We’re raising awareness about the symptoms of this disease on World Fibromyalgia Awareness Day.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic, disabling disorder that causes severe pain throughout the body, as well as insomnia, fatigue and depression.

It affects 2.45% of the world’s population, mostly women. The cause of this disorder is unknown, although a change in habits can improve the discomfort.

Symptoms of fibromyalgia

• Widespread musculoskeletal pain that lasts longer than three months.
• Fatigue. Severe fatigue without exertion.
• Stiffness. Numbness, leg cramps, feeling of swelling.
• Sleep problems. Difficulty sleeping, insomnia and/or non-restorative sleep.
• Cognitive impairment. “Brain fog” and difficultly memorising information.
• Anxiety and depression. These may be caused by the stress produced by the other symptoms.

How to live with fibromyalgia and improve your well-being

Even though there isn’t a cure for fibromyalgia, the right treatment under medical supervision (medication and self-care strategies) can improve quality of life.

Have a routine. It’s important to divide the day’s tasks into 15-20 minute blocks of time and rest in between them to keep the body from wearing out.

Nutrition. A diet with more vegetables than meat, including whole grains, oily fish (with omega 3) and plenty of water, is recommended.

Physical exercise. Yoga and tai chi can relieve pain by easing muscle tension. Swimming 50 minutes three times a week has also been found to improve symptoms.

Physical therapy. It can alleviate discomfort and increase muscle flexibility. Aerobic and strength training at an appropriate pace is the treatment with the greatest benefit.

Psychological therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy, conducted by a psychologist, helps you to learn how to manage stressful situations, which can aggravate the disease.

Support groups. Group support can be an accessible and enriching option. It also gives you the opportunity to meet other people who are going through the same thing.

Sources:

Fibromialgia. Press kit. Sociedad Española de Reumatología.

Fibromialgia. Asociación de Fibromialgia en Madrid (AFIBROM).

Everything You Need to Know About Fibromyalgia. By Kristeen Cherney and Kimberly Holland and Stephanie Watson — Updated on February 28, 2022. Healthline.

Fibromyalgia Symptoms. Medically reviewed by Brenda B. Spriggs, M.D., MPH, FACP — By Amber Erickson Gabbey — Updated on September 17, 2018. Healthline.

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