Fibromyalgia condition is still unknown to modern science. However, there is no proper research evidence to prove why people get fibromyalgia; the symptoms and diagnosis are made based on some experience from fibromyalgia patients.
A person with fibromyalgia can experience various symptoms as follows:
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Pain in body parts
- Sleeplessness
- Restless leg syndrome
- Memory problems and inability to concentrate
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Tender points
- Menstrual cramps with pain
Some symptoms of fibromyalgia can emerge as part of another primary disease an individual has.
But it will be necessary to treat the primary disease first and then go for treatment of fibromyalgia.
Various stages of Fibromyalgia pain syndrome
Various aspects of fibromyalgia are still a grey area to people and even doctors.
Doctors have identified that genetic factors can also be a reason for fibromyalgia, where they are exposed to hypersensitivity pain.
The possible treatment is always directed towards the central nervous system to improve the conditions of the fibro body.
Various stages of fibromyalgia, in other words, are divided into multiple subsets based on the condition of the patients. Details are as follows:
Predisposed state
Usually, in the predisposed state, the individual will not have any symptoms, and there is no clinical fibromyalgia in this state.
Fibromyalgia can develop due to hereditary factors. As there is no symptom, the individual can’t take any steps to control this situation.
This can occur if either parent is exposed to fibromyalgia or a sibling has already been diagnosed with fibromyalgia symptoms.
Prodromal State
In this state, the individual is slowly led to fibromyalgia. Still, the patients will not have a trace of clinical fibromyalgia.
Pain will be experienced in some body parts, which will not be widespread, focusing on tender points alone.
Some core fibromyalgia symptoms may not be present in the individual, but symptoms like restless leg syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, headaches, etc., can be seen.
We can even say that fibromyalgia is not present yet because there will not be persistent or widespread pain in the individual.
The individual must experience fibromyalgia pain before they are exposed to a clinical diagnosis of fibromyalgia.
There can be multiple associated conditions present, but it is not enough.
Undiagnosed Fibromyalgia
This is the next stage of fibromyalgia, where the individual will experience chronic pain in some parts of the body or in general.
The pain will be experienced in tender points that provide mild symptoms of actual fibromyalgia.
Usually, in this state, the individual will have fibromyalgia symptoms that they don’t usually expose to their doctors.
Some physicians will understand the symptoms and make a diagnosis.
Regional Fibromyalgia
The individuals experience pain in their body in a particular region, not generalized pain. This is when they are diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
During this state, the individual will experience chronic pain in the upper part of the body or the lower back region of the body.
In this condition, the primary symptoms are seen, and severe pain is experienced in the muscles and soft tissues of the body, especially in the trigger points.
Generalized Fibromyalgia
In this stage, widespread pain is experienced by the individuals. There will be tender points identified in the diagnosis, and they can still have generalized fibromyalgia symptoms with just a few tender points.
Some common conditions can be seen in individuals who have generalized fibromyalgia.
They are depression, stress, fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, sleeplessness, etc. People reach generalized fibromyalgia gradually from regional fibromyalgia.
Genetics, trauma, etc., can also be essential for this condition.
Fibromyalgia with Particular Associated Conditions
Some particular problems arise in individuals who have developed associated conditions with fibromyalgia.
These associated conditions are usually separate and need to be addressed separately.
Associated conditions include tension or migraine headaches, fatigue, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, and irritable bowel syndrome.
These conditions will require additional treatment apart from regular fibromyalgia treatment.
Fibromyalgia with Coexisting Disease
For some individuals, there can be complaints about other problems that they have and will have fibromyalgia symptoms.
It cannot be said that the other disease can possibly cause fibromyalgia, but it can aggravate the condition if it is already present in the individual. Some of the possible coexisting diseases can be
- Hormonal Problems include hypothyroidism, low growth hormone, low estrogen, and low cortisol.
- Low-grade connective tissue disease includes dry eyes syndrome, lupus, and autoimmune disorders.
- Infectious problems – This includes viral infections and yeast or parasite infections.
- Neurological conditions include head injury residuals, neuropathy, polio sequelae, and multiple sclerosis.
- Arthritic conditions include osteoarthritis, scoliosis, osteoporosis, and cervical spinal stenosis.
- Lung conditions – People who have the habit of cigarette smoking can be exposed to chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, etc., which can also be due to the heavy use of tobacco.
Secondary Fibromyalgia Reactive to Disease
The fibromyalgia condition would have developed in these individuals due to an already available disease.
Individuals will have fibromyalgia as a secondary disease. Most people would not have fibromyalgia if they had a primary disease.
But as part of treatment for primary disease, fibromyalgia often develops. However, fibromyalgia will need its own treatment even after the primary disease is treated.
If appropriately diagnosed in the earlier stage of fibromyalgia, it can be beneficial to treat the patients quickly with the help of the treatment programs available.
The patients can also try home-based remedies for controlling the condition with the help of natural ways.
The pain can be handled with many home remedies if it is in a particular area.
The experiences of various individuals help in diagnosing fibromyalgia problems.