Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal condition that is super common. The main symptoms of IBS are abdominal pain, discomfort, constipation, and diarrhea. The co-morbidity rate of IBS and fibromyalgia is a whopping 70 percent, which means that about 70% of people with fibromyalgia have IBS. The reason for this is that both IBS and fibromyalgia are related to cell hypersensitivity. More specifically, those with IBS have more sensitive intestinal cells and the same is true of the muscle tissues and skin in those with fibromyalgia. It is believed that the brains of individuals with IBS and fibromyalgia do not function as they should. Usually, the brain is able to limit painful sensations from stimuli, decreasing the likelihood of feeling pain. However, this does not seem to be the case in those with these health conditions. In addition, individuals with IBS usually experience pain around their pelvic area in addition to their digestive problems. The most common IBS treatments include medications, exercise, and mindfulness meditation. It is important that you speak with your doctor before trying any new treatments.
