Severe fibromyalgia involves increased sensitivity to pain in 18 designated points on the body. It is often accompanied by anxiety, depression, muscle pain, fatigue, and other symptoms. There is no known cure, but treatments include pain management, exercise, rest, and a balanced diet. Symptoms can be debilitating, making it difficult to hold down a job or have an active social life.
Severe fibromyalgia is a condition that involves greatly increased sensitivity to pain. There are 18 designated sensitive points on the body, and in someone with the condition, a large number, if not all, will be particularly sensitive to pressure-induced pain. There are three recognized levels of fibromyalgia, which are mild, moderate and severe or chronic. Severe fibromyalgia syndrome is often accompanied by other conditions such as anxiety and depression. While fibromyalgia doesn’t always seem to have a trigger, it’s more common for someone to develop the condition after a traumatic event such as childbirth, a serious infection, an accident, a surgical procedure, or severe emotional trauma.
In addition to the tender points, there is general pain in the muscles, tendons and ligaments, along with fatigue. Muscle pain presents as a general, widespread ache or burning. The pain associated with all three types of fibromyalgia will most likely be worse at some times than others, often several hours after an activity. In each individual case, the triggers for increased pain will vary and can include a period of activity, such as housework or a walk. In some individuals, the pain will be made worse by periods of inactivity such as sitting or driving for long periods.
In addition to the intense pain common to fibromyalgia, there are other frequently reported symptoms, although not all patients will suffer from all symptoms. Environmental changes such as noise, lighting and climate changes can cause other symptoms such as pain to occur. Aside from muscle aches, stiffness is very common, especially after periods of inactivity.
Irritable bowel syndrome often occurs in conjunction with severe fibromyalgia. Irritable bowel syndrome causes diarrhea, constipation, nausea, bloating and stomach cramps. Headache is a common symptom of fibromyalgia and can range widely in severity, from a mild tension headache to a severe migraine.
Depression and anxiety are common secondary conditions due to the relentless pain and other associated symptoms. Clumsiness and dizziness are also associated with severe fibromyalgia, but in some cases these symptoms are actually side effects of medications prescribed to manage fibromyalgia. The ability to concentrate for long periods of time is often impaired, which is thought to be caused by the pain and stiffness associated with the condition.
As of 2010, there was no known cure for fibromyalgia, but treatments for the condition’s symptoms were available. Severe fibromyalgia is often treated using a regimen of chronic pain medications, medications to improve sleep quality, and a carefully constructed pain management plan. Light exercise is generally recommended, along with rest and relaxation techniques. Warmth, such as hot baths or soaking afflicted limbs, will help reduce pain. A balanced diet is essential in the management of fibromyalgia, because a balanced diet helps both physical and mental well-being.
People with fibromyalgia may find it very difficult to hold down a regular job or have an active social life, because the symptoms can be debilitating. Fibromyalgia sufferers experience good days with few symptoms and bad days where they are overwhelmed with symptoms and cannot leave the house or even get out of bed. Severe fibromyalgia sufferers must learn the limits of their body and not exceed them, because pain peaks when the body is overloaded.
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