[46F] Experiencing chronic musculoskeletal pain and stiffness

What might be happening

Based on the information you provided, the most likely causes of your symptoms include:

• Fibromyalgia: This is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and often, areas of tenderness. Your symptoms of stiffness in your hands, muscle pain in your neck and shoulders, tightness in your collarbone, and aching in your arm bones are all common in fibromyalgia. The fact that you've been diagnosed with this condition in the past makes it a likely cause of your current symptoms.

  • Treatment typically involves a combination of medications, exercise, stress-reduction measures, and healthy lifestyle habits.

• Adrenal Fatigue: This is a term applied to a collection of nonspecific symptoms, such as body aches, fatigue, nervousness, sleep disturbances and digestive problems. Your symptoms of constant fatigue and sleep disturbances could be related to this condition.

  • Treatment involves improving diet, ensuring you get plenty of sleep, regular physical activity, mindfulness practices, and potentially certain supplements.

• Arthritis: This is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in a joint. Your symptoms of stiffness in your hands and morning stiffness in your joints that lasts more than an hour could be signs of arthritis.

  • Treatment typically involves a combination of medication, non-pharmacological therapies, and sometimes surgery.

What you can do

While you should definitely consult a doctor for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan, here are some things you can do in the meantime to help manage your symptoms:

1. Continue using warmth and massage to help relieve stiffness in your hands.
2. Try gentle stretching and relaxation exercises to help relieve muscle pain in your neck and shoulders.
3. Consider using a heat pad or warm towel to help relieve the tightness in your collarbone.
4. Maintain a healthy diet and ensure you get plenty of sleep to help manage your fatigue and sleep disturbances.
5. Consider over-the-counter pain relievers to help manage your aching arm bones, but always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Severe pain that doesn't improve with rest or medications
• Sudden swelling in your joints
• Difficulty moving your joints
• Any other symptoms that concern you

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate and helpful information, I'm not a doctor. Always consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan.