When All Your Tests Are Normal, But You’re Still in Pain #Fibromyalgia #ChronicPain #Rheumatology
In this video, we examine Fibromyalgia, the “invisible illness” behind widespread body pain and fatigue that doesn’t show up in lab tests, focusing on the feeling of “being misunderstood” that patients experience.
What is Fibromyalgia? (More Than Just Pain)
Fibromyalgia is a chronic syndrome characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep problems, and cognitive difficulties (“brain fog”). It is not a form of arthritis and does not cause physical damage to muscles or joints. However, the pain and fatigue it creates are extremely real and debilitating.
Why is the Brain’s “Pain Alarm” Always Ringing?
The foundation of fibromyalgia lies in an abnormality in the way the brain and spinal cord process pain signals. This condition is called “central sensitization.” Normally, our brain has a system that regulates the “volume” of incoming pain signals. In fibromyalgia, this system is broken; it’s as if the brain’s “pain thermostat” is set to the highest level. Because of this, the brains of individuals with fibromyalgia interpret non-painful stimuli (like a light touch) as painful and perceive normal pain much more intensely. The problem isn’t in the tissue that hurts, but in the nervous system that perceives the pain.
What are the Common Symptoms?
• Widespread Pain: A dull, aching, and burning pain felt on both sides of the body, below and above the waist, lasting for more than 3 months.
• Fatigue: An overwhelming feeling of fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest, is more pronounced in the mornings, and can be exacerbated by even the slightest activity.
• Sleep Disorders: Difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night, and waking up tired in the morning as if you haven’t slept at all.
• Cognitive Difficulties (“Brain Fog”): Problems with focus, concentration, learning new things, and memory.
• Other Symptoms: Conditions such as chronic headaches (including migraines), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), anxiety, depression, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and a sensitive bladder can also frequently accompany it.
How is Fibromyalgia Diagnosed?
There is no specific blood test or X-ray to diagnose fibromyalgia. The diagnosis is based on the patient’s history, symptoms, and a physical exam. After ruling out other potential diseases that can cause similar symptoms (such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, thyroid diseases, etc.), physicians use criteria established by the American College of Rheumatology, like the “Widespread Pain Index” and “Symptom Severity Scale,” to make a diagnosis.
Not a Cure, but “Management”
There is no definitive cure for fibromyalgia, but a multifaceted approach is adopted to manage symptoms and improve quality of life:
• Medications: Some drugs may be used to reduce pain, regulate sleep, and treat depression.
• Exercise: Low-impact aerobic exercises (walking, swimming, cycling), stretching, yoga, and tai chi are among the most effective methods for reducing pain and increasing function.
• Stress Management and Therapy: Meditation, breathing exercises, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) help to improve pain coping skills.
• Sleep Routine: Establishing good sleep hygiene, such as going to bed and waking up at the same time every day and avoiding screens before bed, is very important.
This video and its description are for informational purposes only. If you are experiencing symptoms of fibromyalgia, please consult a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation or a Rheumatology specialist for a proper diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan.
#Fibromyalgia #ChronicPain #Fatigue #BrainFog #Rheumatology #Pain #Health #MedicalInfo #InvisibleIllness #Medsurgtalks
