Both fibromyalgia and lupus are chronic conditions that cause symptoms like pain, fatigue, and cognitive problems. Despite these shared symptoms, they are different diseases with different underlying causes. However, the similarities between these disorders often make it difficult to differentiate between them. Therefore, people often get confused about whether they are dealing with fibromyalgia or lupus. In this blog, we will discuss the main differences between these conditions and how to treat them effectively.
ANF Therapy®️ is the newest and most advanced frequency-based therapy for treating lupus and fibromyalgia. It uses frequency-charged ANF Devices that emit certain frequencies. These frequencies are designed to activate your body’s natural healing process and optimise neurological functions that are disrupted in both conditions.
Fibromyalgia vs. lupus: What’s the difference?
Although there are overlapping symptoms like fatigue and muscle pain in fibromyalgia and lupus, both conditions are different in terms of causes and nature. Here are some key differences between the two:
Nature of the condition
Fibromyalgia is a neurological disease that causes widespread musculoskeletal pain in the body.
On the other hand, lupus, also called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks its healthy tissues by mistake. This can lead to inflammation and damage to organs. Unlike lupus, fibromyalgia doesn’t cause organ damage or inflammation.
Causes
The exact causes of both fibromyalgia and lupus are still unclear, but it is believed that genetic and environmental factors play a role in both conditions. Fibromyalgia generally involves an abnormal response to pain signals in the brain and spinal cord, making people more sensitive to pain.
In contrast, lupus is an autoimmune condition. Genetics, sunlight, infections, or certain medicines such as anti-seizures, blood pressure drugs, or antibiotics can also trigger this condition.
Inflammation
Another factor that differentiates fibromyalgia from lupus is the presence of inflammation.
Fibromyalgia does not involve inflammation, which is why it is classified as a non-inflammatory condition. Conversely, lupus is characterized by systemic inflammation that can cause damage to organs like kidneys and heart.
Nature of pain
Pain in fibromyalgia is recurrent in nature, which means it comes and goes. It can be a deep, aching, or burning sensation in muscles and is not associated with inflammation.
On the other hand, pain in lupus is constant and is often linked to inflammation in the joints and organs.
Type of fatigue
People with fibromyalgia experience chronic and constant fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest. In addition, they also experience sleep disturbances, which can further worsen the fatigue, leading to severe exhaustion and affecting daily life.
Contrary to this, fatigue in lupus is linked to disease flare-ups. This fatigue is temporary and often worsens when the disease is active. However, it usually subsides when the flare resolves with proper treatment.
Joint pain
Fibromyalgia involves muscle pain and tenderness, often felt in the neck, shoulders, back, and hips. There is no joint swelling or permanent joint damage.
In contrast, people with lupus experience joint discomfort (arthralgia), stiffness, and sometimes swelling. Unlike fibromyalgia, lupus can lead to joint damage over time if not treated effectively.
Skin symptoms
Lupus can result in a butterfly-shaped rash across the nose and cheeks, which is often triggered by sun exposure. People with lupus may also experience mouth and nose ulcers, which are not common in fibromyalgia.
On the other hand, fibromyalgia does not involve any characteristic skin rashes or mouth ulcers. There are no photosensitivity or rash-like symptoms in this condition.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of fibromyalgia and lupus also varies from each other. Doctors diagnose fibromyalgia by physical examination as there are no definitive laboratory tests for it.
In contrast, lupus is diagnosed by specific blood tests such as antinuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-dsDNA, and anti-Smith antibodies. Imaging and biopsy can also be used to confirm lupus and check if any organ is involved.
Organ damage
Although fibromyalgia is a chronic condition, it does not cause life-threatening complications or organ damage. In contrast, lupus can be life-threatening if not properly managed. It can result in serious complications, such as kidney damage (lupus nephritis), heart problems, and neurological issues.
How to treat Lupus and Fibromyalgia?
ANF Therapy®️ is the newest treatment for both conditions: lupus and fibromyalgia. It uses different types of ANF Devices, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, nitric oxide, blood flow and mental calm devices that are designed to optimise different functions in your body. ANF Therapists apply these devices to certain areas of your body, aiming to restore your weakened neurological frequencies, remove inflammation, promote natural healing, provide muscle strength, detox your body and promote blood flow towards the affected areas of your body.
ANF Therapy®️ aims to reduce pain and inflammation by 50% after the first session. Dr. Mikel H-G Hoff explains that 70% of patients experience improvement in symptoms after the first session. However, outcomes can vary from person to person depending on the nature and severity of the disease.
