Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterised by muscle pain and extreme fatigue, and it is often a mystery to those who do not live with it every day. Before we go deeper into this subject, let us take a look at this complex condition.
It is estimated that fibromyalgia affects between 2 and 8% of the global population. Despite ongoing research, fibromyalgia remains a challenge for patients and health professionals alike. First diagnosed in the 19th century, fibromyalgia was long regarded with scepticism and confusion in the medical world, because of the unclear and variable symptoms it produces. Even so, for millions of people around the world, fibromyalgia is a daily reality, a constant fight against an invisible and merciless enemy.
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition of the central nervous system that causes widespread pain throughout the body, severe fatigue and tender points in various parts of the body. In the past, fibromyalgia was often confused with other conditions, and many patients were misdiagnosed. However, over the last few decades medical research has advanced considerably, which has led to a better understanding of this enigmatic illness.
Causes and risk factors for fibromyalgia
The exact causes of fibromyalgia remain unknown, but there are several factors that may contribute to the development of this condition:
- Genetics: There is evidence that fibromyalgia may have a genetic component, since the condition can appear in several members of the same family.
- Previous infections: Studies suggest that a previous infection or a physical trauma can trigger the onset of fibromyalgia.
- Stress and psychological trauma: Stressful events or psychological trauma can be a risk factor for developing fibromyalgia.
- A disruption in the way the brain and the spinal cord process pain signals.
- Dysfunction of the central nervous system, which can contribute to the amplification of painful sensations.
- Chemical imbalances, such as low levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with the regulation of mood and pain.
- Hormonal imbalances or changes, such as those associated with menopause, can worsen the symptoms of fibromyalgia. This may explain why most patients are women.
The symptoms of fibromyalgia
The symptoms of fibromyalgia vary from one person to another, but the most common ones are:
- Widespread pain throughout the body, which can be found in specific tender points.
- Severe fatigue and lack of energy.
- Sleep disorders.
- Memory and concentration difficulties (the so-called „fibro fog”).
- Mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
- Sensitivity to extreme temperatures, sounds or bright light.
Diagnosing fibromyalgia
Diagnosing fibromyalgia can be a complicated process, because the symptoms are often similar to those of other conditions. Even so, an experienced doctor can use the following methods in order to make a correct diagnosis:
- Assessment of the patient's symptoms and medical history.
- Ruling out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
- Identification of the specific tender points through an 18 point test.
- Analysis of the brain's bioelectrical activity through BrainMap (qEEG).
Diagnosing fibromyalgia is often difficult and can be delayed because the symptoms can resemble those of other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus. In order to make a correct diagnosis, doctors follow the Mayo Clinic guidelines, which involve assessing pain and pressure sensitivity in 18 specific points of the body. Patients who feel pain in at least 11 of these 18 points are likely to have fibromyalgia. Even so, the diagnosis must be thorough and may involve additional tests in order to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.
With the innovative BrainMap technology, fibromyalgia can be identified accurately, without any additional tests.
Treatment options for fibromyalgia
The treatment of fibromyalgia aims to manage the symptoms and improve the patient's quality of life. There are several treatment options available, including:
- Medication can be part of the treatment and may include painkillers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants and muscle relaxants. Medicines that act on neurotransmitters can be prescribed in order to help reduce pain and the other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. However, it is important to mention that reactions to medication vary from one patient to another and may require regular adjustments under a doctor's supervision.
- Physical therapy and physiotherapy: Regular exercise and physical therapy can ease pain and muscle stiffness.
- Neurofeedback Therapy: it is a non-invasive therapeutic technique that aims to train the brain in order to regulate brain activity and to improve cognitive and emotional functions. In recent years, neurofeedback has drawn attention in the treatment of fibromyalgia and of other chronic conditions, thanks to its ability to influence the central nervous system and to treat the painful sensations and the stress associated with this condition, as well as sleep disorders and any associated neuropsychiatric symptoms. The advantage of neurofeedback therapy is that it trains the brain to regulate itself and it does not cause side effects.
- Behavioural therapy: Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help patients cope better with stress and improve the quality of their sleep.
- Alternative therapies such as acupuncture and massage can offer temporary relief for some patients.
