How Do We Define Fibromyalgia?

The word fibromyalgia comes from the LatinBecause of the impact on muscles and joints,
roots "fibro" for connective tissue, "myocytes"fibromyalgia is often treated by Rheumatologists
meaning muscle tissue, and "algia" the Latin wordwho specialize in joint conditions like arthritis.
for pain. We define fibromyalgia as a conditionHowever, muscle and ligament examinations to
with a range of symptoms including widespreadnot typically show any unusual indication of
aching, stiffness, fatigue, and the presence ofinflammation or disease. In the past several years,
specific tender points on the body.specialist clinics have arisen that focus specifically
The exact cause of fibromyalgia is not yeton fibromyalgia and variaous treatments. I offer
known, and the ability to define fibromyalgia in amore information on where to find a clinic near
concrete way is complicated by the fact that notyou in the links below.
everyone exhibits the same fibromyalgiaNow that you can define fibromyalgia, how do
symptom checklist. In addition to muscle and jointyou know if you have it? Only a doctor can make
pain, many people define fibromyalgia to includea proper diagnosis, but if you suffer from any or
sleep disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, migraineall of the following fibromyalgia symptom checklist,
headaches, and immune system or endicrineyou should seek out a clinic that specializes in the
system disorders.disease. There are also a wide variety of natural
Unfortunately, because there is no individualfibormyalgia remedies that have been shown to
known cause of this debilitating condition, there isimprove various symptoms.
no established cure recognized by medical science.Physical treatments might include massage, heat,
In fact, doctors may disagree on how to actuallystretching, and range-of-motion exercise. Many
define fibromyalgia, or even on the existence ofsay that fibromyalgia exercises can increase the
the disease itself. (Some people definepain initially, but that in the long run it brings relief.
fibromyalgia as a "yuppy sickness" or one thatAerobics and other light impact activities can be
occurs mainly in affluent populations, indicating anbeneficial as well. There are a variety of
attitude that symptoms are actually psychologicalprescription drugs that are used to target the
in nature.) This can be very frustrating for peopledepression, sleeplessness, anxiety, and fatigue
suffering from this very real syndrome, as theyexhibited by patients, but you should consult with
may be told "it's all in your head" or to "just worka fibromyalgia clinic to discuss those types of
through the pain."treatments further.