What happens if fibromyalgia is left untreated?

Research and Evidence based article is taken from Dr.Kevin Hackshaw MD

It doesn’t matter, how insignificant the pain, people will always describe the suffering of pain as if it has taken all the space in their lives. Yes, I am talking about Fibromyalgia pain.

Contents

  1. Fibromyalgia Alert and level of risk
  2. What happens if fibromyalgia is left untreated?
  3. The Best 4 Gadgets to Relieve Fibromyalgia Pain
    1. Massage Gun Deep Tissue Percussion Muscle Massager for Pain Relief
    2. Thera Cane Massager (Blue)
    3. OPOVE M3 Pro Massage Gun Deep Tissue Percussion Muscle Massager for Pain Relief
    4. Naipo Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager with Heat Deep Kneading Massage for Neck, Back, Shoulder, Foot and Legs
  4. Is Fibromyalgia Hereditary?
  5. What Is The Best Treatment for Fibromyalgia?
  6. Does Fibromyalgia Go Away?
  7. What Are The Worst Symptoms of Fibromyalgia-Fibromyalgia at Its Worst
  8. Fibromyalgia Muscle Spasms
  9. Can You Die from Fibromyalgia?
  10. Home Remedies for Fibromyalgia Flare up
  11. Key Facts of Fibromyalgia
    1. What percentage of the population has fibromyalgia?
    2. Fibromyalgia Male Female Ratio
    3. Fibromyalgia in Children
    4. What is Fibromyalgia
    5. Fibromyalgia Symptoms: What are the first signs of fibromyalgia?
  12. 8 Types of Fibromyalgia Pain
  13. Brain Fog | Fibro Fog | Fibromyalgia Fog
  14. FAQs
    1. Does Fibromyalgia Hurt Everyday?
    2. How Do You Feel When You Have Fibromyalgia
    3. How to Get Rid of Fibromyalgia: 50 To Words
    4. Fibromyalgia Pain in Hands and Fingers: Own Olpo kore
    5. What Triggers Fibromyalgia: Points
    6. How Bad Can Fibromyalgia Hurt
    7. What Are Early Signs of Fibromyalgia
    8. How to stop the itch and burning caused by fibromyalgia?
    9. Can fibromyalgia cause fever?
    10. How do you treat fibromyalgia?
  15. What helps fibromyalgia pain?
    1. What is the best treatment for fibromyalgia?
    2. How to tell if you have fibromyalgia?
    3. How to prevent fibromyalgia?
    4. Is fibromyalgia progressive?

That’s a far worse widespread physical pain!

What happens if fibromyalgia is left untreated?
What happens if fibromyalgia is left untreated?

But.. What happens if fibromyalgia is left untreated? 

Fibromyalgia Alert and level of risk:

   Before digging into depth, let see which one is yours

A chronic condition that affects 2% of Americans, especially women, fibromyalgia is associated with muscle aches, chronic fatigue and tender points throughout the body.

  • Do you feel pain in certain areas or points like knees, elbow, hips, and tops of the shoulders on the body (fibromyalgia tender points-ftp)?
  • Are you also suffering from muscle pain, joint pain (Joint aching and a sensation of swelling), headaches, and abdominal pain?
  • Low back pain, headaches or irritable bowel syndrome
  • Muscle tightness in the neck that moves across the back of the shoulders
  • Do you feel like crawling, tingling, burning, itching, or numbness in the arms and legs?
  • sensitivity to temperature, loud noises or bright lights
  • tender areas throughout your body that hurt when touched
  • Lack of sleeping because of pain and memory problems? 
  • restless legs syndrome
  • headaches or irritable bowel syndrome
  • sensitivity to temperature, loud noises or bright lights
  • numbness or tingling of the extremities

What happens if fibromyalgia is left untreated?

Does fibromyalgia shorten your life? Can you lose the ability to walk with fibromyalgia?

You wouldn’t knowingly be left untreated, the chronic or acute pain can progressively worsen-willingly increase your risk of paralysis- If you don’t treat it aggressively.

Why?

What happens if fibromyalgia is left untreated?
What happens if fibromyalgia is left untreated?

 It will worsen more the day more you not treated. It affects organs such as the heart, lungs and eyes. Mind it, Fibromyalgia is a pain syndrome; It is not an autoimmune disease.

Swedish research suggests that the earlier fibromyalgia pain is treated, the greater the chances that you’ll respond to certain drug treatments.

It is often not diagnosed when it should be, and even more often these days it is diagnosed when it shouldn’t. [2]

It’s estimated that 6 – 10 percent of people in the United States have fibromyalgia.