Complications associated with fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia can have a significant impact on the physical and psychological health of patients. The complications may include:
- A decline in quality of life and in the ability to work.
- Sleep disorders, which can lead to chronic fatigue.
- Depression and anxiety.
- Social isolation because of pain and other symptoms.
Preventing fibromyalgia
Although there is no guaranteed way to prevent fibromyalgia, there are a few steps you can take in order to reduce the risk of developing this condition:
- Keep a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise.
- Manage stress effectively through therapy or relaxation techniques.
- Avoid physical trauma and infections.
What the studies focused on fibromyalgia show us
Here are a few interesting facts and features of this condition:
- Prevalence in women: Fibromyalgia mainly affects women, in a ratio of roughly 7:1 compared with men. The reasons for this difference are not yet fully understood.
- Sensitivity to pain: People with fibromyalgia have an increased sensitivity to pain. This means that painful sensations which are bearable for others can be extremely intense and debilitating for those who have this condition.
- The link with sleep disorders: Many people with fibromyalgia suffer from sleep disorders, including insomnia and restless legs syndrome. These sleep problems can worsen the symptoms of fibromyalgia and can lead to a poor quality of life.
- The emotional impact: Fibromyalgia does not affect only the body, but also the emotional state of patients. Stress and anxiety can amplify the symptoms, creating a vicious circle that makes the condition hard to manage.
- Late diagnosis: Because of the vague symptoms and the lack of tests for fibromyalgia, many patients with fibromyalgia go through a long and difficult diagnostic process. Sometimes it can take years until a person receives a proper diagnosis. Fortunately, the existence of the BrainMap technology makes the time needed for the diagnostic process drastically shorter.
- Personalised treatments: Because the response to fibromyalgia treatments can vary significantly from one person to another, it is important to take a personalised approach in managing this condition. Neurofeedback therapy is tailored to each patient, according to the particular features of their brain.
- Overlapping syndromes: Fibromyalgia is often associated with other chronic conditions, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome and chronic headaches . This overlap of symptoms makes it difficult to diagnose and properly manage each condition individually, but through the BrainMap assessment we can accurately identify these problems and then treat each one of them through neurofeedback therapy.
- Sensitivity to weather changes: Many patients with fibromyalgia notice a flare-up of their symptoms in changeable weather conditions, such as fluctuations in atmospheric pressure and temperature. This phenomenon is called „weather sensitivity” and it is experienced by many people with pain-sensitive conditions.
- Triggers and aggravating factors: For many patients with fibromyalgia, certain events or factors can trigger or worsen the symptoms. These factors may include stress, excessive tiredness, exposure to extreme temperatures, infections and certain hormonal changes. Identifying and managing these triggers can help keep the symptoms under control.
- Neurological complexity: Research suggests that fibromyalgia has a significant neurological component. Changes in the way the brain perceives and processes pain can contribute to the increased pain sensitivity seen in fibromyalgia.
The Benefits and Effectiveness of Neurofeedback in Fibromyalgia:
- Pain reduction: Studies indicate that neurofeedback can help reduce the pain symptoms associated with fibromyalgia, by regulating brain activity in the areas responsible for the perception of painful sensations.
- Better sleep: Neurofeedback helps ease sleep disorders, including insomnia, which are common in people with fibromyalgia.
- Lower stress levels: By regulating stress responses, neurofeedback can help patients cope better with stressful situations, thus reducing the negative impact on their condition.
- Better cognitive function: Fibromyalgia can affect cognitive functions such as concentration and memory. Neurofeedback can help improve these cognitive functions by training the specific brain areas responsible for these processes.
- Personalisation and continuous monitoring: One of the advantages of neurofeedback lies in the fact that it can be tailored to the individual needs of the patient. The therapist can adjust the protocol according to the patient's progress and to how the symptoms evolve.
- No side effects: Neurofeedback therapy is non-invasive and has no side effects.
Fibromyalgia is a condition that is difficult to manage, it remains an active field of research and our understanding of it keeps evolving, but there are treatment options and innovative approaches, such as neurofeedback therapy, which can help patients improve their quality of life significantly..
If you suffer from fibromyalgia or you know someone who is dealing with this condition, do not hesitate to contact us. With the right treatment and support, many people have managed to get rid of fibromyalgia and to live a happier and healthier life.
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