How to Recognize a Fibromyalgia Attack

Fibromyalgia, a chronic condition, causes widespread muscle and joint pain. During a fibromyalgia attack, the symptoms of the condition worsen, including muscle weakness, hypersensitivity, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. These attacks can last for days or even weeks.

Fibromyalgia does not progress or cause damage to organs, but during an attack, symptoms become more severe and frequent. It’s important to note that a few hours or a day of feeling worse does not constitute a fibromyalgia attack. The term "flare" or "attack" refers to a significant and prolonged worsening of symptoms.

Signs of a Fibromyalgia Attack

Fibromyalgia flares can vary from person to person. Some may experience increased back pain, while others may have more intense headaches. Common symptoms of a fibromyalgia attack include:

Widespread Pain

Fibromyalgia pain is often described as aching, burning, or throbbing. Common forms of pain associated with fibromyalgia include lower back pain, muscle cramps, migraines, jaw joint pain, and joint pain in the neck, shoulders, and hips. Some individuals may also experience uncomfortable sensations such as numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.

Hypersensitivity

In addition to chronic pain, people with fibromyalgia may experience allodynia (heightened sensitivity to pain from light touch) and hyperalgesia (exaggerated pain response). They may also be sensitive to noise, lights, smells, temperature changes, and vibration.

Stiffness

Approximately 80% of people with fibromyalgia experience stiffness, especially upon waking in the morning. This stiffness can persist for hours and may return later in the day after prolonged sitting or inactivity.

Fatigue

Fibromyalgia often causes chronic fatigue and reduced stamina. Physical exertion can lead to increased symptoms, including extreme fatigue, muscle exhaustion, and heightened pain.

Difficulty Sleeping

More than 90% of fibromyalgia patients have sleep problems. Insomnia, restless leg syndrome, periodic limb movement disorder, and sleep apnea are common sleep disorders associated with fibromyalgia.

Muscle Weakness and Tightness

Fibromyalgia can cause general muscle weakness or weakness in specific muscles. Muscles may become easily exhausted and may tremble or twitch. Tight muscles can lead to decreased strength and restricted range of motion.

Problems with Memory and Concentration

"Fibro fog" refers to the forgetfulness, confusion, and difficulty focusing often experienced by individuals with fibromyalgia. During a flare, it may take longer to process information and communicate effectively.

Causes of a Fibromyalgia Attack

Triggers that can bring on a fibromyalgia flare include:

Stress

Various types of stress, including work-related issues, financial stress, relationship problems, and traumatic events, can trigger fibromyalgia flares. Physical stressors such as injuries or illnesses can also induce attacks.

Schedule Changes

Significant changes to daily routines, such as moving, switching jobs or shifts, or even temporary alterations due to travel or holidays, can provoke flares.

Hormones

Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause can trigger fibromyalgia attacks.

Weather Changes

Large swings in barometric pressure, humidity, or temperature, such as during weather changes, can exacerbate fibromyalgia symptoms.

Sleep Deprivation

Lack of quality sleep has been shown to worsen pain and other fibromyalgia symptoms.

Diagnosing and Treating Fibromyalgia

A diagnosis of fibromyalgia is made based on the duration of widespread pain combined with other associated symptoms, such as fatigue and memory problems. Treatment options for fibromyalgia include lifestyle changes, sleep management, therapy, and medication.

Lifestyle Changes

Gentle exercise and stress management techniques like mindfulness or deep breathing can help reduce the frequency and severity of fibromyalgia attacks.

Treating Sleep Problems

Developing a consistent sleep routine, limiting caffeine and daytime naps, and creating a relaxing bedtime routine can improve sleep quality. In some cases, a sleep study may be recommended to identify and address sleep disorders.

Therapy

Physical therapy can improve strength and stamina, occupational therapy can assist in making adjustments for daily tasks, and counseling can provide strategies for managing stress and pain.

Medications

Medications such as amitriptyline, cyclobenzaprine, duloxetine, milnacipran, gabapentin, and pregabalin may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms of fibromyalgia.