Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia (FMS) is a syndrome with no known basic disease process. Before the American College of Rheumatology endorsed the term fibromyalgia in 1990, this condition was referred to as fibrositis, chronic muscle pain syndrome, psychogenic rheumatism, and tension myalgias. It has been reported that fibromyalgia strikes about 3.4% of women and 0.5% of men in the United States, affecting 3 to 6 million Americans. Although this disorder occasionally occurs in children and young adults, it most commonly affects women of childbearing age or older. Statistics indicate that more than 7% of women in their 70's suffer from FMS. Also, some doctors theorize that FMS may be more common in men than figures indicate, as men are less likely to see a doctor for general aches and pains.

The main symptom of fibromyalgia is chronic pain. The pain can be a deep aching pain or a burning sensation. Stiffness, and discomfort in your muscles, tendons and ligaments are associated with this condition. The pain and stiffness is often felt in the whole body, but particularly in the neck, shoulders, back, hips and joints. You hurt all over and your muscles are so stiff in the morning it's hard to get moving.

Fibromyalgia has been associated with constantly being fatigued, difficulty sleeping, stress, numbness, headaches, tingling in your hands and feet, digestive problems, irritable bowel syndrome or abdominal pain, constipation, or diarrhea and sensitivity to weather and temperature changes. Many people with FMS also suffer from psychiatric problems such as depression, anxiety or eating disorders. However, no positive relationship has been proven that these symptoms are connected to the condition.

FMS symptoms may come and go but typically never disappear completely. They are often most severe during the first year of the condition. While it tends to be chronic, fibromyalgia isn't progressive, crippling or life threatening.

There are many theories as to the cause of FMS, but none have been proven. Some researchers have suggested that it is related to abnormalities in a no-dream part of the sleep cycle or to low levels of serotonin, (a brain chemical that regulates sleep and pain perception). Other theories link FMS to low levels of somatomedin C, (a chemical related to muscle strength and muscle repair), or to high levels of Substance P, (a chemical involved in pain perception). Some scientists believe it may be linked to injury or trauma that affects the central nervous system. Researchers are also exploring the possibility that FMS is associated with chemical or hormonal differences, infections or psychological or psychiatric factors.

Fibromyalgia is very difficult to diagnose. There isn't any test that can confirm or rule out this condition. Many of its symptoms mimic other diseases. As an example, low thyroid hormone production, Lyme disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

The American College of Rheumatology has established some general diagnostic guidelines to help in the diagnosis of fibromyalgia. However, it doesn't seem as though all doctors agree with these guidelines. There is also some controversy among physicians whether fibromyalgia is really a distinct condition or part of a larger group of disorders.

Medical treatment to relieve the symptoms of fibromyalgia varies. Doctors will generally prescribe over the counter pain relievers or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. He/she may suggest you try various therapies such as, acupuncture, massage therapy, hypnosis, or stress therapy. To improve your sleep or if you have symptoms of depression or anxiety an antidepressant drug or anti-anxiety medication may be prescribed or psychotherapy.