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FACTS ABOUT FIBROMYALGIA
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic rheumatologic condition associated with pain in the body's connective tissue (ligaments, tendons, and muscles). It is not a form of arthritis, and no joint deformities are associated with fibromyalgia like those observed in rheumatoid arthritis. Fibromyalgia is not a progressive disease, nor is it fatal. Symptoms may remit for periods of months or years.
Treatment of fibromyalgia requires an accurate diagnosis because the disorder can be mistaken for one of several other medical conditions. Diagnosis by a rheumatologic or a physician knowledgeable about this condition is essential.
What are the signs and symptoms of Fibromyalgia?
The most common symptom is diffuse pain with achiness, stiffness, and extreme tenderness in muscles and points where ligaments attach muscles to bones. Although pain may occur widely in many areas of the body, specific sites of tenderness referred to as "tender points" typically occur. These "tender points" can occur around the neck, shoulders, upper back, lower back, hip and knee areas. Another common symptom is fatigue, characterized by a lack of endurance or an overall lack of energy. Other symptoms related to fibromyalgia may include sleep disturbance, coldness in hands or feet along with discoloration of skin (bluish or reddish) associated with poor blood circulation (Raynaud's phenomenon), migraine and tension headaches, abdominal bloating with alternating diarrhea and constipation (irritable bowel syndrome), muscle tremors, and blurred vision. Emotional stress, anxiety, fatigue, and cold or humid weather may aggravate symptoms.
What causes Fibromyalgia?
The cause of fibromyalgia is currently unknown. The onset of fibromyalgia may follow a minor illness like the flu, a trauma incident like an automobile accident or fall, or emotional stress. It is possible that susceptibility to fibromyalgia results from micro-trauma related to physical deconditioning, poor posture, and muscle overuse. There is some evidence that it may be associated with abnormal biochemistry -- most notably the neurotransmitters serotonin and substance P -- that leads to increased sensitivity to pain.
How common is Fibromyalgia?
The exact prevalence of fibromyalgia is unknown. It is estimated, however, that as many as six million Americans have been diagnosed with the condition. Fibromyalgia is six to eight times more common in women than men. Fibromyalgia usually affects people between ages 20 and 50, although some children have been diagnosed with the disorder.
Can Fibromyalgia be cured?
Although there is currently no cure for fibromyalgia, symptoms can be substantially controlled by comprehensive treatment that includes education, medication, physical conditioning to improve aerobic capacity and flexibility, and psychological intervention aimed at stress management.
How is Fibromyalgia treated?
The symptoms of fibromyalgia are best treated by a combination of the following:
reassurance and education about the condition
moderate aerobic and stretching exercises to improve cardiovascular fitness and flexibility
massage
pacing of physical activities
diet modification -- especially avoidance of alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine
medication -- low doses of antidepressant medications that increase serotonin can lead to reduced pain and depression along with improved sleep
stress management
support by significant others
Three key ingredients of treatment are a comprehensive approach to wellness, collaboration among a team of health care specialists who are knowledgeable about fibromyalgia and the individual patient and significant others, and the patient's taking an active part in the control of symptoms.
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