Fibromyalgia is a condition that’s more common than we think as many people are unaware that they even have it. Its evasiveness lends it the nickname “invisible illness”. It doesn’t show up in X-rays nor in blood tests.
Patients with this condition aren’t able to rest satisfactorily. When they sleep, their bodies experience excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) and, in many cases, the symptoms can become more serious.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic rheumatic condition that’s characterized by the presence of generalized pain and constant exhaustion, as well as other varying symptoms.
Patients don’t show any visible change despite suffering from many symptoms because there’s chronic pain in different parts of the body.
In addition to fatigue, fibromyalgia also results in muscle contractions, herniated discs and rheumatic problems that can ultimately lead to immobility.
Causes of fibromyalgia
Nobody knows the exact cause of fibromyalgia, but some people believe that it results from an irregularity in the central nervous system.
There’s a hypothesis that suggests that this condition occurs when the intestine walls swell and become hyperpermeable. It’s common in people that have a thinner-than-normal intestine wall, which allow things other than nutrients, such as waste and toxic substances, to pass the intestine wall.
Everything that passes eventually reaches the liver and kidneys, which kicks the immune system into action. The immune system marks them as enemies and begins to attack the elements. Considering this hypothesis, it’s extremely important to eat a healthy diet.
Another possible cause of fibromyalgia has to do with a neurotransmitter imbalance. Imbalances might cause different symptoms in this condition.
For example, generalized pain could result from an alteration in the pain modulation pathways. However, there isn’t enough scientific evidence that confirms this hypothesis.
Types of fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia isn’t the same for every patient. There are different types of the condition which is why treatment focuses on relieving the symptoms that the particular patient experiences. Below, we’ll explain classifications of the different types of fibromyalgia.
- Type 1. Includes patients with no concomitant conditions.
- Type 2. Are patients with rheumatic and autoimmune diseases.
- Type 3. Refers to people that show a serious alteration on a psychopathological level.
- Type 4. Includes patients referred to as simulators.
Night sweats: one of the symptoms of fibromyalgia
Thought it might seem impossible to combat the night sweats, it’s possible. How? It’s easy. You only need to follow a balanced diet and, of course, be extra careful about the foods you eat at dinnertime.
Another idea is to take a shower with warm water before going to bed. In addition, rub on a thin layer of essential eucalyptus oil onto certain areas of your body. It’ll help you hold on to a feeling of being refreshed.
Home Treatment for Fibromyalgia
Further below, we’ll explain more ways that all fibromyalgia patients should put into practice in order to enjoy a higher quality of life.
1. Take care of your diet
You really need to take special care of what you eat if you suffer from fibromyalgia. You’re better off avoiding dairy products, sugar, gluten, red meat, potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants and bell peppers. As for fruit, you should opt for purees for the sake of your intestinal health.
Aim to avoid caffeinated drinks: coffee, as well as other drinks such as mate and sugary drinks. In addition, you should also steer clear from foods that contain high amounts of vitamin C, like citric fruits, because they can make it harder for you to fall asleep.
2. Exercise
Exercising can be a great therapy for fibromyalgia patients. Medical experts recommend doing aerobic exercise consistently.
Actually, water exercises are especially recommendable (swimming or a different kind of aquatic sport) because it allows to improve agility. Hydrotherapy also makes for an excellent option.
3. Try physical rehabilitation
If you’re in too much pain, you can always look up a physical therapist and look into a rehabilitation problem that can help you with the pain. Give it a try! There’s a wide variety of options available.
Professional physical therapists know all about fibromyalgia and will know what you need according to the pain that you’re experiencing. Follow the doctor’s instructions and eat healthy, exercise. By doing so, you’ll be able to handle this condition much better.
Via: MedicineNet | MayoClinic | WebMD