The Best 4 Gadgets to Relieve Fibromyalgia Pain

1. Massage Gun Deep Tissue Percussion Muscle Massager for Pain Relief - Link

 Anyone dealing with sore muscles or back and shoulder pain can benefit from using a percussion massager to get rid of tension knots. A great percussion massage gun reduces tension, increases blood flow, breaks up scar tissue, speeds up rehab and more.

Massage Gun Deep Tissue Percussion Muscle Massager for Pain Relief,Handheld Electric Body Massager Sports Drill Portable Super Quiet Brushless Motor, [Upgrade] 20Speeds Percussion Massage Feeke X3 Pro
Massage Gun Deep Tissue Percussion Muscle Massager for Pain Relief,Handheld Electric Body Massager Sports Drill Portable Super Quiet Brushless Motor, [Upgrade] 20Speeds Percussion Massage Feeke X3 Pro
  • Why it helps
  • remove fibromyalgia muscle spasms
  • It is equipped with 6 different shaped massage heads, Provides a relaxing massage experience,to help the user to relax different body parts.
  • Activate the muscles, stimulate blood flow, greatly reduce muscle recovery time, relieve pain and relax from head to toe.

2. Thera Cane Massager (Blue) - Link

It helps to muscle recovery, decreases tension, and improves motion in the joints that are effected by the muscles. Massaging with the Thera Cane Massager on the painful knots can be effective. This self-massage has an incredible design to loosen the bonds of muscle fibers.

Thera Cane Massager (Blue)
Thera Cane Massager (Blue)
  • Why it helps
  • Thera Cane is a trigger point massager
  • Treat painful knotted muscles on your own
  • Superior design, function and performance

3. OPOVE M3 Pro Massage Gun Deep Tissue Percussion Muscle Massager for Pain Relief - Link

OPOVE M3 Pro Massage Gun Deep Tissue Percussion Muscle Massager for Pain Relief, Handheld Electric Body Massager Sports Drill Portable Super Quiet Brushless Motor
OPOVE M3 Pro Massage Gun Deep Tissue Percussion Muscle Massager for Pain Relief, Handheld Electric Body Massager Sports Drill Portable Super Quiet Brushless Motor
  • Why it helps
  • The massage gun can awaken your mind, enliven your soul and leave your body healthier and shapelier than ever. It can also leave your muscles and joints sore, tender and aching
  • Deep Tissue Massager with a rechargeable battery, it works up to 3 hours of use per full charge
  • LIGHTWEIGHT & CARRYING CASE – only 2.5lbs, ergonomic and easy-to-use for self-myofascial release; also you can take the device to anywhere with carrying case

4. Naipo Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager with Heat Deep Kneading Massage for Neck, Back, Shoulder, Foot and Legs - Link

Choose Naipo Shiatsu back massager in case your pain gets lower with heat therapy. This universal massager works fine with back and legs. The ergonomic design helps fibromyalgia leg pain relief.

  • Why it helps
  • Reduce fibromyalgia knee pain
  • Features 8 deep-kneading Shiatsu massage nodes to sooth tired, relieve muscle tightness.
  • * Built in advanced heat function transfers warmth to muscles. Automatic shut down in 20 minutes.
  • 3D-Rotation kneading massage rollers in ergonomic U-design, perfect for office, vehicle and home, UL approved power adapter and a car adapter are included.

Is Fibromyalgia Hereditary?

According to DNA tests, certain genes in a person with fibromyalgia show that the condition might had been genetically handed down by older family members. It’s not that the immediate predecessors i.e. the parents are always the direct sources of fibromyalgia condition, rather it could have been shared in cluster from grand or great-grand parents among two or more elder family members.

Fibromyalgia, like other pain sensations, works directly with our central nervous system (CNS). Genes acquired from the family bloodline play a significant role in the CNS. The same genes are recognized to be influential for stimulating depression and anxiety.

What Is The Best Treatment for Fibromyalgia?

There is no permanent treatment to do away with the fibromyalgia except some regular pain relieving efforts.

  1. Education: Education on sleep pattern, hygiene, stress, and other possible physical condition are vital. 
  2. Exercise: Victims may practice stretching, walking, swimming, water aerobics, etc. to reduce fibromyalgia pain.
  3. Massage: Appropriate massage therapy can increase blood flow, relax muscles and joints, and alleviate the pain. 
  4. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: CBT educates patients avoiding negative thoughts and focusing on productive and realistic goals.
  5. Stress Reduction: Patients should avoid both physical and mental stresses on daily life.
  6. Medications: Antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and opioid (cautionary) can be pain relievers in fibromyalgia.   

