What Journalists Need to Know About Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia manifests as widespread pain in muscles and joints across the body accompanied by symptoms of fatigue and cognitive difficulties such as memory issues. Despite the lack of a known cause or cure, healthcare professionals can assist individuals in identifying treatment strategies to alleviate symptoms and improve their quality of life. It presents as a chronic health condition characterized by widespread pain and tenderness across the body and is accompanied by musculoskeletal discomfort and fatigue.
Some of the fibromyalgia symptoms include chronic and widespread pain that may be experienced throughout the body, sleep disturbances, persistent fatigue, muscle and joint stiffness, cognitive difficulties, and gastrointestinal disturbances, among other examples.
Symptoms experienced by individuals with fibromyalgia typically fluctuate with intensity as flare-ups. It can be demanding and draining to navigate life with fibromyalgia, as the unpredictable shifts between periods of wellness and sudden flare-ups of symptoms can be overwhelming. It is important to acknowledge that fibromyalgia is a genuine condition, and the experiences and feelings associated with it are valid.
What Are the Causes and Risk Factors?
While the exact cause of fibromyalgia remains elusive to experts, studies suggest that certain health conditions, stressors, and life changes may act as triggers. Additionally, there's evidence to suggest a genetic predisposition, as individuals with a biological parent affected by fibromyalgia are at higher risk of developing the condition.
Inheritance of specific genes from biological parents may increase susceptibility to fibromyalgia. Research has identified a correlation between individuals with fibromyalgia and their parents, suggesting a familial transmission of the condition. Individuals with fibromyalgia often exhibit heightened sensitivity to pain compared to the general population. While the precise connection remains elusive, experts theorize that genetic mutations affecting the genes responsible for neurotransmitter formation in the brain, which transmit and receive pain signals throughout the body, may contribute to the development of fibromyalgia. Other various factors can also possibly trigger or exacerbate fibromyalgia, including infections, physical events like accidents, and prolonged psychological stress.
Factors that increase the risk of developing fibromyalgia include gender, family history, and co-existing disorders. Women are diagnosed with fibromyalgia more frequently than men. A familial link may also increase the likelihood of developing fibromyalgia if a parent or sibling has the condition. Furthermore, individuals with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus may have an elevated risk of developing fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia Has Four Stages of Treatment
Fibromyalgia presents as a variable condition, where symptoms may manifest unpredictably and without a predetermined pattern. As such, there is no set roadmap to anticipate when or how symptoms will impact an individual with fibromyalgia. The four stages of treating fibromyalgia include: non-pharmacological interventions, psychological interventions, pharmacological management, and daily living support.
Non-pharmacological interventions involve a health care provider or physical therapist prescribing stretches and exercises aimed at improving muscle and joint flexibility, relaxation, and strength. In psychological interventions, the individual works with a mental health professional that will assist in maintaining a positive self-image and developing coping strategies for managing the emerging emotional and mental health symptoms. Medications may be prescribed to alleviate fibromyalgia symptoms in pharmacological management. Finally daily living support involves occupational therapists assisting individuals with severe symptoms in navigating their daily routines and activities.
Reporting on Fibromyalgia
Journalists can effectively report on fibromyalgia by providing a comprehensive overview of the condition, its symptoms, causes, risk factors, and management strategies. Highlighting the variability of fibromyalgia symptoms and the challenges individuals face in navigating life with the condition can help raise awareness and foster understanding. Additionally, discussing the potential triggers and risk factors can provide valuable insight into the condition's complexity.
These will be helpful for a journalist to know if they are reporting on a source with fibromyalgia and need to accommodate that individual if they are experiencing flare-ups in the process. Journalists can ultimately use their reporting in this case to contribute to greater public awareness and understanding of fibromyalgia as well as possible improved healthcare outcomes for those affected by the condition.
