Understanding Fibromyalgia and How to Prevent It

A little muscle tenderness and general fatigue don’t necessarily have to mean anything, but they could also be the first signs of fibromyalgia.

Unfortunately, because the symptoms of this condition are so similar to many others, it can be difficult to understand and diagnose. In fact, it’s not unusual for most fibromyalgia cases to be misdiagnosed.

While fibromyalgia isn’t life-threatening, it can make daily life uncomfortable and difficult, which is why it’s best to avoid it from the start.

Before we get into how you can prevent this condition, let’s look at some of the causes.

Why Fibromyalgia Happens

According to the CDC, about 4 million adults living in the United States, struggle with this condition.

Fibromyalgia doesn’t require much to flare up either, which is why it’s essential to take preventative measures from around the age of 30.

There are still a number of theories floating around about what happens in the body when fibromyalgia occurs. From lowered pain thresholds to chemical imbalances in the brain, there are no definitive answers as yet.

What is more clear, however, is what tends to cause the condition.

• Fibromyalgia almost always runs in the family, which means genetics plays some role in how likely you are to get it. Gene mutations seem to be the leading underlying reason why this condition would appear in a family.
• There is also evidence that shows that infections such as flu, pneumonia, and gastrointestinal infections can all trigger fibromyalgia.
• Whether you’re involved in a major car accident or experience emotional abuse, severe types of mental and physical trauma can cause this condition.
• Last on the list of fibromyalgia causes is stress, particularly prolonged periods of stress as this is linked to hormonal changes that can trigger the condition.

Do You Already Have Fibromyalgia?

A dull and consistent musculoskeletal pain can be the first sign of fibromyalgia.

Other symptoms that commonly accompany this pain include:

• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Dry eyes
• Trouble with focus
• Memory lapses
• Headaches
• Rashes and/or itching
• Depression and/or anxiety
• Bladder issues

How to Stop Fibromyalgia from Becoming a Potential Problem

If you don’t believe that you have this condition, now is the time to take steps to prevent it.

Here is some of what you can do:

• Get enough quality sleep. Creating a sleep routine that works for you is essential and don’t forget to be consistent with it too.
• Check your hormones. If you feel that depression, anxiety, and mood swings are already a potential problem, speak to your doctor about how you can best balance your hormones.
• See a therapist. Speaking to a professional about stress and trauma is highly recommended, both for your physical and your mental health.
• Move your body. Your body is designed to move, so don’t let a lack of inactivity lead to health issues later on. You can move in a way that works for you – you don’t need to run on a treadmill if you hate it. Strength training is highly recommended if you want to focus on preventing fibromyalgia though.
• Get honest about your diet. Your body needs more as you get older, so take the time to re-evaluate what you’re eating. Eating a more balanced diet is another ‘must’ if you want to prevent health conditions such as this.

If you aren’t sure about whether you have fibromyalgia, rather make an appointment with your GP to get a professional opinion.

And if it turns out that fibromyalgia is going to be a part of your life for the foreseeable future, don’t worry, it can be managed. Supplements such as Fibrocare from Vita Sciences are just one option.