When pain seems inexplicable: Fibromyalgia under the magnifying glass
Fibromyalgia is a disease that is often misunderstood and means a long ordeal for many sufferers. Around two percent of adults in Germany are affected by the condition, and women are around six times more likely to suffer from it. This chronic condition is characterized by widespread pain throughout the body, which is often accompanied by exhaustion, sleep problems and cognitive impairment. Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease. This means that it cannot be cured, which is why treatment aims to alleviate the symptoms and improve the quality of life of sufferers. Those affected often experience the symptoms to varying degrees, which makes the disease difficult to grasp - both for...
Fibromyalgia is a disease that is often misunderstood and means a long ordeal for many sufferers. Around two percent of adults in Germany are affected by the condition, and women are around six times more likely to suffer from it. This chronic condition is characterized by widespread pain throughout the body, which is often accompanied by fatigue, sleep problems and cognitive impairment.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease. This means that it cannot be cured, which is why treatment aims to alleviate the symptoms and improve the quality of life of sufferers. Those affected often experience the symptoms to varying degrees, which makes the disease difficult to grasp - both for doctors and for those affected themselves.
In the following, we will take a closer look at the symptoms and causes in order to better understand the clinical picture of fibromyalgia. We will also look at ways to alleviate symptoms and consider massage as a gentle option.
Reading tip: You can find out more about the diverse effects of massages in our blog post "From head to toe: massages help here".
Please note that this article does not replace medical advice. If you have any health complaints or suspect a disease, please always consult a medical professional.
Fibromyalgia: symptoms and comorbidities
The symptoms of fibromyalgia are varied and affect not only the body but also the mind. Typical symptoms are widespread pain in different parts of the body, often near joints, muscles and tendons. The pain often occurs in one part of the body but spreads to other areas.
In most fibromyalgia patients, the pain is accompanied by extreme tiredness and even exhaustion, which often develops into chronic fatigue (ME/CFS). Sleep disorders and concentration problems are common complaints. These are often referred to as "fibro-fog". This term is intended to illustrate how restrictive the symptoms can be; those affected feel as if they are in a fog.
Many people affected by fibromyalgia also suffer from accompanying illnesses such as irritable bowel syndrome or other chronic pain disorders such as migraine or endometriosis endometriosiswhich makes dealing with the condition even more difficult.
There are usually phases in which the symptoms virtually disappear, followed by periods of intense discomfort, so-called flare-ups, which can severely restrict everyday life. But how do these symptoms and, above all, the disease itself develop?
Causes of fibromyalgia
The exact causes of fibromyalgia are still rather obscure, which is what makes the condition so difficult to treat. Scientists assume that various factors interact to trigger the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Genetic predisposition plays an important role, as do disorders in the central nervous system. Stress, trauma or infections could also be triggers.
It is assumed that those affected develop an increased sensitivity to pain, as the nervous system reacts more strongly than usual to stimuli. This hypersensitivity means that even harmless touches can cause pain. What happens if these causes remain untreated? The consequences are psychological strain, stress and an everyday life that is severely restricted by the symptoms.
Reading tip: A massage can have a positive effect on the nervous system. Find out more in our article.
Diagnosis of fibromyalgia - the path to more clarity
As there are no specific tests to clearly confirm the disease, the diagnosis of fibromyalgia is often a challenge for doctors and patients. Many sufferers have to go through a long period of suffering before they receive a suspected and subsequent diagnosis of fibromyalgia.
Medical professionals usually diagnose the disease by ruling out diseases similar to fibromyalgia and checking typical pain points (so-called "tender points"). The path to diagnosis can be frustrating for many. The fact that over three million adults in Germany are affected by fibromyalgia shows how important it is to receive appropriate and timely treatment.
The consequences of fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia affects the entire life of those affected. Chronic pain, extreme exhaustion and limited physical performance not only affect their professional life, but also their private life.
