Factors triggering fibromyalgia pain and ways to alleviate it
Generally, when a person is injured or hurt, the signal travels all the way from the injury point to the brain and the brain comprehends this as pain. The brain signals the body to respond accordingly. Slowly, the pain lessens with time and treatment and finally goes away. However, if a person is afflicted with fibromyalgia, the body will feel pain everywhere, sometimes even without an injury.

What is fibromyalgia and how do we get it?

• When a person has more cells transmitting pain signals and fewer cells for lowering the pain signals, the body feels more pain than necessary.
• Minor injuries hurt more than required.
• There is no reason as to why a person gets fibromyalgia; many reasons could trigger the pain.

What are the early signs of fibromyalgia?

• The most common symptoms of fibromyalgia are the pain and tenderness in the body.
• Pain is usually felt in areas such as muscles, the abdomen, back, and neck.
• People may experience severe, chronic, sharp, or diffused pain.
• In many people, the pain may be pronounced at night.
• The whole body may generally feel tired and fatigued.
• Nausea, morning sickness, constipation, and passing unusual amounts of gas may indicate fibromyalgia.
• Some can experience pins and needles, others a tingling sensation in the hands and feet, and yet others an enhanced sensitivity to cold.
• Muscle tenderness, mood swings, anxiety, depression, nervousness, lack of concentration, forgetfulness, sleeplessness, and feeling fidgety are also signs.
• Headaches, irritable behavior, and a stiffness in the joints may be experienced by some people.

What factors trigger fibromyalgia pain?

• Different people have different reasons that could trigger fibromyalgia pain.
• It seems to be hereditary. Genes can make you sensitive, anxious, or depressed and therefore more susceptible to pain.
• Certain diseases such as arthritis are more painful and therefore more likely to raise your chances of experiencing burning fibromyalgia pain.
• Children who have been physically or mentally abused are more likely to have a different interpretation of pain when they grow up.
• It is generally more common in women than men. Also, men and women react differently to pain.
• Mood swings, mental disorders, and depression also seem to enhance fibromyalgia pain even though the connection has not been proven.
• Physical inactivity can aggravate the feeling of pain.

Can you treat yourself for fibromyalgia?

• Caring for yourself and making an effort to be in good physical and mental health goes a long way in relieving the symptoms and treating fibromyalgia pain.
• Indulge in light physical workout such as aerobics every day for half an hour.
• In case of an already present injury, try to undertake exercises that avoid the injured muscle.
• Make an effort to reduce stressful environments, release frustration constructively, and pursue an enjoyable activity.
• Reduce stress by indulging in meditation, deep breathing, and yoga.

What alternative treatment and medicines can help in arresting fibromyalgia pain?

• Cognitive behavioral therapy as a talk therapy helps banish negative thoughts and emotional responses by way of talking about it with others.
• Hydrotherapy uses water to relieve pain, such as in hot water tubs and mineral baths.
• Chiropractic techniques involve the realignment of the spine and massages to relax and relieve back pain.
• Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese medicinal treatment, involves the insertion of needles into designated points to relieve pain.
• Medicines prescribed by the health-care provider are usually analgesic to relieve pain, anti-inflammatory, nerve pain medications, and muscle relaxants.

What food items should be avoided with fibromyalgia?

• Certain food items may worsen the symptoms of fibromyalgia pain.
• Limiting sugar has two-pronged benefits. One is that it has been proved that limiting sugar reduces pain, and second is that cutting down on sugar could help control weight and hence stress and fatigue.
• Refined carbohydrates spike the blood sugar levels and worsen fibromyalgia.
• The flavors, preservatives, and chemicals used in processed food increase food sensitivity and inflammation.
• Fats used to fry food such as corn oil and sunflower oil are unhealthy.
• Alcohol causes symptoms of fibromyalgia to flare and may interfere with certain medications.

How does fibromyalgia pain affect a person?
Fibromyalgia pain leads to the following in a person:

• Exhaustion, fatigue, and tiredness
• Irritability, mood swings, and a confused state of mind
• Facing challenges in coping with pain when busy with work responsibilities
• Difficulty in sleeping, exercise, and carrying out daily chores