My whole body aches and hurts for no reason... Could it be a sign of a healthy illness?

Fibromyalgia...

My mother also had a similar set of symptoms and was very distressed at one point...

Could it have been fibromyalgia?

You still say that your whole body aches and hurts...

I think it's also partly because of aging, but I also believe there might be some kind of fibromyalgia.

You're always lacking sleep, and these days there are many worries at home ㅠ_ㅠ....

Sigh... Living without pain and worry is so difficult...

And there are really so many different diseases...

It's important to know properly... ㅠ_ㅠ

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A truly complicated illness: Fibromyalgia, understand it properly and respond appropriately... It will greatly help in alleviating symptoms.

섬유근육통은 참 복잡한 병이다. 온몸이 쑤시고 아프다. 극심한 피로감으로 몸이 파김치가 되기 일쑤다. 수면 배변 기억력 등에 장애가 생기기도 한다. 환자의 30%는 건강염려증 우울증 등 정신과적 증상을 보인다. 여성

Fibromyalgia is a truly complex disease. The whole body aches and hurts. It often causes extreme fatigue, leaving the body exhausted. It can also lead to problems with sleep, bowel movements, and memory. About 30% of patients exhibit psychiatric symptoms such as health anxiety and depression. Women account for 90% of the patients. After an accurate diagnosis, treatment should focus on alleviating the symptoms. [Photo = Getty Images Bank]

Without any clear reason, my whole body aches and hurts. I frequently have headaches, can't sleep properly, and feel extremely tired, to the point of exhaustion. I experience numbness, stiffness, or tingling sensations in my hands or feet. Enduring such pain without understanding the cause can lead people without a clear religious belief to be overwhelmed with worry. Some even wonder, "Could I be possessed or cursed, or have I fallen ill with some divine illness?"

If such absurd and severe physical and mental pain persists for more than three months, fibromyalgia may be suspected. It is a chronic disease that does not threaten life, but pain occurs in areas such as the neck, chest, back, knees, shoulders, elbows, thighs, hips, and other parts of the body. Pressing on these areas with fingers causes especially intense pain. The presence of so-called 'tender points' is the key characteristic of fibromyalgia. These patients should seek treatment at rheumatology clinics, anesthesiology and pain medicine departments, or pain centers.

According to the American health and medical media 'WebMD,' about 90% of fibromyalgia patients who experience severe pain without a clear reason are women. Women in their 30s to 50s are particularly affected. Patients with this condition may also experience problems with bowel movements, memory, and mood. They may feel as if they have the flu or experience a sudden drop in memory and concentration. It can also be accompanied by irritable bowel syndrome. According to medical information from Seoul National University Hospital, approximately 30% of fibromyalgia patients exhibit psychiatric symptoms such as health anxiety, depression, and anxiety.

Fibromyalgia can occur after experiencing extreme stress such as losing a family member, divorce, or job loss, or after sustaining injuries from accidents or surgeries, or following infections. Problems with the brain and nervous system's pain processing or sleep deprivation are also considered causes. However, fibromyalgia is characterized by symptoms that accumulate and worsen over time without any specific reason.

섬유근육통은 가족과의 사별, 이혼 등으로 극심한 스트레스를 받았거나 몸을 다쳤을 때 발생할 수 있다. 수면 부족도 원인 중 하나다. 하지만 특별한 이유 없이 시간이 지남에 따라 증상이 쌓이고 악화할 수 있는 게 바로

Fibromyalgia can occur after experiencing extreme stress such as losing a family member or divorce, or after sustaining an injury. Lack of sleep is also one of the causes. However, fibromyalgia is characterized by symptoms that accumulate and worsen over time without any specific reason. Patients suffer silently. [Photo = Getty Images Bank]

It is estimated that about 5 million adults in the United States suffer from fibromyalgia (prevalence rate of approximately 1.46%). This condition also has a genetic component. If pain appears all over the body without a clear cause and persists for more than three months, it is highly likely to be fibromyalgia. In some tender point examinations, a diagnosis of fibromyalgia is made if more than 7 out of 19 points on the body are painful. There are also tests to check for inflammation, rheumatoid factor, and thyroid function.

So, is it really possible to treat this mysterious fibromyalgia? There is still no fundamental cure that eradicates the cause of the disease. However, various treatments can significantly alleviate symptoms. Medications (painkillers, antidepressants, muscle relaxants, anticonvulsants, etc.), exercise (walking, swimming, cycling, stretching, water walking, etc.), dietary therapy (adhering to a healthy diet, reducing caffeine intake, etc.), treatment and self-care can be very helpful. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, counseling and mental health treatment (stress management), and lifestyle improvements (ensuring sufficient sleep, avoiding afternoon naps, maintaining regular sleep patterns, etc.) are also beneficial. It is especially important to relieve stress promptly. You should not try to do too much in a single day. Politely declining invitations or requests for cooperation from others is also okay. Find stress-relief methods such as deep breathing, relaxation exercises, massage, meditation, or yoga, and practice them properly.

Kim Young-seop edwdkim@kormedi.com

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My whole body aches and hurts for no reason... Could it be a sign of a healthy illness?

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