Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition in which a person experiences excess musculoskeletal pain and mental distress. Many times, the symptoms of fibromyalgia are confused with joint inflammation or arthritis. However, this is a rheumatic condition that leads to myofascial pain or soft tissue pain.

As per a report released by NIAMS, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, more than 5 million people, aged 18 or above, in the USA experience fibromyalgia.

Causes of fibromyalgia
The exact cause of fibromyalgia is yet unknown, but many researchers suggest it to be genetics. It is primarily a problem related to the central pain processing in the brain, where a specific trigger might increase sensitivity to pain.

Some most likely causes of this pain are:

• A traumatic physical or emotional event such as a car accident
• Repetitive injuries
• Any autoimmune disease or rheumatoid arthritis or spinal arthritis
• Problems with the central nervous system
• Genetics. Females who have relatives suffering from fibromyalgia have a higher risk of developing it themselves.

Common Types of Fibromyalgia Pain

• Myofascial pain
  This is a condition in which pressure is exerted on the sensitive points in your muscles. Also known as trigger points, these points generate pain in the muscle and sometimes, in unrelated parts of the body. This type of pain usually occurs after a muscle has been repetitively contracted. Many times, this pain is caused by repetitive motions used in hobbies or jobs. The best treatment options, in this case, include trigger point injections, relaxation techniques, and physical therapy.
• Neuropathic pain
  These are nerve sensations that feel like itching, tingling or numbness in the arms and legs. Often, these sensations are painful in nature. But, despite these symptoms, fibromyalgia does not show any visible signs of nerve damage upon a physical examination.
• The best way to treat this pain is through treatments such as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Other than that, applying capsaicin cream and acupuncture can also be helpful.
• Allodynia
  This is a specific kind of skin pain where it hurts to be touched. This is a later stage of fibromyalgia, where treatments such as Namenda medicine along with Lyrica and Neurontin can prove to be helpful.
• Pelvic pain syndrome
  This type of pain generally occurs from muscle pain in the pelvic floor. However, sometimes, it can also be neuropathic. Physical therapy together with some medicines can help in alleviating this pain.
• Certain kinds of abdominal pain
  Often, people suffering from fibromyalgia end up developing irritable bowel syndrome or small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Both these conditions can lead to excessive pain in the abdomen.

Fibromyalgia pain can be difficult to deal with. Indulging in regular exercise, getting adequate sleep and consulting a reputed healthcare professional can help in managing the condition well.