Does Fibromyalgia Go Away?

Fibromyalgia has the possibility to go away on its own if the symptoms of this in the patient have existed for less than two years. In other cases, this pain has lesser possibilities to go permanently.

In both cases, people shouldn’t wait for fibromyalgia to go away voluntarily. They should apply the relevant treatments and medications to keep themselves up and not letting the FM pain light up.

Fibromyalgia pain can become chronic if not treated carefully.

What Are The Worst Symptoms of Fibromyalgia-Fibromyalgia at Its Worst

Worst symptoms when fibromyalgia is at its peak:

  1. Excruciating Pain: A needle-like, sharp, and intolerable pain is felt in various parts of the body, which disturbs sleep and other regular chores.
  2. Exhaustion: You may not feel like doing anything. Picking yourself up from one place as well as doing the next thing after one task becomes heavier and stressful.
  3. Heavy Perspiration: When fibro pain picks up, your body may excrete sweats heavily. Heavy sweat may take place even without the pain being too prevalent.
  4. High Pain Sensitivity: Victim may feel pain even with the lightest touch of something.
  5. Smell Sensitivity: Beside pain sensitivity, the victim may suffer from a picky nose; catching the mildest smell around.
  6. Depression: Excessive pain and fatigue may lead one to chronic depressive condition.

Fibro Fog: Since, fibro hits the neural circuits, some people unfortunately experience brain fog or forgetfulness about stuffs they usually do not forget.

Fibromyalgia Muscle Spasms

Spasm is the sudden tightness of muscles that remain painful for a while. There is no medical report why such pain takes place in those who have fibromyalgia.

Can You Die from Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is generally a nonfatal disease and there had been a very less number of death in the last 30 years of FM patients. It is very unlikely that people would die due to having fibromyalgia alone.

People may end up being dead if fibromyalgia fuels up the other existing conditions like depression, anxiety, psychological imbalance, etc. Fibromyalgia can reduce the quality of your life. A miniscule portion of the total FM patient had been reported dead over the last 30-40 years.

Home Remedies for Fibromyalgia Flare up

Things you can do at home to subdue the fibromyalgia flare ups:

  1. Hot/Cold Towel Compress: You can press either hot or the cold towel on the surface of pain and see if it reduces the intensity of pain.
  2. Sleep: Lack of sleep may fuel muscle congestion and tenderness in different parts of the body. Try to catch up with your daily sleep routine.
  3. Exercise: Walking or jogging outside or on exercise machines can release stress from the body, which lifts your spirit to fight depression.
  4. Fluidity: Drink at least 8-12 glasses of pure drinking water every day. Maintaining the fluidity in your body helps your muscles stay active and healthy.

Key Facts of Fibromyalgia

What percentage of the population has fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia affects an estimated 10 million people in the U.S. and an estimated 3-6% of the world population. The American College of Rheumatology estimated that 6 – 10 percent of people in the United States have fibromyalgia.Fibromyalgia affects about 4 million US adults, about 2% of the adult population. Source- https://health.usnews.com

Fibromyalgia Male Female Ratio:

Fibromyalgia is more common in women than in men. 75-90 percent of the people who have FM are women. Fibromyalgia predominantly affects women — as many as 90 percent of cases are diagnosed in females, according to U.S. government statistics.  

The National Fibromyalgia Association reports that between 75 and 90 percent of fibromyalgia cases occur in women. And some 10 to 25 percent of people with fibromyalgia are men. Source- https://health.usnews.com

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that “women are more likely to develop OA than men, especially after age 50.” Up to 1 person in every 25 may be affected. source https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/fibromyalgia.htm

Fibromyalgia affects as many as 4 million Americans 18 and older. The average age range at which fibromyalgia is diagnosed is 35 to 45 years old. It’s estimated that 6 – 10 percent of people in the United States have fibromyalgia. Source- https://www.womenshealth.gov
Frederick Wolfe MD
Frederick Wolfe MD

For more information on Dr. Wolfe: http://www.the-rheumatologist.org/article/dr-wolfe-the-nbd/

It’s estimated that 6 – 10 percent of people in the United States have fibromyalgia.

Source: http://www.fmaware.org/about-fibromyalgia/prevalence/women-fibro/

Fibromyalgia in Children

Most of the time fibromyalgia affects women over age 18. Even so, between 1% and 7% of children are thought to have fibromyalgia or similar conditions. … In children, fibromyalgia is called juvenile primary fibromyalgia syndrome (JPFS). Source https://www.webmd.com › fibromyalgia 

This is the most comprehensive guide to fibromyalgia symptoms, include fibromyalgia pain points information, fibromyalgia causes, chronic fatigue syndrome causes due to FM, fibromyalgia syndrome. And moreover, how the process of fibromyalgia diagnosis and fibromyalgia test that may be available and helpful for you.

