When it comes to the bones and muscles, fibromyalgia is one of the most common disorders that affect it. Those who experience this disorder are plagued with severe pain that is often followed by sleep and memory issues, and fatigue. In addition to this, researchers have revealed that this disorder generally increases the pain people feel because of the way it affects how the brain and spinal cord process information that has to do with pain. According to research, those who suffer from fibromyalgia has overtime have their brain altered, making it more sensitive to pain.

Although women are more likely to suffer from this disorder, people who suffer from the condition tend to also experience irritable bowel syndrome, tension headaches, anxiety, depression, etc. In addition to fibromyalgia being more common among females, the symptoms it exhibits are also known to be more severe among females. In fact, the disorder have been undiagnosed due to the believe that it is a “female” disorder.

Causes and Symptoms

Despite the level of research that has gone into fibromyalgia, there’s currently no cure for the disorder. However, these researches have provided numerous ways by which the symptom of the disorder can be managed. These symptoms are generally divided into three groups; fatigue, cognitive issues, and pain which lasts for at least three months.

Few factors have been identified to cause fibromyalgia. Among these factors are genetics or family members who have experienced the disorder before. Another factor that can give rise to fibromyalgia is when an individual has experienced a severe trauma or event – such as a car accident – that affected the body physically. Closely related to this is repeatedly having injuries that cause physical damage to the body. Existing conditions such as arthritis, and the lack of exercise are also likely causes of fibromyalgia.

Treatment and Cure

There is not exact cure but there are numerous ways by which the disorder can be well managed in order to reduce its effects. Also, the treatment plan or strategies for every individual is different, and based on the symptoms that an individual is exhibiting. One of the most common recommendations from health professionals is exercise. Recommendation of exercise is common for people who experience fatigue and stress as a result of their fibromyalgia. The use of medication and strong pain killers or antidepressants is another way that is used to manage symptoms of the disorder.

Can Weighted Blankets Help?

Many people shy away from medication either due to personal preference or because they want to avoid the side effects that accompany some of these drugs. A close substitute to the use of medications to treat or manage some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia is the use of weighted blankets. These type of blankets – that weight five to twenty-five pounds – have a way of providing relief to people through the use of what is called deep pressure technique in therapy.

The pressure from the weight of these blankets forces the body to release a chemical called serotonin. Serotonin – otherwise known as the happy chemical – has significant impact on our moods and emotions. In addition this, the pressure from these weighted blankets helps to relax the nervous system, which ultimately makes it easier to fall and stay asleep. People who exhibit symptoms such as depression and anxiety (which would affect sleep quality) will surely benefit from this blanket. Those who experience fatigue would also benefit because it is widely known that a good night sleep refreshes the body, and reduces fatigue.