| Why do a large portion of people suffering from | | | | the gastrointestinal tract while FMS to the |
| irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) complain of | | | | musculoskeletal system, have to be considered. |
| disorders which can be referred to as extra | | | | Both of them are not organic diseases; since they |
| intestinal symptoms such as rashes, headaches, | | | | are construed as functional disorders. In both the |
| and muscular pains? Findings from research have | | | | cases it is the women who suffer from these |
| established that around 60% of IBS patients also | | | | conditions very often, and when it sets in it is |
| have Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS). Conversely, | | | | considered a very stressful period. Both the |
| around 70% of FMS patients also have | | | | conditions are prescribed with Cognitive behavior |
| complained of IBS symptoms. Is their a | | | | therapy and certain types of prescription drugs. |
| relationship between these two conditions and | | | | Both type of patients, as per studies; respond to |
| what is the connection between both of these? | | | | pain in a very different manner, than other |
| There have been a number of studies in various | | | | persons without these conditions. IBS sufferers |
| parts of the world to establish this connection. | | | | seem to have a different response to the |
| Fibromyalgia is a functional disorder which affects | | | | intestinal pain, while FMS condition throws up |
| the musculoskeletal system, which is related to | | | | another type of response to skin and muscle pain. |
| such complaints as general muscular aches, | | | | Studies have also in expected manner shown that |
| stiffness, fatigue, and poor sleeping habits, with | | | | people having both these symptoms have a |
| varied conditions of severity and duration; the pain | | | | different kind of response to both kinds of pain. |
| may be dull or stabbing like, intermitted or | | | | Though the studies point out to a common |
| constantly lingering. This is recognized as a | | | | mechanism for both the conditions, their origins |
| functional disorder similar to IBS. An estimated | | | | are still shrouded in mystery. In fact medical |
| 3.35% females and 5% males suffer from FMS. | | | | fraternity has very recently recognized both IBS |
| Now to find out whether there is a connection | | | | and FMS as functional disorders with some |
| between these two conditions of IBS-FMS, | | | | legitimacy and not as psychosomatic problems. |
| especially in the wake of co-existence of IBS and | | | | Since studies on these conditions are still in their |
| FM in a number of people. Going by statistics we | | | | primary phase, and studied connecting both have |
| should say that there is possibilities of both have a | | | | been sparse researchers will hopefully take |
| connection. The similarities between these two | | | | renewed interest in establishing the connection |
| conditions, beyond the fact that IBS confines to | | | | between IBS and FMS. |