We will also explore fibromyalgia points, chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms and myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia medication, treatments and opportunities to find help for the condition.

What is Fibromyalgia

May be your mind is stirring to know those all questions:

What are the first signs of fibromyalgia?

How does a person get fibromyalgia?

How serious is fibromyalgia?

Is Fibromyalgia a form of arthritis?

Wait first let see its definition-

Fibromyalgia definition

Fibromyalgia is a long-term and the most common neurologic health problem which leads to chronic pain conditions. Chronic disorder is associated with widespread pain in the muscles and bones, areas of tenderness, and general fatigue. In other words, fibromyalgia pain causes soft tissue pain or myofascial pain.

Fibromyalgia Symptoms may arise after a physical trauma, surgery, mental stress, infection or significant psychological stress. You would be wondering to know that, Fibromyalgia Symptoms slowly accumulate over time with no single triggering event.

Fibromyalgia is a complex disorder that causes pain, tenderness, (myofascial pain) is commonly described as a deep and gnawing soreness, stiffness, aching, or throbbing all over the body, including the arms and shoulders, legs, neck—is a hallmark feature of fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia Symptoms: What are the first signs of fibromyalgia?

What happens if fibromyalgia is left untreated?
What happens if fibromyalgia is left untreated? (source)

Do I have fibromyalgia? What are the signs of fibromyalgia and early symptoms of fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia Syndrome (fibromyalgia for short) is a common illness.

Where is Fibromyalgia most common?

Chronic (long-term), widespread pain is the most common symptom of fibromyalgia.

Sometimes fibromyalgia Symptoms can be confused with those of arthritis, or joint inflammation

Fibromyalgia Symptoms Checklist

  1. The main  and most common symptoms of fibromyalgia are:
  2. Pain and stiffness  all over the body (widespread pain)
  3. extreme tiredness (fatigue)
  4. Morning stiffness
  5. Sleep disturbance
  6. Mental Depression and anxiety
  7. Problems with thinking, memory, and concentration.
  8. Chronic pelvic pain and nerve pain
  9. Temporomandibular joint disorder (Pain in the face or jaw)
  10. Headaches, including migraines.

Other symptoms may include:

  • Tingling or numbness in hands, fingers and feet.
  • Digestive problems, such as constipation, abdominal pain, bloating, and irritable bowel syndrome (also known as IBS).

8 Types of Fibromyalgia Pain

Are you living with fibromyalgia pain? Is fibromyalgia a disability? Is fibromyalgia genetic?

  1. Hyperalgesia,
  2. Allodynia,
  3. Paresthesia,
  4. Chronic pelvic pain,
  5. Muscle pain,
  6. Joint pain,
  7. Headaches, and
  8. abdominal pain.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition of widespread pain and profound fatigue. 

In the past, Fibromyalgia termed or described as muscular rheumatism and fibrositis. Chronic fatigue syndrome may even have been misdiagnosed as degenerative joint disease or degenerative arthritis.

However, fibromyalgia isn’t linked to inflammatory or degenerative arthritis, even though the symptoms may sometimes be very similar. 

Brain Fog | Fibro Fog | Fibromyalgia Fog

Fibro Fog definition

Fibro Fog: A type of cognitive dysfunction or Cognitive problems that can occur with fibromyalgia which is also known as fibromyalgia fog and brain fog – is a term commonly used for cognitive difficulties. fibro fog generally is worse when pain is worse.

FAQs

Does Fibromyalgia Hurt Everyday?

Fibromyalgia can accompany you on a daily basis if not tackled properly. If you let the FM pain dominate you, it will dominate your body indeed. Consult your doctor regularly, do suitable exercises, eat properly, and maintain sound sleep. Although the pain persists, you will be doing better with your daily necessary works and chores. 

How Do You Feel When You Have Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is not a type of regular pain. It is distinct in nature and its attacks. You may carry the pinning sensation under your muscles of face, arms, legs, or back consistently. At some points, you may not have the pain for a few days and then it comes back without any notice.

You may feel nausea, fatigued, and restless. Continuity of fibromyalgia can lead you to depression and anxiety. The worst case is not feeling like doing anything.

How to Get Rid of Fibromyalgia: 50 To Words

No permanent cure is available in the medical world for fibromyalgia. Only certain remedial actions and a certain lifestyle can alleviate the problematic pain to an extent.

