Chronic fatigue and pain are conditions that affect millions of people worldwide. The intensity of these particular ailments varies. Some are able to cope with the discomfort, or rely on pain medications to ease achy muscles and joints.

On the other hand, a large percentage of individuals plagued with chronic pain are unable to rise from bed in the morning. Many people underestimate the severity of chronic, unexplained pain. The truth is that widespread pain may be as debilitating as other life-threatening illnesses. Those who suffer from this condition may feel alone. Friends and family are generally unable to fully comprehend the situation, whereas physicians may dismiss patients when they are unable to determine a cause.

However, those who suffer from feelings of extreme tiredness and pain are not crazy, or exaggerating their condition. Autoimmune diseases, which are known to cause these exact symptoms, affect millions of people.

What is an Autoimmune Disease?

Our bodies are designed with an immune system, which is intended to fight infections that attack our bodies. However, in the case of an autoimmune disease, the immune system attacks the body. There are over 80 known autoimmune diseases which can affect organs and tissues. Parts of the body that may be affected include the muscles, nerves, digestive system, and so forth. These diseases occur more often in women of childbearing age. In addition, African-American women, and Latin women are more prone to develop an autoimmune disease. Genes greatly affect a person’s chances of developing one of many autoimmune diseases. Common autoimmune diseases include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Graves’ disease. Another condition that affects millions of people is fibromyalgia. Although fibromyalgia sufferers display similar symptoms, many researchers question whether this illness is an autoimmune disease.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic illness that causes widespread pain and tiredness. Pain is generally felt in the muscles, joints, and tendons. Individuals with fibromyalgia have pain in specific parts of their body. These areas are known as pressure points. When a fibromyalgia patient presses on these pressure points, they will feel pain or slight discomfort. It is estimated that approximately 5.8 million people suffer from this condition. Many doctors suspect that the number of sufferers is much higher. They feel that thousands are unknowing living with the condition. Because of varying degrees, those who experience mild symptoms may not seek medical advice. Fibromyalgia rarely affects men. Approximately 90% of all sufferers are females.

Causes of Fibromyalgia

The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown. Because the illness encompasses many symptoms, individuals who study the illness are unable to pinpoint the exact reason of unexplained pain. Nonetheless, researchers have identified possible causes of the illness. Possible causes include:

Chemical Imbalance: An alteration is brain neurotransmitters may trigger fibromyalgia. This occurs when there is a decrease in the amount of serotonin. Decreased level of serotonin also triggers depression, headaches, and gastrointestinal problems.

Insomnia: A common theory is that difficulty sleeping is a symptom of fibromyalgia. However, new research concludes that not receiving the proper rest actually triggers the illness.

Injury: Severe trauma to the spinal cord or nerves increases the chance of developing fibromyalgia.

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

The symptoms of fibromyalgia vary, as do the severity. Common tell-tale signs of this illness include:

• Widespread pain: Pain may begin suddenly and persist for several weeks or years. Typical areas of the body that become painful include the neck, upper back, upper chest, hips, knees, and elbows.

• Fatigue: Individuals with fibromyalgia also experience tiredness. Fatigue may become so severe that it interrupts daily routine. In addition, sufferers may experience sleep disturbance. This results from increased brain activity that prevents deep sleep.

Other symptoms and signs of fibromyalgia include:

• Restless Leg Syndrome
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Headaches
• Depression
• Dizziness
• Anxiety
• Difficulty Concentrating
• Morning Stiffness
• Numbness

Diagnosing Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose. Those who suffer from the condition exhibit a variety of symptoms, and there is no specific test that is able to confirm the illness. Doctors can only diagnose fibromyalgia by examining a patient’s symptoms. In most cases, patients will likely undergo a series of test to rule out other illnesses that produce similar symptoms. These illnesses include arthritis, lupus, Graves’ disease, and multiple sclerosis. Before a diagnosis is made, patients will have a blood test, physical exam, and discuss their family history with doctors. If laboratory tests are normal, and the patient has experienced widespread pain for at least three months and has pain in eleven of the eighteen pressure points, physician will diagnose the patient with fibromyalgia. Although it is common for fibromyalgia patients to have pain in at least eleven pressure point areas, some may experience pain in fewer pressure point areas. This is common among those in the beginning stages of the illness. Fibromyalgia is not life-threatening, nor does it cause permanent joint damage. However, as sufferers become older, they may begin to experience a greater degree of pain.

Treatment of Fibromyalgia

There is no cure for fibromyalgia, however, doctors generally prescribe medications that will help patients sleep, and that will help relieve pain. Over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol, Aleve, and Ibuprofen are very effective with relieving sore muscles and joints. This is more suitable for individuals with mild symptoms. Anti-depressants are also effective because they help balance the levels of serotonin in the brain, which may decrease symptoms of fibromyalgia. Muscle relaxants are ideal for calming the nerves and promote sleep. In addition to medication, many physicians recommend that patients begin a regular exercise routine. Exercise will help ease sore muscles and increases energy levels.

Alternative Treatment

Individuals who do not want to rely on medication to treat symptoms may consider alternative therapies. These include:

• Chiropractic Care: Increases spinal cord mobility which is proven to relieve pain. In addition, chiropractic care is effective with relaxing muscles.

• Massage Therapy: Improves circulation in the body and eliminates waste. Massages also relax muscles and increase the body’s ability to cope with pain.

• Acupuncture: A Chinese method of healing that relieves symptoms of fibromyalgia by restoring the flow of energy to the body