One reason diagnosing fibromyalgia is so difficult is that there are so many symptoms that can look like other illnesses or disorders. This results in plenty of individual who have to wait a long time for a diagnosis because doctors can’t decide between one disorder and the other. It can be difficult to get a diagnosis because of ruling out other disorders or when a person becomes misdiagnosed. How does fibromyalgia differ from other disorders that are similar to fibromyalgia and how can you tell the difference?

The disorders that are mistaken for fibromyalgia the most because they are so similar to fibromyalgia are Lupus, Cushing’s syndrome, Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, cervical spinal stenosis, and lyme disease.

Lupus:

Lupus is an autoimmune disorder caused by chronic inflammation. Lupus affects the body’s organs, creating symptoms including headaches, irregular heartbeats, and inflammation. Lupus like fibromyalgia are often called, “female diseases”. Lupus can sometimes be confusing because there are three types of lupus. The three kinds are systemic lupus erythematosus, discoid lupus erythematosus, and drug-induced lupus. Just like fibromyalgia there is no known cause for lupus. Just like fibromyalgia it is suspected that hormones have a role to play in the condition.

Cushing’s syndrome:

Cushing’s syndrome is a disorder that has to do with over-exposure to cortisol, which is a hormone. This hormone is supposed to regulate blood pressure, balance, and reduces inflammation it is also connected to our stress response. Just like fibromyalgia Cushing’s syndrome affect more women than men. Just like fibromyalgia Cushing’s syndrome has the same symptoms that fibromyalgia does including muscle pain, depression and fatigue.

Osteoarthritis:

One of the most common of arthritis’s is osteoarthritis also known as degenerative joint disease. This is a condition that affects joints and cartilage that is located between joints. Pain is a big symptom of osteoarthritis just like fibromyalgia. Another symptoms they have in common are stiffness. Like fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis has morning stiffness and muscle pain too. People with fibromyalgia can also have osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis can affect the entire body and like fibromyalgia can affect both men and women.

Rheumatoid arthritis:

Severe joint pain and muscle pain are the two most common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis just like in the condition fibromyalgia. Joints can become swollen and painful, even deformed. Individuals with this condition can have a great deal of difficult performing everyday tasks just like those who have fibromyalgia. Just like fibromyalgia women are more likely to get rheumatoid arthritis.

Hypothyroidism

cervical spinal stenosis

Cervical spinal stenosis affects the spinal canal causing irritation and tightening of the nerves causing possible blockage of the cerebrospinal fluid, which in turn affects the nervous system. The symptoms include tingling, weakness, numbness and pain just like with fibromyalgia.

Lyme disease

Lyme disease and fibromyalgia have a lot in common including symptoms such as widespread pain, muscle stiffness, and great fatigue.

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