Yes, Fibromyalgia is Common in Men – It’s a Fact
We know very well that Fibromyalgia mostly affects the female gender, it is really important for you to know that the condition can also afflict the men.
Just because the disorder is mostly reported by women, it has been mistakenly considered as “a women’s disorder”.
Many people are going away from the fact that Fibromyalgia can also attack the people belonging to the male gender.
The recent researches and health studies conducted by medical and scientific research workers has confirmed that the disorder is more likely to be ignored in men rather than women.
Now, the simple fact has been accepted that the disease is also attacking millions of men around the world including USA, UK, Canada, Australia and many other Asian countries.
Let’s Have Look at Statistical Facts
Latest scientific and medical studies between 2000 and 2010 have revealed that about 39% of all the cases of disbelieved Fibromyalgia were registered in men.
At this moment, the approximated ratio of male and female sufferers with the disorder is 1:8. On the flip side, this ratio is considered incorrect due to the fact that male patients with the apparent signs and symptoms of Fibromyalgia are not often diagnosed just because they are men.
Why Men are Incorrectly Diagnosed
The reasons why men with Fibromyalgia syndrome are diagnosed incorrectly are several.
The personal beliefs and conceptions of health professionals or medical doctors are considered key causes of the phenomenon.
The vast majority of health professionals often neglect the signs and symptoms of the disorder when they occur in a man simply because they believe in a theory “Fibromyalgia is a women’s disease”.
This thing results in an incorrect and inappropriate diagnosis in the first place. In an effort to minimize the actual number of cases of inappropriately diagnosed Fibromyalgia in men, health professionals and medical experts need to be more receptive and agree the simple fact that the disorder can also attack the people from the male community.
When Fibromyalgia Attacks a Man
Just like females, Fibromyalgia can attack a man in the early stages of life and adulthood. Most of the Fibromyalgia cases registered in men will tell you that at the time of attack the ages of were 20 to 45.
No matter what the gender is, in majority of the cases, Fibromyalgia does not attack the people with ages of 45 or above.
An interesting thing about recently reported cases of the disorder shows that women have more potential and strength to deal with Fibromyalgia than men.
However, the signs and symptoms of Fibromyalgia in men are not so intense and they can be cured easily.
The emotional intelligence and social skills of the men are more likely to be affected by the syndrome.
Another recently reported interesting fact about the disease has revealed that unlike women, men are more prone to the dangers and health risks of depression triggered by Fibromyalgia.
Causes & Signs or Symptoms of Fibromyalgia in Men
Just like women, the exact causes and signs or symptoms of the Fibromyalgiain men are still unknown.
In some cases, genetics play a big role to introduce this syndrome into the body. Some medical experts will let you know that depression, tensions and stress can play a big role in the development of the ailment.
Many experts tell us that body’s sensitivity to this unending and ongoing pain is regulated by neurotransmitters.
Health and medical professionals have a belief that this pain is triggered by irregularities and abnormalities in your neurotransmitters.
Other factors that can play a big role in triggering Fibromyalgia may include;
- Depression
- Extreme cold
- Weather changes
- Overexertion
- Lack of sleep
- And many others
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia in Men
As compared to women, the mildness and severity of Fibromyalgia symptoms in men are less frequent and less intense.
In most of the cases, men experiencing this health condition undergo many complications including body ache and stiff that usually makes them over worked, tired and exhausted.
The feelings of severe pain can be throbbing pain across the body, burning sensation, or muscular ache. Extreme level of fatigue can also affect a man’s body and reduce his level of activity.
Not Just Pain or Fatigue – Many others
On the flip side, widespread pain or fatigue is not only the signs of this health conditions.
This can also take place in tender body parts that can be found almost everywhere across the human body.
When an affected individual places pressure on these tender points, this can generate an agonizing pain that can in most cases be intolerable for the patient. These tendon points are found in:
- Upper chest
- Between the shoulder blades
- At the neck of the head
- Upper portion of the hips
- Inner knees
- Frontal sides of the neck
Sleeping disorders are common in those men and women who are having difficulties with Fibromyalgia. Falling asleep and awaking up can really be challenging and hard for the patients. Jaw pain is another common symptom of this health condition.
This pain can possibly be triggered by dysfunction in the temporomandibular joint body part.
Not just jaw, this discomfort can also transfer in facial area and head at the same time. Memory related health concerns like memory loss, lack of focus and concentration are also common symptoms of Fibromyalgia.
Diagnosis & Treatment of Fibromyalgia in Men
No specific exams or testing is available to diagnose this health condition effectively. The signs and symptoms can help the medical professional to diagnose the disorder.
Diagnosis is also difficult for men than women. Moreover to this, you will not find any specific treatment for Fibromyalgia syndrome as well.
The treatments involve things to minimize the disease and things like medication and lifestyle changes.
Being capable of recognizing the signs and symptoms of Fibromyalgia and early diagnosis is important for men.
A good blend of healthy diet and physical workouts will help you to reduce the symptoms and complications of Fibromyalgia effectively.
