What is Fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterised by widespread muscle pain and tenderness. This condition can significantly affect a person’s quality of life and can have a negative impact on sleep, energy levels and general health.

Fibromyalgia is more common in women than in men and usually occurs between the ages of 20-50. In this article we have prepared for you, we will try to give brief information about fibromyalgia. Let’s learn the causes, symptoms and treatment methods of this disease together.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a common and chronic pain syndrome. It manifests itself with pain, tenderness and stiffness in muscles, joints and connective tissues. It can also cause other symptoms such as sleep disturbances, fatigue, headaches and depression. Fibromyalgia is a complex condition thought to be associated with autoimmune diseases and the exact cause is not yet known.

What are the Causes of Fibromyalgia?

Although the causes of fibromyalgia are not fully known, some factors are thought to contribute to the development of the disease. These include genetic predisposition, hormonal imbalances, stress, trauma and infections. In addition, abnormal nerve impulses have been detected in the brains of fibromyalgia patients that affect pain perception. This can lead to patients having lower pain thresholds than normal and even a light touch can cause pain.

What are Fibromyalgia Points?

Fibromyalgia can be diagnosed by examining certain sensitive points. These points are located in 18 different parts of the body and cause pain when touched. The tender points are located in different areas such as the neck, back, chest, elbows, hips and knees. For the diagnosis of fibromyalgia, at least 11 of these points must be painful. The sensitivity of these points indicates that fibromyalgia patients have a low pain threshold and plays an important role in the diagnosis process.

Fibromyalgia is a condition that affects quality of life and makes daily activities difficult. Although the exact causes are unknown, genetic, hormonal and environmental factors are thought to play a role. Fibromyalgia can be diagnosed by examining the tender points and the treatment process is aimed at relieving pain, improving sleep quality and improving quality of life. Treatment may include a range of methods such as medication, physiotherapy, psychotherapy and lifestyle changes.

What are the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread muscle pain and tenderness. This condition, which causes pain and fatigue in various parts of the body, can negatively affect the quality of life. Fibromyalgia symptoms may vary from person to person, usually the symptoms are brief as follows;

• The most common complaint of fibromyalgia patients is constant and widespread pain on both sides of the body and in the upper and lower parts.

• Certain areas of fibromyalgia patients show sensitivity, especially in the joint areas and muscles. Even slight pressure on these sensitive points can cause pain.

• Fibromyalgia patients often experience constant fatigue and lack of energy. They may feel low energy even after waking up.

• Fibromyalgia patients may experience sleep problems. They may have difficulty falling asleep, wake up frequently or feel unrested after waking up.

• Fibromyalgia patients often experience headaches and migraines. This can have a negative impact on quality of life.

• Fibromyalgia patients may experience depression and anxiety due to constant pain and fatigue. This can lead to a decrease in social activities and a decrease in quality of life.

• Fibromyalgia patients may experience digestive problems such as constipation, diarrhea, gas and bloating.

• Fibromyalgia patients may experience attention deficit and memory problems. This can cause difficulties in work and daily life.

What are the risk factors for fibromyalgia?

Some factors are thought to play an important role in the development of fibromyalgia. These risk factors are briefly as follows;

• Gender

• Genetic factors,

• Age,

• Stress,

• Trauma and Injury,

• Other Diseases,

How is Fibromyalgia Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of fibromyalgia is based on the patient’s symptoms, medical history and physical examination results. However, it is difficult to make a diagnosis because fibromyalgia symptoms are similar to other diseases. Therefore, doctors usually try to make a diagnosis by following the steps below;

• The doctor assesses the patient’s medical history, family history and the symptoms experienced.

• The doctor checks the tender points on the patient’s body and identifies the areas that cause pain.

• Although there is no specific laboratory test for fibromyalgia, doctors may order tests such as blood tests and x-rays to exclude other diseases.

• To be diagnosed with fibromyalgia, the patient must experience widespread pain and fatigue for at least three months.

• Because the symptoms of fibromyalgia are similar to those of other diseases, doctors first try to exclude other diseases. Although this process makes diagnosis difficult, it is important for correct treatment.

