Fibromyalgia causes, symptoms and treatment
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that can affect everyday life. It is a complex health issue that primarily involves the muscles and connective tissues. You may experience widespread pain, fatigue and many other symptoms. This is a real, physical condition—not an imagined illness—even if medical tests often fail to show a clear physical abnormality.
Symptoms of fibromyalgia
The most characteristic symptom is chronic pain occurring at various points of the body. This pain can be burning, stabbing or dull in nature, and it often migrates between different areas. You may feel particularly stiff in your muscles and joints in the mornings.
Fatigue, another defining symptom of fibromyalgia, is not like the tiredness after a long day – it is a deep, pervasive exhaustion that does not fully go away even after a good night’s sleep.
You may also experience sleep problems: difficulty falling asleep, frequent night awakenings, or not feeling rested in the morning.
Sleep disturbances combined with chronic pain can affect your concentration and memory – this is often referred to as “fibro fog.”
Gastrointestinal problems such as abdominal pain, bloating or irritable bowel syndrome–like symptoms are also common.
Causes of fibromyalgia
Although the exact cause has not been fully determined, several factors may play a role in the development of fibromyalgia.
Both genetic predisposition and environmental factors can contribute. Often a traumatic event—such as a physical injury, surgery, a severe infection or significant emotional stress—triggers or worsens the symptoms.
Your nervous system can become more sensitive to pain, and the way your body processes painful stimuli may change. Also read this article: Information about persistent pain
Psychological factors in fibromyalgia
Psychological factors can play a significant role in the development of fibromyalgia. It is important to emphasize that this does not mean the illness is “only in your head.”
Persistent emotional stress, unresolved trauma and difficult childhood experiences can all contribute to the onset or worsening of the condition.
Your body and mind are closely connected – when you suffer from prolonged anxiety or depression, it affects nervous system function, can alter pain perception and increase muscle tension.
Chronic stress causes your body to operate in a constant “alarm mode,” which promotes inflammatory processes and makes the nervous system more sensitive to pain.
Perfectionism, excessive need to please and unrealistic expectations of yourself can also be risk factors.
Therefore, psychological support, learning stress-management techniques, meditation and restoring emotional balance can be just as important in treating fibromyalgia as relieving physical symptoms.
A psychotherapist can help uncover and process the psychological factors contributing to your condition and teach coping strategies to better handle daily challenges.
Quality of life and fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia can significantly affect daily life.
Ongoing pain and fatigue can make working, doing household chores and maintaining family and social relationships difficult.
It is important to understand that this does not mean you must give up your usual life – you need to learn to live with it in new ways. With symptom management and appropriate lifestyle changes, you can greatly improve your quality of life.
Home treatment options
Once the diagnosis is established, you don’t have to see a doctor for every pain flare-up.
There are many methods you can use at home to alleviate symptoms.
One of the biggest advantages of home treatment is that you can perform therapies at your own pace while paying attention to your body’s signals.
This is not only more convenient but can also be more effective than frequent clinic visits.
Modern home physiotherapy devices
In recent years, many physiotherapy devices have become available that you can safely use at home.
These devices allow you to perform professional-level treatments according to your own schedule and when you need them (not only when you have an appointment).
Combining different therapeutic methods can make treatment even more effective.
TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) treatment
A device specifically intended for musculoskeletal pain relief—muscle, tendon and joint pain.
It sends mild electrical impulses through the skin to the nerves, which helps disrupt pain signals and stimulates endorphin production.
A TENS device designed for home use may offer different programs that you can choose based on the type and intensity of your pain. The treatment can be applied several times a day, usually for 15–30 minutes per session.
For persistent, frequently occurring fibromyalgia pain, modulated TENS programs are most often recommended.
Devices suitable for this treatment: Dolito, Myolito, Elite, Elite 150, Genesy 300 Pro, Premium 400, etc.
Microcurrent therapy (MENS, MCR)
An effective method that, like TENS, works with electrical impulses but at a much lower current (a few millionths of an ampere).
This therapy helps cell regeneration and reduces pain, addressing some underlying causes of fibromyalgia. The microcurrent intensity is so low that most people do not or barely feel the treatment.
Appropriate devices: UniPro, Genesy 300 Pro, Premium 400, Triathlon Pro, Runner Pro, Cycling Pro
Softlaser
Softlaser therapy can also be used at home. The laser light penetrates tissues, stimulates cell activity and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
You can perform the treatment daily on painful areas. A session may last from a few minutes up to 15–20 minutes depending on how large the affected area is.
It is particularly effective for joint, muscle and connective tissue pain (including fibromyalgia).
Recommended devices: Personal-Laser L400, B-Cure Sport Pro, B-Cure Pro.
Therapeutic ultrasound
Ultrasound helps improve tissue blood flow and reduce pain. The treatment can be applied once daily to the problematic areas, usually for 5–10 minutes. Ultrasound can be combined with other treatment methods, such as TENS.
Recommended devices: M-Sonic 950, MediSound 3000.
Product recommendation
Fibromyalgia is a complex health condition characterized by widespread, varying-intensity pain and fatigue, along with additional complaints. Several physiotherapy methods can help alleviate the symptoms.
Safe use of devices
Using therapeutic devices at home is safe and effective, but you must follow safety and dosing rules!
Always read the user manual carefully. Follow the dosage recommended by your doctor. More is not better!
Start treatment at a lower intensity. Pay attention to your body’s reactions, and if you experience any discomfort, stop the treatment and discuss the next steps with the professional overseeing your care.
Benefits of home therapy
Using home therapeutic devices can be beneficial in several ways.
These devices allow you to perform professional treatments when your symptoms are most troublesome. You don’t have to wait for an appointment or travel, and in the long run the treatment costs may be lower than receiving therapy in a clinic or hospital.
Additionally, during treatments you can learn your body’s responses and “fine-tune” the therapies based on your experience.
When should you see a doctor?
Although you can do a lot at home to manage your symptoms, it is important to know when to consult a professional.
If new or unusually severe symptoms appear, if the nature of the pain changes, or if the methods you use are no longer effective, it is advisable to see your doctor.
Regular check-ups remain important, but their frequency can usually be reduced if you learn to manage your condition effectively at home.
Summary
Living with fibromyalgia is challenging, but modern technology and a wide range of home therapy options can help manage symptoms effectively.
Traditional methods—such as heat therapy and exercise—can be well complemented by modern devices like TENS, microcurrent, softlaser or therapeutic ultrasound. Combining different treatment methods allows for a personalized therapy plan.
Remember that everyone is unique, so it may take time to find the combination of methods that works best for you.
When you start using a new therapeutic device, always begin cautiously and gradually increase the intensity of treatments. Pay attention to your body’s signals and keep a diary to track the effectiveness of different therapies.
Successful home treatment can be empowering both physically and mentally, as you gain more control over your life and health.
Alongside using modern therapeutic devices, do not forget the importance of basic lifestyle changes – adequate sleep, nutrition and exercise remain essential for effective treatment.
If you consistently apply the methods and devices that work for you, you can significantly improve your quality of life and reduce the impact of fibromyalgia on your daily life.
