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Fibromyalgia Comorbidity

Fibromyalgia Comorbidity

Fibromyalgia may be a less talked-about syndrome, but it is moderately common. Typical symptoms of fibromyalgia may include widespread pain or pain sensitivity and soreness or stiffness in joints and muscles, while other bodily symptoms may include headaches, fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, etc. Psychological symptoms associated with fibromyalgia may include sadness or mood instability, poor sleep, and other cognitive challenges. 

Due to the crippling pain associated with fibromyalgia, it can significantly affect a patient’s quality of life. For instance, a lot of people complain about having difficulties sleeping, which might result in fatigue and exhaustion. Regularly experiencing fatigue and pain has a bad impact on mental health, leading to problems like depression.

Prevalence

About 12 million Americans report fibromyalgia, and it is estimated that 2-4% of Americans are affected by this ailment. This condition is commonly diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50 and is more frequently reported in women.

Comorbidity

While fibromyalgia entails a cluster of physical as well as psychological symptoms, it often coexists with other diagnostic illnesses and disorders. Depression, anxiety, and PTSD are frequently co-occurring conditions with fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is often reported to coexist with other different types of arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and systemic lupus erythematosus). It also co-occurs with other conditions, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), migraine, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Causes

Formerly thought of as an inflammatory musculoskeletal disorder, fibromyalgia is now seen as a condition that largely affects the central nervous system. According to research, patients living with fibromyalgia exhibit abnormalities in the way their central nervous system processes sensations of pain.

It is often reported that fibromyalgia triggers after the occurrence of a physically or psychologically traumatic event like a grave injury, a road accident, or a serious infection like Lyme disease. The traumatic event may cause physical tension or emotional trauma, leading to the development of fibromyalgia.

Assessment

Given that the symptoms overlap with those of numerous other conditions, fibromyalgia is one of the most challenging diagnoses to make. Before receiving a precise diagnosis, patients frequently endure years of pain. A rheumatologist may take an extensive medical history and perform a thorough physical examination because fibromyalgia is a complex condition that can be challenging to diagnose. A physical examination can assist in identifying inflammation in the joints and musculoskeletal system of the body.

Treatment

There is no single treatment plan that may be effective for all fibromyalgia symptoms. A treatment plan that is effective for one person may not be effective for another. Usually, a healthcare provider designs a treatment plan according to the patient’s individual needs. The typical treatment line for fibromyalgia, however, may include the following components:

  • Medication

Antidepressants may be used to alleviate fibromyalgia pain, associated sleep disturbances, and emotional instability, as well as improve the overall quality of life. Fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, and citalopram are some of the antidepressants frequently used for the treatment of fibromyalgia. 

The fact that the exact function of ketamine in treating fibromyalgia is yet unknown is what makes ketamine so interesting in fibromyalgia treatment. Because ketamine has analgesic characteristics and can cure common psychological diseases like depression and PTSD, which frequently occur concurrently, ketamine infusions are particularly effective at treating physical pain sensations. Ketamine infusion therapy is now emerging as one of the best treatments for persistent fibromyalgia-related pain.

  • Exercise

If you have fibromyalgia, staying physically active is crucial. Although it may be challenging if you’re in pain, regular physical activity has been found to help with pain management and quality of life enhancement. It is recommended that you choose an activity that you enjoy and can keep up with over time. The type of exercise may be determined by your lifestyle, health requirements, and physical capabilities, in addition to your personal preferences.

  • Acupuncture

Some people with chronic pain can benefit from acupuncture, as it may alleviate discomfort. However, it has been reported that its effects continue for up to three months, and it is unknown whether it has any long-term advantages.

  • Psychological Counseling

People who experience chronic pain can benefit from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) by having a higher quality of life.

ACT teaches you to accept things that are beyond your control and to commit to making life-improving adjustments. ACT has been demonstrated to enhance sleep quality, lessen pain, and assist in managing unfavorable thoughts and emotions. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) might assist you in managing your issues by modifying your thoughts and behaviors.

Final Words

Researchers now recommend ketamine infusion therapy for the treatment of fibromyalgia as a reasonable solution to living a happier and healthier life. If you or someone you know is dealing with long-term depression and other treatment methods and medications have failed to help, then high-quality ketamine-based therapy may be the answer to relieving your fibromyalgia symptoms.

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