Fibromyalgia and MS are both chronic disease that have very similar symptoms. Some people may see a doctor who is specialized in both fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis who is still unclear about the diagnosis. That is why there are many different tests that must be conducted in order to figure out which disease is causing the symptoms, or if it is even a combination of both disorders.
These two disabling diseases have many symptoms in common. Some of these include fatigue, memory loss or confusion, pain, and numbness. These symptoms can vary from being mild to being very severe in both conditions. It is important for people experiencing any of these symptoms to see a medical professional as soon as possible. Getting a diagnosis can be a long process, and it is important to get started as soon as possible so that treatment can begin to reduce symptoms and increase the quality of life.
Treatments for Fibromyalgia and MS
Treatment for both of these chronic diseases can include things like medications and lifestyle changes. However, even though fibromyalgia and MS share many symptoms, they are very different diseases to treat. They will not benefit from using the same medications. That is why it is important to get neurological testing done to determine which disease needs to be treated. Then a medical professional can decide which medications will be used.
Lifestyle changes can also be very helpful in the course of both of these diseases. Lifestyle changes can involve changing a person’s diet, fitness regime, or sleep schedule. People with fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis tend to have sleep difficulties. Setting a sleep schedule with a nightly routine can help people get to sleep faster, stay asleep through the night, and have better quality of sleep.
Exercise can be beneficial for both diseases as well. However, the exercise must be appropriate. It should be gentle on the muscles and the joints. Yoga and Pilates are two types of exercise that have been shown to help people with fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis. With the right amount of exercise, muscle stiffness can be lessened and mobility can be increased. It can also be a stress reliever for people afflicted with a chronic disease.
Diet is also something to be considered. When a body is fed well, it can function better. People with a chronic disease should always make sure they are getting the right amount of nutrients and vitamins.
