Every 12th May, the world raises awareness of Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain that is accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues.
According to research, fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations then affects the normal process of the way the brain and spinal cord functions during pain.
In most cases, symptoms appear after an event such as physical trauma, surgery, or significant psychological stress. Sometimes, symptoms gradually accrue over time with no single triggering event.
Further, research shows that women are more likely to develop fibromyalgia than men because of hormonal changes and the potential for higher stress due to menopause, menstruation, or pregnancy. Many people who have fibromyalgia also experience tension anxiety, depression, headaches, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and irritable bowel syndrome.
While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, a variety of medications can help control symptoms with the leading one being exercises and other forms of relaxation and stress-reduction measures.