Fibromyalgia has a worldwide presence affecting nearly 1 in 20 people globally . In the United States nearly 2–10% of the general population of all ages are affected by this condition. In England and Wales there are nearly 1.76 million adults with the condition.
What population does fibromyalgia affect most?
Fibromyalgia affects as many as 4 million Americans 18 and older . The average age range at which fibromyalgia is diagnosed is 35 to 45 years old, but most people have had symptoms, including chronic pain, that started much earlier in life. Fibromyalgia is more common in women than in men.
What is the life expectancy with fibromyalgia?
These symptoms have varying course of severity and come and go over time. There are periods of flare-ups followed by periods where symptoms are minimal. However, it is unlikely that they will ever permanently disappear altogether. However, fibromyalgia is not life-threatening and does not reduce life expectancy .
Where is fibromyalgia most commonly found?
Widespread pain in certain areas. There are up to 19 points on the body that may feel tender in a fibromyalgia patient. The neck, shoulders, chest, lower back, thighs, and arms are commonly affected, as well as joints.
Is fibromyalgia a terminal illness?
In general, fibromyalgia is life-long but not deadly , however, complications of fibromyalgia include higher death rates from suicide and injuries. A 2010 study found the risk of death from suicide was ten times higher in fibromyalgia patients than in the general population.
Why do doctors not believe in fibromyalgia?
The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown . It’s believed that people who have this condition process pain differently, and that the way their brains recognize pain signals makes them overly sensitive to touch and other stimuli.
Does fibromyalgia make you pee a lot?
As Fibromyalgia causes severe muscle pain, this symptom can cause individuals to feel as if they have to urinate or experience frequent urination . In many cases, people with Fibromyalgia report chronic pain in their pelvis. This is also often known as painful bladder syndrome.
What is the new name for fibromyalgia?
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a serious, long-term illness that affects many body systems.
What organs are affected by 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.
What happens if fibromyalgia is left untreated?
A major risk of leaving fibromyalgia untreated is that symptoms such as chronic pain, fatigue, headaches, and depression , can become excruciatingly worse over time. Anxiety and mood disorders can also worsen if you don’t treat fibromyalgia.
What can be mistaken for fibromyalgia?
- Lupus. Like fibromyalgia, lupus affects women primarily, who experience pain in their joints as well as fatigue, memory issues, and headaches and stomachaches. ...
- Multiple Sclerosis. ...
- Rheumatoid Arthritis. ...
- Polymyalgia Rheumatica. ...
- Axial Spondyloarthritis. ...
- Thyroid Disease. ...
- Diabetes. ...
- Anemia.
Can fibromyalgia go away?
Fibromyalgia is a complicated condition. It has no specific causes and no known cure . Yet for those who have it — as many as one in 50 Americans — the chronic pain, fatigue, and psychological strain of fibromyalgia are all too clear. Fibromyalgia symptoms are treatable, however.
How did I get fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is often triggered by a stressful event, including physical stress or emotional (psychological) stress. Possible triggers for the condition include: an injury . a viral infection .
Can you lose the ability to walk with fibromyalgia?
As a result, patients with fibromyalgia may lose their ability to walk faster or their capacity to maintain balance while standing as their gait changes , according to a study published in Frontiers in Human Science. They may also have difficulty moving about due to pain and stiffness.
What are the four stages of fibromyalgia?
Results: There were four parent stages of FM identified and labeled: 1) regional FM with classic symptoms ; 2) generalized FM with increasing widespread pain and some additional symptoms; 3) FM with advanced and associated conditions, increasing widespread pain, increased sleep disturbances, and chemical sensitivity; ...
What are the seven stages of fibromyalgia?
- Hyperalgesia.
- Widespread Muscle Pain.
- TMJ Joint Pain.
- Allodynia.
- Neuropathic Pain.
- Headaches.
- Abdominal and Pelvic Pain.
- Summary.
