone through infecting them.

The cause of fibromyalgia may be unknown; however the causes of the pain have been determined (Clauw, 2009). Because of this, various medications and methods have been tried and tested to alleviate the pain which comes with fibromyalgia. There is a theory which helps explain fibromyalgia which is called central sensitization. The theory of central sensitization believes that it is through sensitivity in the brain that pain signals are distorted and appear to be more sensitive in individuals suffering from fibromyalgia.

Studies have related fibromyalgia to the “changing craniofacial and skeletal muscle metabolism, such as blood flow, which causes the chronic fatigue and severe weakness” (qtd Bennet, 2009). Yet, other studies believe that it is triggered through trauma, an infection or even another disease. However, the disorder has not been identified as one which is viral or passed on through hosts.

There is no cure for fibromyalgia; however the rheumatic characteristics of the disorder can be treated individually (Clauw, 2009). Researchers believe that the right diet and exercise can alleviate pain which is caused by fibromyalgia (Hassett AL, et al., 2009). Prevention measures for this disorder include a healthy lifestyle, which is recommended for avoiding a large number of diseases such as diabetes and osteoporosis.

Both medication and self-care are included in the treatment for fibromyalgia. Because there is no cure for the disorder, minimizing pain is the aim for the treatment (Clauw, 2009). Medications which are used to help alleviate the symptoms of fibromyalgia include analgesics, antidepressants and anti-seizure drugs such as Gabapentin (Neurontin).

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