Fibromyalgia Pain

Widespread joint and muscle pain, fatigue and digestive problems--all three can point to fibromyalgia. There isn't a cure for this chronic and often debilitating condition, but there are ways to reduce pain in your muscles, joints and tendons.

Effects

• Pain associated with fibromyalgia can range from mild to severe. In severe cases, muscle and joint pain can limit mobility and interfere with your ability to live a normal, active life.

Considerations

• Although muscle and joint pain are common with fibromyalgia, being active and incorporating low-impact exercises into your life can reduce pain and increase energy.

Misconceptions

• Because there's no test to diagnose fibromyalgia, some people deny the existence of this condition. However, fibromyalgia pain is real, and a diagnosis is normally made after doctors rule out similar conditions such as arthritis, lupus and other autoimmune disorders.

Prevention/Solution

• Reducing stress and anxiety, getting plenty of rest and decreasing your level of activity can lessen pain and help you cope with fibromyalgia.

Expert Insight

• Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium can relieve mild or moderate fibromyalgia pain. In addition, antidepressants and Lyrica (a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration) are available to treat symptoms of fibromyalgia.