Decode the Mystery of Chronic Fatigue and Body Aches: Could it be Fibromyalgia? No Cure in Sight: Women are 6 Times More Likely to be Afflicted and Here are 5 Common Symptoms

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that inflicts widespread agony on muscles and joints, hindering mobility and quality of life. Along with the debilitating pain, sufferers also experience a range of other symptoms, including chronic fatigue, poor sleep quality, memory lapses, and digestive issues such as diarrhea. Dr. Yeung Wan Yin, a specialist in rheumatology, once shared with us a case involving a woman in her mid-40s who was severely debilitated by fibromyalgia. She was completely immobilized by the condition and had to rely on a wheelchair to leave her home. After some investigation, it was discovered that the patient's fibromyalgia had begun after the death of her mother, significantly affecting her sleep and appetite. Eventually, the patient received a consultation from a psychiatrist who helped her establish a regular exercise routine and encouraged her to volunteer and meet new people. With this newfound sense of purpose and community, the patient's recovery was swift.

Women Over 50 at Six Times Higher Risk

Fibromyalgia usually affects women between the ages of 20 to 55. According to European studies, women are six times more likely to develop fibromyalgia than men, with middle-aged women having a higher risk than others.

What Triggers Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia patients need to rule out other conditions that may affect their body, such as immune system-related arthritis, chronic infections, hormonal imbalances (such as hypothyroidism), and diabetes, among others. Diagnosis is primarily based on clinical symptoms to identify fibromyalgia.

What Are the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia patients typically experience pain in more than six joints or muscles, but they do not exhibit any joint swelling, fever, or inflammation of the surrounding skin. Some patients describe their pain as akin to "having a chronic flu." Fatigue and sleep disturbances are also common symptoms experienced by patients. Some patients may experience "brain fog," which leads to a lack of concentration, memory decline, and an inability to multitask during work. They are also more susceptible to emotional disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than the general population. If patients experience persistent pain and emotional instability, it can significantly impact their work and social life.

Two Main Treatments for Fibromyalgia

Treatment for fibromyalgia involves both non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches. Non-pharmacological treatments include aerobic exercise, stretching, and courses that help manage emotions, such as mindfulness therapy. In terms of pharmacological treatments, medications such as SSRI, pregabalin, and gabapentin, which help relieve nerve pain, can improve symptoms in patients. Additionally, a patient's emotional well-being has a huge impact on their symptoms. It is recommended that patients undergo assessment by a psychologist or psychiatrist to determine the severity of their emotional disorders. In 2010, the American College of Rheumatology published diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia, which include the presence of pain in 19 specific areas, symptoms lasting for more than three months, and the exclusion of other conditions that may cause the patient's symptoms. These criteria serve as a reference for doctors to diagnose fibromyalgia.


Can Fibromyalgia Be Cured?

According to Dr. Yeung, currently, there is no cure for fibromyalgia, and the focus of treatment is primarily on managing symptoms. Patients are advised to maintain a positive mindset to reduce the chances of fibromyalgia recurrence.