30/11/2021
.on.wheels
The symptoms of fibromyalgia include widespread pain (different countries have different definitions of what this exactly means), fatigue, sleep disturbances, “fibrofog” and other cognitive issues, muscle twitches and spasms, bowel issues, and palpitations.
The cause is unknown although several theories are based on it being a pain processing error within the brain and/or spinal cord. Fibromyalgia may be triggered by prolonged stress, an infection, or a physical event such as witnessing something traumatic.
Around 1 in 20 people may have fibromyalgia, although this is an estimate as it often goes undiagnosed. Those assigned female at birth are much more likely to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia. It can occur at any age, but is more prevalent in 30-50 year olds. There is no cure for fibromyalgia, and treatment is to help control symptoms.
This is an incredibly painful disease. Being in constant pain is exhausting and debilitating.
Fibromyalgia is often misunderstood by the general population (and some doctors) who believe it to be a psychological condition. It is not. It has been shown to be a disease of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue.
[ID: An illustrated infographic entitled “fibromyalgia awareness”. There is a kawaii character in the centre with pink bobbed hair, a yellow jumper, rusty red trousers, and grey shoes. Around her are various white bubbles containing green and rust orange text. The text in the bubbles is the same as the main caption text. The background is pale blue.]
