Is Fibromyalgia Real or Fake | Is It Hereditary?

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Unfortunately till today, fibromyalgia is often misunderstood and even sometimes misdiagnosed. When you have been diagnosed with this problem and are making efforts to learn all about it, you may come across many misconceptions and myths about it! Is fibromyalgia real or fake? Is it hereditary? What else you need to know about this problem? -- Read also common fibromyalgia symptoms in women and men! 

After osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia syndrome (or also familiar called as ‘FMS’) is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions. The significant impacts caused by FMS are tremendous physical and even a real psychological problem. Fatigue, joint paint, and widespread muscle are some common characteristics of FMS.

Is fibromyalgia real? What actually is it?

There are still many people have perception that fibromyalgia syndrome is not a kind of medical problem;   they think that FMS is fake ‘not real’ -- this is the top misconception of FMS till today. 

And did you know that some studies found that FMS is real. Many experts believe that it amplifies painful sensation by influencing /affecting the mechanisms of the brain to process the pain signals.

In general, FMS is a health problem that can cause chronic pain in ligaments and muscles. In individuals with FMS, their spinal cord and brain process the signals of pain in different way. As a result, people with FMS typically react more strongly to pressure and touch (with a heightened sensitivity to the pain). 

Is fibromyalgia hereditary?

Experts believe that there is a chance for FMS to run in family, but this doesn’t mean that FMS can pass directly from parents to their kids. 

Some studies found that the odds of developing FMS are lower in families that don’t have a family history of fibromyalgia than in immediate families of individuals with fibromyalgia. This suggests that genetic may be a factor in causing FMS - more studies are needed to get a clearly answer!

How do you get FMS? What are causes of fibromyalgia?

There is no clearly answer for the exact cause of fibromyalgia, but many experts believe that this problem is most likely involves a combination of several factors, particularly such as;

1. Genetics! As mentioned before, there is a theory that FMS may run in families. If you have a family history of FMS, you are also more likely to develop the same condition.
2. There may also certain illnesses that seem to increase the risk of developing FMS.
3. Some studies also found that there may be a link between FMS and post-traumatic stress disorder. People with rheumatic disease (such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis) may be at higher risk -- according to a published article on MayoClinic.

Furthermore, fibromyalgia is relatively more common in women than in men. According to the American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Association -- about 12 million people in the U.S are affected by FMS, and most of them are women. The age range of these women is about 25 - 60 years of age. 

Experts believe that the female reproductive hormones may have a contribution why FMS is 10 times more likely to occur in women than in men.

Are there any complications that can be generated by FMS?

Fortunately, in general there are still no scientifically evidences to confirm other health conditions or complications that are generated by fibromyalgia. Nevertheless, lack of sleep and pain associated with FMS may interfere with the ability of patient to function on the job or at home. 

Moreover, there is also a chance for patient to experience anxiety or depression, because many patients get a frustration on dealing with an often-misunderstood condition.

Fibromyalgia natural treatment (home remedies)

Self-care natural treatment for FMS is important and helpful for fibromyalgia management. In line with the prescribed drugs and treatment, doctors usually also recommend some home remedies to get a better result. These home remedies include:

1. Get a plenty of rest! In many cases, fatigue is one of the most common symptoms or characteristics of FMS. Therefore, it is very crucial and important for people with FMS to get enough sleep. But the quantity of sleep is not single goal. Patients also should get a good quality of sleep by practicing good sleep behaviors. They should go to bed & get up at the same time for every day!
2. Manage your daily activities as well! It’s much better to do your activities in moderation than pushing yourself to do a lot of activities beyond your ability.
3. Stay on the track of your healthy lifestyles and keep far away from the unhealthy habits. For instances, limit the caffeine intake, focus to what you eat (healthy foods should be on your priority), etc.
4. Though fatigue is the common symptom of fibromyalgia, but this doesn’t mean you are allowed to forget your exercise. It’s important to get adequate physical activity a day. So, don’t forget also to have a regular exercise! For the first time, exercise may trigger the pain - therefore you need to do it gradually and in moderation. You can also ask a physical therapist to get the best advice about a kind of home exercise program that you can do for management of FMS. Biking, water aerobics and walking are some good choices.
5. And don’t forget to manage your stress! In line with the treatment, you and your doctor usually also plan a program to restrict your chance of having overexertion & emotional stress! However, it may be better for you to avoid completely changing your routine. For example, patients who drop all activity or quit work are more likely to get worse in managing their stress than others who remain active. Furthermore, doctor usually also recommend some techniques to manage stress, such as meditation therapy (like yoga) or deep-breathing exercises!

Fibromyalgia support groups

Dealing with the frustration from the misunderstood fibromyalgia is not easy. Therefore, it’s much better for people with FMS to get participation into a social organization associated with fibromyalgia. This can be helpful for patient to educate her/himself about FMS and get useful experiences from other people living with FMS.

The American Chronic Pain Association and the National Fibromyalgia Association are some helpful social organization for people with FMS. Other fibromyalgia supports groups are; the American College of Rheumatology and the Arthritis Foundation associated with FMS (www.arthritis.org)!

You may also like to read best diet for fibromyalgia patients!