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What Is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic disorder
characterized by musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and multiple tender
points, particularly in the neck, spine, shoulders, and hips. People
with this syndrome may also experience sleep disturbances, morning
stiffness, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, and other symptoms.
How Many People Have Fibromyalgia?
According to the American College of Rheumatology, fibromyalgia affects
3 to 6 million Americans. It primarily occurs in women of childbearing
age, but children, the elderly, and men can also be affected.
What Causes Fibromyalgia?
Researchers have several theories about causes or triggers of the
disorder. Some scientists believe that the syndrome may be caused
by an injury or trauma. This injury may affect the central nervous
system. Fibromyalgia may be associated with changes in muscle metabolism,
such as decreased blood flow, causing fatigue and decreased strength.
Others believe the syndrome may be triggered by an infectious agent
such as a virus in susceptible people, but no such agent has been
identified.
How Is Fibromyalgia Diagnosed?
Fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose because many of the symptoms
mimic those of other disorders. The physician reviews the patient's
medical history and makes a diagnosis of fibromyalgia based on
a history of chronic widespread pain that persists for more than
three months. According to the American College of Rheumatology
(ACR), a person is considered to have fibromyalgia if he or she
has widespread pain in combination with tenderness in at least
11 of 18 specific tender point sites.
How Is Fibromyalgia Treated?
The physician, physical therapist, and patient may all play an active
role in the management of fibromyalgia. Studies have shown that
aerobic exercise, such as swimming and walking, improves muscle
fitness and reduces muscle pain and tenderness. Heat and massage
may also give short-term relief. Antidepressant medications may
help elevate mood, improve quality of sleep, and relax muscles.
Patients with fibromyalgia may benefit from a combination of exercise,
medication, physical therapy, and relaxation.
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