Fibromyalgia Research UK
Making sure no one has to manage Fibromyalgia alone
Welcome to Fibromyalgia Research UK
Fibromyalgia is a serious condition that effects the whole body causing widespread pain. It can make all the muscles in the body ache and feel very tired. Fibromyalgia effects the central nervous system plays a huge roll in Fibromyalgia pain. The Central nervous system (CNS) carries the pain signals from the spine to the brain and Fibromyalgia patients receive those messages incorrectly resulting in increased sensitivity to pain.
Research has discovered inflammation around our brains and spinal cord may increase symptoms including-
+Mood
+Appetite
+Sleep disturbances
+Behavior
+Response to stressful situations
+Cognitive issues - Fibro Fog, Speech problems, Memory loss
Some of the main symptoms of Fibromyalgia.
Some of the symptoms most fibromyalgia suffers have are-
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Severe Headaches
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Widespread Pain
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Fatigue
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Brain Fog
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Sensitivity to light and touch
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Muscle weakness
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Lack of concentration
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Muscle aches
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Stiffness of the muscles and joints
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Insomnia
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Whilst others over sleep
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Sensitivity
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Depression
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Muscle twitching
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Bowel problems also known as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
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menstrual period pain
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Tingling in your hands and feet.
How fibromyalgia is treated
Although there's currently no cure for fibromyalgia, there are treatments to help relieve some of the symptoms and make the condition easier to live with.
Treatment tends to be a combination of:
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medicine, such as antidepressants and painkillers , Duloxetine helps relieve Nerve Pain as well as helping moods.
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talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and counselling
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lifestyle changes, such as exercise programmes and relaxation techniques
Exercise in particular has been found to have a number of important benefits for people with fibromyalgia, including helping to reduce pain. Gently exercise like walking, swimming, gentle yoga.
What causes fibromyalgia?
The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but it's thought to be related to abnormal levels of certain chemicals in the brain and changes in the way the central nervous system (the brain, spinal cord and nerves) processes pain messages carried around the body.
It's also suggested that some people are more likely to develop fibromyalgia because of genes inherited from their parents.
In many cases, the condition appears to be triggered by a physically or emotionally stressful event, such as:
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an injury or infection
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giving birth
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having an operation
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the breakdown of a relationship
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the death of a loved one
Who's affected
Anyone can develop fibromyalgia, although it affects around 7 times as many women as men.
The condition typically develops between the ages of 30 and 50, but can occur in people of any age, including children and the elderly.
It's not clear exactly how many people are affected by fibromyalgia, although research has suggested it could be a relatively common condition.
Some estimates suggest nearly 1 in 20 people may be affected by fibromyalgia to some degree.
One of the main reasons it's not clear how many people are affected is because fibromyalgia can be a difficult condition to diagnose.
There's no specific test for the condition, and the symptoms can be similar to a number of other conditions, however PET scans can now prove our condition due to the inflammation in our brains.
We are committed to helping all Fibromyalgia Sufferers, we have a Facebook Group, with members from all over the UK and if you click the blue button below it will connect you to our group.
if you are on a mobile phone, please click the button at the top of the page for more information.
if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email us.
Remember you ARE NOT ALONE
we have a great facebook group to help you with everyday advice 24/7.