This is followed by a struggle against the reduced quality of life and social isolation, as the persistent symptoms make it difficult to participate in everyday activities. As a result, this can often lead to psychological problems such as depression or anxiety, which are frequent companions of the disease. Everyday life can become a real challenge - and this is precisely where most treatment options come in.
Treatment options for fibromyalgia
As fibromyalgia is a chronic disease, treatment is primarily aimed at alleviating the pain and improving the quality of life of those affected - there is currently no cure.
An interdisciplinary team of doctors, pain therapists, neurologists, psychologists and physiotherapists is crucial for successful treatment. This team of experts helps to reduce fibromyalgia symptoms and support those affected in their everyday lives. The solutions can vary and depend on the individual symptoms of the fibromyalgia patient.
Reading tip: Working together with the team of physicians Fibromyalgia patients work on their pain management. Find out more in the article.
Fibromyalgia: Drug treatment
Painkillers or antidepressants are often prescribed for fibromyalgia to relieve pain and stabilize mood. These medications can help to reduce the level of pain so that sufferers can participate more actively in life again.
Nevertheless, it is important to use the medication under medical supervision and to carefully adjust the dosage to minimize side effects. Common painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol are not recommended for fibromyalgia. It is not uncommon for sufferers to have to try out various medications in consultation with their doctor until they find the right one.
Fibromyalgia: treatment without medication
Alternatively, there are also non-medication therapies for the treatment of fibromyalgia. Exercise, warmth, a targeted diet and relaxation methods are among the most effective measures to alleviate pain and improve quality of life.
Many sufferers benefit from regular activities such as swimming or yoga, which gently strengthen the muscles and improve mobility. Heat applications, such as hot water bottles or heat plasters, help to loosen tense muscles and alleviate symptoms. A balanced, anti-inflammatory diet can also help to control the symptoms.
Relaxation methods such as meditation or breathing exercises promote inner calm and can reduce the stress that can exacerbate symptoms. A good combination of these approaches can significantly improve the well-being of those affected. Massages can also be part of a treatment plan.
Massages for fibromyalgia
Massages are a proven method of relieving the pain of fibromyalgia and relaxing the muscles. They help to loosen up tense areas and promote blood circulation.
Particularly gentle massage techniques such as manual lymphatic drainage or also shiatsu have proven to be particularly helpful. These techniques exert gentle pressure on the affected areas and can therefore help to relieve pain without creating additional stress for the body.
Massage chair for relaxation in everyday life
Massage chairs are a wonderful addition to the treatment of fibromyalgia, as they offer regular relaxation in everyday life. They enable sufferers to treat themselves to a regular soothing massage without a great deal of effort - right in their own home.
Massage chairs offer different programs that can be individually adapted so that they specifically address tension and increase well-being. These regular relaxation sessions are particularly important for fibromyalgia in order to alleviate pain and make everyday life more bearable.
Also interesting: How does a massage chair actually work and what's behind it? Find out more in our article "2D and 3D massage technology - what can massage chairs do?"
Fibromyalgia - Keeping everyday life in balance
Fibromyalgia can be a real challenge for sufferers. But the good news is that there are ways to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Whether through medication, targeted exercise, heat or relaxing massages - it is important that fibromyalgia patients work with a team of doctors to find out what helps them individually. Massages, including massage chairs, can provide valuable support in everyday life by offering regular moments of relaxation.
Even though this condition cannot be cured, as a fibromyalgia sufferer you can learn to deal with it and feel good despite everything with targeted, conscious treatment. Take your well-being back into your own hands and find your own individual way to alleviate the symptoms.
Cover image: Žygimantas Dukauskas, other images: Gizem Nikomedi, Online Marketing, Hans Vivek
Co-founder and Managing Director of Massage Chair World. With his expert knowledge and industry expertise, he helps private individuals and companies to find the right massage chairs for relaxation, health and vitality. The individual expert advice is provided both by telephone or video chat, as well as in the exhibition outside Stuttgart.
