12 May, 202324 April, 2024

Dr. José David Jiménez Mirabal: "Physical or emotional stress can trigger fibromyalgia".

At present, the exact origin of this condition is still unknown.

Every May 12, World Fibromyalgia Day is commemorated, and we take this opportunity to delve into this condition whose exact origin is currently unknown. Dr. José David Jiménez Mirabal, neurologist – clinical neurophysiologist – specialist in sleep disorders at the Hospital Metropolitano de Santiago (HOMS), tells us more about this disease.

What causes fibromyalgia?

Its exact cause is currently unknown, but studies and research by some experts have found that certain chronic, infectious and/or joint disease conditions, genetics, mood changes, as well as physical or emotional stress, and other changes in your life can trigger it. You are more likely to develop fibromyalgia if one of your biological parents has it.

What are the symptoms?

The two most common symptoms of fibromyalgia are pain and fatigue. However, you may experience: muscle pain or tenderness; fatigue; face and jaw pain (temporomandibular joint disorders); headaches and migraines; digestive problems, including diarrhea and constipation; and bladder control problems. Fibromyalgia can also cause mental and emotional symptoms, including: memory problems (sometimes called “fibro fog” or “brain fog”), anxiety, depression, insomnia and other sleep disorders.

What is the treatment to be followed?

There is no single treatment that works for all symptoms, but trying several therapeutic strategies can have a cumulative effect. Treatment consists of medications (analgesics, antidepressants and mood stabilizers, muscle relaxants, anticonvulsants or neuromodulators, therapies) and self-care strategies. It is important to emphasize minimizing symptoms and improving overall health.

What recommendations can alleviate fibromyalgia?

Faithfully following a medication regimen, regular exercise or physiotherapy, sleep hygiene measures, stress reduction (if necessary seek psychological counseling and guidance), and gentle activity and exercise (walking, swimming, cycling, etc…).

Who suffers more, men or women?

It affects more women in a 9:1 ratio, which means that for every man affected with the disease there are 9 women suffering from it. Interacting factors, including genetic, hormonal, environmental and behavioral elements, can cause this condition, and there may also be a different disease appearance in the two sexes.

It is important to know:

The diagnosis of this disease is purely clinical (made by the specialist in charge). The laboratory and imaging studies that are indicated are to reinforce the idea of this disease and to rule out other possible diseases that may simulate this condition.
At the time of the consultation it is important to have at hand a detailed description of the symptoms you are suffering from, information about your medical history and personal health problems and those of your closest relatives, medications and supplements you are taking.
Treatment is individual and there are always pharmacological and non-pharmacological measures that we can take in order to cope with this disease in the best possible way and have the best possible quality of life.
You have to try to lead as healthy a lifestyle as possible, learn to manage the stress in your life, have a diet and exercise plan, sleep well, having a quality sleep at night is very important.