Frequently, fibromyalgia is misdiagnosed because it resembles a range of other conditions. The following disorders are the most prevalent imitators of fibromyalgia:
It is possible to treat Arthritis, Myofascial pain syndrome (muscle knots), tension headaches, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, Hypothyroidism, and Depression.
Comparing Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia
The chronic inflammatory disease rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. The condition may affect other regions of the body, including the skin, blood vessels, muscles, tendons, and organs. Fibromyalgia can not directly cause joint inflammation, although it can resemble the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Fibromyalgia affects both genders equally, although rheumatoid arthritis predominantly affects women.
Myofascial Pain Syndrome in comparison to Fibromyalgia
Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is distinguished by tight muscles. Unlike fibromyalgia, this condition typically affects multiple muscle groups simultaneously. MPS can be initiated by a tissue or bone damage, but it is also exacerbated by repeated overuse. MPS does not impact the muscles in the same manner as fibromyalgia, which causes pain and abnormal touch sensitivity. Patients with fibromyalgia may feel joint stiffness due to immobility caused by muscle discomfort.
Compared: Tension Headache and Fibromyalgia
The most prevalent headache type is tension headache. This condition typically affects both sides of the head, as well as the neck and shoulders. It produces moderate to severe discomfort for hours or even days. It may be associated to stress, depression, or anxiety, but not sleep deprivation, as reported in people with fibromyalgia. Yet, if a person suffers tension headaches and severe sleeplessness, fibromyalgia should be considered a possibility.
Lupus vs. Fibromyalgia
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune illness. This occurs when the body’s immune system targets its own tissue and organs, such as the joints, skin, blood cells, brain, lungs, heart, and kidneys.
Fibromyalgia can simulate the symptoms of lupus. Yet, unlike lupus, which causes joint pain and swelling, the affected areas are not inflamed. The symptoms of these diseases are comparable, although there are distinctions between them.
Physical examination variations:
– Unlike lupus, Fibromyalgia does not induce inflammation.
Lupus patients do not have a facial “butterfly” rash.
Lupus, not fibromyalgia, is responsible for neck stiffness.
The hands and feet of fibromyalgia sufferers are typically cooler than their normal body temperature. This does not occur in lupus patients.
It is usual for lupus patients to have a low white cell count, but not fibro sufferers.
Multiple Sclerosis compared to Fibromyalgia
In multiple sclerosis (MS), a disorder of the central nervous system, the immune system destroys the sheath that protects the nerve fibres. This produces scarring or hardening of tissue, which affects the brain’s capacity to connect with the rest of the body.
Fibromyalgia can induce symptoms similar to those of multiple sclerosis, such as fatigue, pain, and depression, but it cannot cause demyelination, tissue hardening, or scarring.
Hypothyroidism as opposed to Fibromyalgia
Hypothyroidism is a disorder in which the thyroid gland does not generate enough of the hormones required for normal cell growth and function. Some of the symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, and a sensitivity to low temperatures. The symptoms are identical to those of fibromyalgia, with the exception of a temperature, which is absent in this condition.
CFS/ME (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) vs Fibromyalgia
In contrast to fibromyalgia, where pain is the primary symptom, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) is a debilitating condition characterised by persistent physical and mental tiredness. In addition, fibromyalgia can mimic CFS symptoms such as headache, memory loss, and sleep disturbances.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease vs Fibromyalgia
IBS can be accompanied with constipation and urinary symptoms and causes abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhoea, particularly after meals and at night. IBS may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, but it may not be as painful as fibromyalgia.
Chronic pelvic pain syndrome and fibromyalgia are compared.
Inflammation of one or more pelvic organs, such as the uterus, ovaries, bladder, or prostate, causes chronic pelvic pain syndrome, which can result in sexual dysfunction, persistent exhaustion, and other complications. Despite the fact that both conditions manifest with pain and tenderness in the muscles, joints, and tendons, there is not much evidence that CPPS and FM are directly connected.
Patient checklist for fibromyalgia:
Does the discomfort move from one bodily part to another?
Are the symptoms caused by hormonal changes, surgery, illness, or physical or psychological trauma?
Do the symptoms worsen during the night and upon waking in the morning?
Does physical activity exacerbate the problem?
Even with proper rest and therapy, it takes time to recover from a flare-up or recurrence of symptoms.
Are you affected by airborne pollutants, mold, cold temperatures, odours, and other factors?
Do you have focus or memory difficulties?
Does your pain have an effect on your relationships and profession?
Closing words
There is no known treatment for fibromyalgia’s debilitating symptoms. Yet, Ayurveda medicine can help individuals with their fibromyalgia symptoms. This type of holistic therapy is an area of specialization at EliteAyurveda, where each client is treated as an individual and their treatment is tailored to them.
Author is a Principal Ayurveda Expert at EliteAyurveda Clinics. With more than 15 years of experience treating Neurological, Muscular, and Autoimmune Disorders.
