If you are asking the question, “What is fibromyalgia and what causes it,” than chances are your concern is close to home. Fibromyalgia is defined as a chronic disorder which negatively affects the mind and body. It can devastate an active lifestyle and is characterized by overwhelming fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and much more.
The exact medical translation of the term fibromyalgia is “pain in the muscles, ligaments and tendons.” However, if you suffer from fibromyalgia, you will know that this definition falls far short of explaining the range of effects the condition causes you.
Difficult to Diagnose
Searching for a diagnosis and relief from the symptoms of fibromyalgia can be frustrating. You may experience a long journey of medical tests to rule out other conditions such as lupus, thyroid and arthritis.
The pain and other symptoms of fibromyalgia may vary at times. One day you may experience energy and freedom from pain. The next day, extreme pain and complete lack of motivation reigns.
The variability in type and frequency of symptoms has made effective diagnosis and study very elusive. This has led to many instances of misdiagnosis. You can read about the early signs of fibromyalgia here.
When health professionals have not managed to connect the dots, the symptoms have often been attributed to alternative conditions. Often symptoms are treated in isolation instead of part of a condition. Many sufferers report years of condescending attitudes from doctors and even loved ones. They hint at hypochondria due to not having a “real” diagnosed condition.
Debilitating and Far-reaching
The chronic pain and fatigue caused by this disorder may cause some people to withdraw from activities they used to enjoy. They experience failure to work at the pace they need. 
Many who suffer with the condition lose their jobs. Some are unable to properly care for children or take care of other normal, on-going responsibilities.
Physical repercussions of fibromyalgia may include irritable bowel syndrome and overactive bladder. This makes it even more difficult to leave home or socialize with others.
Mental and Emotional Health Affected
Depression and anxiety may often accompany the symptoms of fibromyalgia. This is especially true if the person feels emotionally unsupported. The domino effect of this heinous disorder can cause a person to give up on ever enjoying a normal life again.
Fibromyalgia isn’t new. In fact, it has been around for centuries. People (most likely) have been diagnosed with rheumatism or other diseases of the joints and muscles.
The medical community has been slow to accept the disorder as a viable state of chronic pain originating in the body’s tissues. However, most have recently come around to the fact that fibromyalgia is a distinct medical syndrome.
Women Most Affected By Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is complex, affecting more women than men. Children can also suffer from the disorder. It can affect people of all ages, backgrounds and body structure. Intensity of pain may vary from one person to the other and be more intense some days than others.
Consequently, the disorder of fibromyalgia continues to confound the medical community in many ways. Due to the increasing awareness of the complexities of the condition, hope for relief of the pain and suffering it causes is strong for the coming years.
New scientific research is reducing the stigma of chronic pain. Researchers are identifying more ways to help sufferers regain their quality of life without turning to opioids or invasive surgery. One such method is the Hummingbird by Vital Motion. There is a 30-day risk-free trial. Use ‘WomenOver50Thrive’ as the discount code when you check out and you will receive free shipping.
Incurable, But Manageable
Although fibromyalgia is incurable, you can effectively manage it. In addition, self-management strategies such as meditation, exercise, and natural herbs and medications may help to relieve some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
It is important not to isolate yourself, which can be a tendency. Be aware that depression lurks at the door. Also, you may feel misunderstood or that people don’t believe you. Don’t let those feelings rock your world. REACH OUT!… Because you CAN find someone who does understand and does believe you. There are organizations and support groups and friends etc. that can relate. Fibromyalgia is REAL! Purpose in your heart to…..
Thrive! OK? 
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