Fibromyalgia patients often have gastrointestinal problems, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation, which are very similar to those observed in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Digestive issues
While we're unclear as to the direct connection, people with fibromyalgia often experience gastrointestinal problems, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation. As well, people with fibromyalgia are more vulnerable to developing irritable bowel syndrome.
About two-thirds of people with fibromyalgia often have belly pain, gas, and bloating and feel like throwing up. They can also have constipation and diarrhea. Many have acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), too.
Common clinical features of fibromyalgia that may be influenced by neurogenic inflammation include cutaneous manifestations, local soft tissue swelling and fluid retention, reticular skin discoloration and livedo reticularis, and increased levels of fibronectin, which is a tissue marker of endothelial activation.
Areas called "tender points" can feel painful with even mild to moderate pressure. Many patients with fibromyalgia feel that their joints are swollen, although there is no visible inflammation of the joints (as would be found in forms of arthritis).
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.
Numerous studies have pointed out that fibromyalgia can lead to weight gain and a sedentary lifestyle, and that extra weight can lead to more severe symptoms.
Fibromyalgia is known as an “invisible disease.” You can't see brain fog, digestive issues, muscle weakness; sensitivity to light, noise, and odors. But they are part of our “new normal” and while we may not look sick, we absolutely know we are.
Other researchers believe fibromyalgia is caused by a lack of deep sleep. It is during stage 4 sleep that muscles recover from the prior day's activity, and the body refreshes itself. Sleep studies show that as people with fibromyalgia enter stage 4 sleep, they become more aroused and stay in a lighter form of sleep.
Extreme sensitivity. Fibromyalgia can make you extremely sensitive to pain all over your body, and you may find that even the slightest touch is painful. If you hurt yourself, such as stubbing your toe, the pain may continue for much longer than it normally would.
Physical and emotional stress are the most common triggers of fibromyalgia flares. Other triggers include lack of sleep, weather changes, and hormone imbalances.
Abdominal swelling, or distention, is more often caused by overeating than by a serious illness. This problem also can be caused by: Air swallowing (a nervous habit) Buildup of fluid in the abdomen (this can be a sign of a serious medical problem)
Like solid organs, hollow organs can become enlarged by inflammation or growths. But they can also become swollen with the products of digestion —gas, digestive juices, poop and urine — or with pregnancy, in the case of the uterus — or, rarely, with internal bleeding.
What Does a Fibromyalgia Attack Feel Like? A fibromyalgia attack is also known as a flare-up. An attack can come on suddenly and cause mild to severe pain. These attacks may cause aching, burning, throbbing, or stabbing.
“Fibromyalgia patients have a 25% lower metabolism, on average, than someone without fibromyalgia of the same age and body weight,” Dr. Holtorf says. That's 500 fewer calories burned per day, the equivalent of a lean dinner. Some fibromyalgia medications, such as pregabalin, also increase appetite.
Fibromyalgia was formerly classified as an inflammatory musculoskeletal disease but is now considered to be an illness that primarily affects the central nervous system.
The drugs amitriptyline, duloxetine, milnacipran and pregabalin can relieve fibromyalgia pain in some people. They may cause side effects such as a dry mouth or nausea. Normal painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen (paracetamol) aren't recommended for the treatment of fibromyalgia.
The most helpful treatment approach for fibromyalgia is a combination of self-care, physical activity and cognitive-behavioral therapy. But medication may also be needed. Many drugs prescribed for fibromyalgia work to turn down “pain volume” in the central nervous system (CNS).
Magnesium
Not only is it credited with keeping the heart, kidneys and bones strong, it also helps us avoid muscle spasms, weakness and back pain, Dr. Teitelbaum says. Women with fibromyalgia may be deficient in magnesium, studies suggest. And magnesium may help relieve fibro pain and other symptoms.