| Fibromyalgia is a chronic, widespread, | | | | |
| debilitating disease that often manifests as | | | | Individual cases of fibromyalgia have a wide |
| diffuse pain, constant muscle aches and | | | | variability, but many patients also suffer |
| overwhelming fatigue. Although it affects | | | | from other disorders as well. These comorbid |
| about 2-6% of the general population (about | | | | syndromes commonly include chronic clinical |
| five million people), fibromyalgia is not a | | | | depression, lyme disease, chronic fatigue |
| contagious disease. Women are about 9 times | | | | sydrome, premenstrual syndrome, restless legs |
| more likely to be diagnosed than men, and it | | | | syndrome, spinal disorders, or |
| is most prevalent in prevalent in people | | | | hypothyroidism. There are also many factors |
| between 20-50 years of age. | | | | that can aggravate fibromyalgia. Severe |
| | | | weather changes, nutritional deficiencies, |
| Fibromyalgia usually displays a variety of | | | | over-exertion, increases in stress levels, |
| symptoms including generalized aches and | | | | allergies and cold weather have all been |
| pains, increased sensitivity of the skin, | | | | shown to contribute to flare-ups. |
| chronic fatigue, weakness or dizziness, | | | | |
| muscle stiffness or joint pain and migraine | | | | Treatment of fibromyalgia has historically |
| headaches. Symptoms of fibromyalgia vary | | | | been inadequate at best. There is no cure for |
| greatly between individuals but almost all | | | | the disease and therapies are usually aimed |
| suffer from an associated sleep disorder. | | | | at alleviating the symptoms and improving |
| Depression, anxiety, irritable bowel | | | | quality of sleep. Medications commonly |
| syndrome, numbness and tingling of the | | | | prescribed for fibromyalgia include |
| extremities and heightened sensitivity to | | | | conventional analgesics, low-dose |
| stimuli may also be present. | | | | antidepressants, muscle relaxants and |
| | | | sleep-inducing agents. Alternative therapies |
| Currently, there is no known specific cause | | | | that have shown some promise include |
| of fibromyalgia. Popular opinion suggests a | | | | acupuncture, chiropractic care, physical |
| disorder in pain perception and processing in | | | | therapy, meditation or relaxation techniques |
| the pathways to the brain. Research has shown | | | | and a gentle aerobic exercise program. Other |
| that fibromyalgia patients have elevated | | | | important considerations to prevent |
| levels of substance P (involved with enhanced | | | | fibromyalgia from flaring up include a |
| pain perception) and a lower than normal | | | | regular sleep routine, emotional and physical |
| production of natural stress hormones. | | | | stress reduction, good social support |
| Another theory revolves around a sleep | | | | networks and strategies to conserve energy |
| disturbance as the cause, because many | | | | and minimize triggering factors. |
| fibromyalgia patients cannot attain deep | | | | |
| sleep. Still other theories have implicated | | | | Fibromyalgia can be a very difficult disease |
| reduced immune system function, environmental | | | | to live with because of its chronic, |
| toxins, abnormal hormonal fluctuations, viral | | | | disabling nature and the presence of |
| causes, genetic links and dysfunctional | | | | widespread skepticism. There is often no |
| neurotransmitters. Although exciting new | | | | objective evidence of physical illness and |
| research is constantly being done, the cause | | | | the disease is very poorly understood. |
| of fibromyalgia remains elusive and has the | | | | Sufferers of fibromyalgia face accusations of |
| medical world stumped. | | | | laziness or feigning illness. Social activity |
| | | | and recreation is often be avoided and the |
| Diagnosis of fibromyalgia is based on a | | | | patient's career is usually affected as well. |
| specific set of criteria, including a | | | | Although fibromyalgia can affect every aspect |
| physical examination or observation, and the | | | | of its victims' lives, it does not have to be |
| symptoms described by the patient. Ruling out | | | | as devastating as it once was. With advanced |
| other possible diseases is key. Currently, | | | | scientific research and promising new |
| there are no conclusive laboratory tests to | | | | treatments waiting in the wings, anything's |
| identify fibromyalgia but for diagnostic | | | | possible. |
| purposes, there has to be a history of | | | | |
| diffuse pain lasting longer than three | | | | Disclaimer: The information presented here |
| months. Another diagnostic requirement is the | | | | should not be interpreted as or substituted |
| presence of at least 11 "tender points" out | | | | for medical advice. Please talk to a |
| of a possible 18 and these are typically | | | | qualified professional for more information |
| located at elbow and knee joints, the neck, | | | | about fibromyalgia. |
| shoulders, lower back and hips… | | | | |