From the Latin fibra (fiber), the Greek words myo (muscle) and algos (pain), fibromyalgia is a chronic rheumatic condition characterised by widespread muscle and joint pain, fatigue and sleep disturbances. Because it manifests with a set of generic symptoms, it is commonly misunderstood and misdiagnosed. Basically your body aches all over and even after a night of sleep it is common to feel fatigue due to lack of restful sleep. There are a set of tender points which systematically are painful to touch and depression is also an associated symptom.

Other reported symptoms include:

• dry mouth

• abdominal pain

• headaches

• light sleep

• stiffness

• hypersensitivity to temperature

• difficulty to concentrate

• irritable bowel syndrome

• incontinence

• numbness in the fingers and feet

In order to successfully diagnose fibromyalgia Doctors rely on patient histories and an accurate manual tender point examination according to standard criteria of the American College of Rheumatology. Eighteen Tender points in characteristic locations are tested. If eleven 11 or more of these points are in pain and widespread pain lasting for more that three months is present, then it can be possibly be diagnosed as fibromyalgia. Other diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis have an overlap of symptoms, making the diagnosis even more difficult.

In the case of positive diagnosis for fibromyalgia, it should be accepted that although it’s a non-progressive situation, unfortunately there is no cure and it can be expected that pain can condition your lifestyle and that’s why it’s so important to manage correctly your habits, empower you with pain management skills and develop sustainable relief for the syndrome. One of the most important elements in fighting fatigue is to follow a fibromyalgia diet where your body will be better prepared. Some substances like citrines, chocolate and caffeine seem to worsen the condition and should be avoided. Others, as wholenuts can relieve the symptoms. Follow a healthy and conscious plan and live a happy life.