Understanding the Link Between Fibromyalgia Fever & Fibromyalgia
Are you getting fever-like symptoms with fibromyalgia? Ever wondered if a fever is a symptom of fibromyalgia?
The short answer is no, fibromyalgia does not cause fevers. However, fibromyalgia flare-ups may be the culprit for this feeling.
During a flare-up, you may experience a sensation similar to fever, despite the absence of any infection.
This article will help you understand the flu-like symptoms and how it differs from true infectious fevers. You'll learn what causes it and we'll equip you with strategies to deal with this feeling.
What is "fibromyalgia fever"?
Fibromyalgia fever is essentially a 'fever-like' episode that some people with fibromyalgia experience during a flare. This symptom can complicate the already intricate task of managing fibromyalgia, as it mimics the sensations of a fever without the presence of any actual infection.
Symptoms associated with fibromyalgia fever
Fever symptoms associated with fibromyalgia can include feeling warmer, sweating more, and overall discomfort.
These symptoms may resemble those of a typical fever – which is defined as when your body temperature rises to 38 degrees Celsius or 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or above – but an important difference is that with a fibro fever your actual body temperature won't be raised. This means that even though you might feel very hot, if you measure your temperature with a thermometer, the reading will be below 38C/100.4F.
Fibro fever-like symptoms typically occur alongside the deep, widespread pain that is a hallmark of fibromyalgia, predominantly affecting the muscles and soft tissues.
What is causing the fibromyalgia fever-like sensations?
If you have fibromyalgia your body may process sensory input, such as temperature, differently to other people. This can lead to difficulties in regulating your internal body temperature.
This challenge not only heightens your pain sensitivity but can also cause a misperception of body heat and its regulation.
The psychological burden of stress may also contribute to an increase in core body temperature, which could explain the fever-like sensations. This temperature regulation is controlled by nerve pathways within the central system that are responsible for managing the body's automatic functions.
Autonomic dysfunction & temperature sensitivity
You might find your autonomic nervous system behaving unpredictably, leading to challenges in maintaining a stable internal environment, particularly in terms of body temperature. Such dysfunctions can cause you to feel intense heat or an abnormal chilliness, even when external temperature conditions haven't changed.
What is the difference between fever pain & fibromyalgia pain?
It's important to differentiate between a genuine fever and the feverish sensations associated with fibromyalgia. One of the main differences is that fibromyalgia doesn’t cause coughs and congestion.
True fevers typically come with additional symptoms such as shivering, body aches, and an immune response indicative of an ongoing infectious disease.
If you have fibromyalgia and you are exhibiting symptoms similar to the flu and it is persistent and recurring, seek medical guidance. This could suggest an underlying infection.
Monitoring symptoms
To distinguish between symptoms associated with fibromyalgia and true fevers, monitor your symptoms and discuss these with your doctor.
Tracking your symptoms of fibromyalgia, especially those that mimic fever, can help you and your doctor to distinguish between fever and fibromyalgia flare-ups.
Managing symptoms of fibromyalgia fever
You have multiple coping mechanisms at your disposal to manage your fibromyalgia fever. Knowing that people with fibromyalgia frequently experience fever-like symptoms without actually having a temperature can give you the courage to take proactive steps to improve your health.
These techniques can improve the way that you manage your fibromyalgia symptoms by promoting a lifestyle that is conducive to improved symptom relief.
Lifestyle adjustments
You can make a few easy lifestyle changes to effectively control the symptoms of fibromyalgia fever. These include:
- drinking more water
- dressing comfortably and in loose-fitting and cool clothing
- seeking out shade and places in which you can stay cool
- adapting your movement and exercise to the changing temperature.
Dietary adjustments
if you think that certain foods could be to blame for your hot flashes, try working with a registered dietitian nutritionist. They can help you use an elimination diet pinpoint any food sensitivities that you might have.
Studies have shown that embracing a diet rich in plant-based foods, such as the Mediterranean diet, can help to alleviate pain symptoms for those with fibromyalgia1.
Movement
Lots of research shows that aerobic exercise such as yoga, walking or swimming can have positive effects on symptom relief and overall health2.
The role of sleep in fibromyalgia and fever symptoms
Compromised sleep can exacerbate fibromyalgia symptoms, trapping you in a relentless cycle where your symptoms disrupt sleep, and disrupted sleep amplifies symptoms.
Sleep disorders & fibromyalgia
We know that getting a good sleep when you have fibro can be near impossible. Unfortunately, the interplay between fibromyalgia symptoms and sleep quality creates a challenging cycle, where poor sleep exacerbates symptoms, and symptoms cause sleep disturbances.
Sleep disorders, including insomnia and restless legs syndrome (RLS), are commonly linked with fibromyalgia. And studies using electroencephalograms (EEG) have revealed that individuals with fibromyalgia exhibit diminished slow-wave sleep which is essential for restorative rest3.
Improving sleep quality
Sleep plays a crucial role in managing fibromyalgia-related fatigue, forming a vital component of self-care strategies for pain and symptom reduction.
Tips for improving your sleeping patterns include:
- Establish a consistent sleep routine with fixed sleep and wake times, aiming for eight hours of sleep each night.
- Limit daytime naps to short durations to avoid disrupting nighttime sleep patterns, ensuring they remain refreshing power naps.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) designed for sleep disturbances.
- Engage in physical activity during the day to promote better sleep onset.
- Reduce screen time before bed to create a conducive environment for restful sleep.
- Create a dark, quiet sleep environment to support uninterrupted sleep.
- Moderate caffeine intake, especially in the afternoon and evening, it can linger in the body for hours and interfere with sleep.
- Avoid consuming large meals and alcohol close to bedtime to improve sleep quality.
- Incorporate various forms of rest for the heart, body, and mind to complement sleep hygiene practices and manage fibromyalgia symptoms effectively.
The psychological aspect: anxiety, stress, & fibromyalgia fever
Fibromyalgia symptoms that can be brought on by emotional strain and a variety of stressors from work or home life.
Support systems
Reaching out to a trusted friend, therapist or support group and building support networks can make a big difference to your experience4.
Stress management
Stress hormones such as cortisol can heighten pain and exacerbate fever symptoms. While avoiding stress entirely may not be feasible, there are ways to reduce stress and reduce your reaction to stressful situations. These include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), mindfulness meditation, relaxation practices, and emotional and social support from a friend, therapist, or community.
Retraining your pain response
At MoreGoodDays®, we embrace a multidisciplinary approach tailored to support you in managing fibromyalgia. Recognizing the comprehensive impact this condition has on your life, we integrate diverse strategies to address your unique needs.
Through educational resources and self-management techniques, you'll gain insights into fibromyalgia and effective symptom management. We'll guide you in making lifestyle adjustments, focusing on areas such as exercise, nutrition, and sleep habits to enhance your overall well-being.
Our program also provides psychological support, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and stress management tools, empowering you to navigate the emotional challenges associated with fibromyalgia.
Together, we're committed to helping you lead a healthier, happier life despite the challenges of fibromyalgia.
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