There are a few medications to relieve the patient from ache but the antidote for FM is still under research.

Fibromyalgia Pain in Hands and Fingers: Own Olpo kore

While fibromyalgia can affect many parts of the body, hands are not left alone. You may feel pain in the joints such as elbow, wrists, and knuckles. Also, upper arms and forearms may experience spasms.

You may even find it hard to move your finger or pick up stuffs. There may be numbness and tingling under your hands’ skin and muscles.

What Triggers Fibromyalgia: Points

Fibromyalgia triggers vary from person to person. Like its symptoms, you will see different people having different triggers or causes to develop fibromyalgia.

Knowing the possible triggers ahead of time may help one to prevent fibromyalgia. Those triggers are:

  1. Persistent Mental Stress: This is as bad as having a cancer in your body. If your mental torments persist for too long, it hampers neural connections, develop migraine or brain fog, and cause depression beside fibromyalgia pain in other limbs.
  2. Injury: Some injuries may remain obscure and resurface later. If you had hurt yourself badly in the past, do not ignore the scratches, bruises, or sprains; rather treat them with care and doctor’s prescription.
  3. Weather: Many people have weather discomforts, meaning they do not fit into certain weathers like monsoon, hot, or snowfall. Such problems may act as triggers for fibromyalgia.
  4. Infection: If you had had any viral infection in the past, it might cause FM in the severe level.
  5. Maternity Complications: As you know, hormonal changes and complications may occur in pregnant women, which possible can trigger FM in the long run. Giving birth to the baby can also cultivate the potential FM in the mother’s body.

How Bad Can Fibromyalgia Hurt

Fibromyalgia pain can increase from mild to severe. In most cases, people remain unaware of this condition until searing pain hits the limbs.

The pain can be so excruciating sometimes that the victim may wish to leave his/her body or go to a deep sleep for a long period.

What Are Early Signs of Fibromyalgia

The early signs of fibromyalgia include prevalent of excruciating pain in the neck, shoulders, back, and hips. The pain do not just linger in the joints, rather sears through muscles and ligaments. Headaches, heart throbbing, chest congestion, inability to work, mystified memory, irritable bowel syndrome, etc. could be some primary signs of fibromyalgia in people.

How to stop the itch and burning caused by fibromyalgia?

You can try cold towel compress on the burning areas of your body. You can even bring out ice cubes to dab on the itchy parts. Try to put on loose and breathable attires so your skins and bones can relax and relieve the pain sensation a bit. Do not scratch the itches or squeeze the painful areas, rather ask your doctor immediately for better solution. 

Can fibromyalgia cause fever?

If fibromyalgia has accompanied your previous infection or injury in the body, you may experience temperature. Moreover, the FM heats up sometimes on its own sometimes, which indicates possible fever.

How do you treat fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia has no absolute treatment. Certain lifestyle, medications, exercise, and awareness can alleviate the FM pain for a while. Research is underway for FM antidote.

What helps fibromyalgia pain?

Regular doctor’s check-ups, drinking ample water, doing light to moderate workouts, and keeping anxiety away will help you tackle the fibromyalgia. But the ultimate treatment is still under research.  

What is the best treatment for fibromyalgia?

As a matter of fact, the best treatment for fibromyalgia is your awareness of its triggers, symptoms, and possible results. Maintain a healthy lifestyle so you do not fall prey to depression, fatigue, or forgetfulness. Prescribed medications should be taken timely to keep the pain from searing your muscles and skins.

How to tell if you have fibromyalgia?

Make you observations count to determine if you have fibromyalgia. Have you been lately facing back pains or fatigue? Or, is there a chest congestion sometimes that its suffocates? Or else, are you crippling to walk or do you feel spasms in your leg? These are primary symptoms of fibromyalgia.

How to prevent fibromyalgia?

Proper lifestyle, healthy workplace, nutritious diet, moderate workout, plenty of water, and visiting doctor regularly can be preventive measures for fibromyalgia.

Is fibromyalgia progressive?

Since, fibromyalgia develop from other triggers and prevail at certain stages, this may be termed as progressive. Because, even the pain itself goes through different stages, forms, and effects.

References:

[2] www.fmperplex.com [Internet]. Wolfe F. 75% of Persons in the General Population Diagnosed with Fibromyalgia Don’t Have It, But It Is Worse Than That … – The Fibromyalgia Perplex; 2017 January 11 [cited 17 Jan 19].

The research was taken from Dr.Kevin Hackshaw MD

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