Chronic, widespread aches and pain spread across your body, with specific tender points is defined as Fibromyalgia. Pain starts from muscles and the points where muscle attaches to bone. This disease (characterized by amplified sensation of pain) increases your chances of having to face anxiety, depression, tension headaches, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), restless leg syndrome and migraines.

Females are affected about three times more than males. It primarily affects those between the ages of twenty five and forty five years.

We do not know why this happens but here is a theory that researchers have suggested. Normally, your body needs some time off to relax after a period of stress (issues with finances, marriage, work, recent loss of close person). If stress is continuously bothering you (distress) and you are either consciously or unconsciously tensed most days, there is an abnormal increase in the production of pain chemicals in your body. They keep sending pain signals to your brain and bring down your natural threshold of pain, so you perceive the pain to be worse than it actually is. In addition, your brain seems to remember pain and becomes more sensitive to it. Thus it overreacts to even the smallest signals.

Although stress is not the actual cause of fibromyalgia, the disease commonly crops up after physical or significant emotional trauma (like post-traumatic stress disorder - PTSD), infection or recent surgery. It is also noted that you may have a greater chance of being affected if you are already battling rheumatoid arthritis or Lupus. However in many cases there is no identifiable triggering event. Genetics may have a role too.

When to seek expert advice

Any one or combination of the above symptoms, especially if they are bothersome over a period of months, should be a sign to get a medical consult. Please do not hesitate to contact the Section of Rheumatology at The Aga Khan University Hospital.
For a preliminary examination, you can consult a doctor at the Department of Family Medicine.

Disclaimer

The information provided on our website is for educational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or other healthcare professional provider.