How is fibromyalgia treated?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread muscle pain, fatigue and tender points. This condition occurs because the nerve endings in the body become hypersensitive.

Fibromyalgia treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms to improve the quality of life of patients. The treatment process is briefly carried out with the following methods;

• Medications that help relieve pain and improve sleep quality are used. These include analgesics, antidepressants and anticonvulsants. Your doctor will prescribe the appropriate medication for your condition.

• Physiotherapy includes exercises and manual therapy techniques to improve muscle strength and flexibility. It also helps patients manage pain and maintain their daily activities.

• Fibromyalgia patients can attend psychotherapy sessions that help manage stress and anxiety. These therapies can include various modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and family therapy.

• Alternative treatment methods such as acupuncture, massage therapy and biofeedback can help relieve fibromyalgia symptoms. These methods can be used in combination with conventional treatment methods.

• Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help manage fibromyalgia symptoms. This means exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, maintaining sleep patterns and applying techniques to reduce stress.

Which doctor to see for fibromyalgia?

For the diagnosis and treatment of fibromyalgia, you can first consult your family doctor. The family doctor will evaluate your symptoms and refer you to an appropriate specialist by performing the necessary tests. The following specialists are usually involved in the treatment of fibromyalgia;

Rheumatologists are doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases. Since fibromyalgia is in the category of rheumatic diseases, these specialists are the people who can best evaluate your condition and recommend appropriate treatment methods.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialists offer treatments to improve the physical function and mobility of patients. They develop exercise and physiotherapy programmes specifically for fibromyalgia patients.

Neurologists can also play a role in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition, given that fibromyalgia is related to the nervous system.

Finally, Psychiatrists and Psychologists, these specialists, who are interested in psychological factors affecting the mood and quality of life of fibromyalgia patients, facilitate the lives of patients with psychotherapy and medication.

What are Fibromyalgia Exercises?

Regular exercise for fibromyalgia patients helps relieve pain and increase energy levels. Below are some exercises that are suitable for fibromyalgia patients:

• Low-impact aerobic exercises such as walking, light jogging, cycling and swimming increase the endurance of fibromyalgia patients and reduce pain.

• Stretching increases the flexibility of your muscles and improves your mobility. Exercises such as yoga and pilates are very useful for fibromyalgia patients.

• Strengthening exercises using light weights increase muscle strength and reduce pain. Such exercises should be performed under the supervision of a physiotherapist.

• Exercises in water are ideal for fibromyalgia patients as they relax the muscles and joints. Water exercises such as hydrotherapy and water aerobics help to relieve pain.

You should get your doctor’s approval before starting an exercise programme. Also, starting exercises slowly and gradually increasing them will help prevent pain and fatigue.

Fibromyalgia Treatment Prices in Turkey

Türkiye has managed to announce its name to the world with its investments and studies in the field of health. Especially the latest technological devices used in diagnosis and treatment procedures have been a beacon of hope for many diseases. However, there has been an increase in health tourism in Türkiye.

• Hospitals are large, clean, spacious and fully equipped in terms of technological equipment.
• Turkish doctors are specialized, successful, and skilled in their fields.
• Nurses and carers are friendly and compassionate.
• Finding answers to the questions asked quickly and accurately.
• Patience and understanding of all staff, including the intermediary company dealing with the patient.
• Turkey offers holiday opportunities with its natural and historical beauties.
• Easy transportation.
• Diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, eating, drinking, dressing, and holiday needs can be met at affordable prices.

Such situations are shown among the reasons for preference. Regarding Fibromyalgia Treatment Prices in Turkey, we can see that patients and relatives of patients who want to come to Turkey are doing research. However, it would not be right to give clear price information at this stage. Many factors such as the type of disease, stage, diagnosis process, treatment process, and stay in Türkiye affect the price issue. If you want to get more detailed price information, you can contact us. In addition, if you come to Turkey for treatment through us, we can facilitate your visa application process with the invitation letter sent by us to the consulate.