What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia comes from the Latin words fibro– (fibrous tissue, the ligaments and tendons), –my– (the muscles) and –algia (tenderness and pain).
Fibromyalgia is the name for a chronic condition that causes generalised pain, muscle stiffness and sensitivities in many parts of the body. Other common symptoms are extreme tiredness, sleeping poorly and feeling vague and confused at times. (Brain Fog) People with Fibromyalgia often find symptoms change over time. The symptoms may be worse at times of psychological, social, or physical stress. It is a condition that challenges both patients and healthcare professionals. Yet there is no cure for Fibromyalgia, but there are treatments that help reduce symptoms.
Fibromyalgia is a complex, chronic pain condition that challenges both patients and health care professionals. The understanding of Fibromyalgia has made significant advances over the past decade.
The current concept views Fibromyalgia as the result of central nervous system malfunction resulting in amplification of pain transmission and interpretation.
The PAIN of Fibromyalgia is profound, chronic, and widespread often described as stabbing and shooting pain and deep muscle aching, throbbing, and twitching. Numbness, tingling and burning can be present. Pain and stiffness is often worse in the morning. The FATIGUE is exhausting, interfering with occupational, personal, social, or educational activities. Sleep is compromised resulting in less restful and restorative sleep.
Leaflet
You can download a Fibromyalgia Information Leaflet provided by the Fibromyalgia Support Network.
The Spoon Theory
The ‘Spoon Theory’ is one way of describing how fibro patients are affected by their lack of energy. It talks about how we have far fewer ‘spoonfuls’ of energy than others, and that we have to be careful how we use them.
The Video Game Theory
A father was trying to explain the fatigue side of fibro to his young son and came up with ‘The Video Game Theory’. Younger people might understand and appreciate this explanation more than the Spoon Theory.
