Fibromyalagia - NEA Health Information Network

Questions
& Answers About Fibromyalgia Syndrome

What
Is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a common and disabling form of muscular rheumatism,
affecting approximately 2% of the US population. Fibromyalgia is
sometimes referred to as fibrositis and is characterized by widespread
musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and multiple tender points. “Tender
points” (fig. 1) refers to tenderness occurring in 18 precise muscle
areas, particularly in the neck, spine, shoulders, and hips.

Fibromyalgia
typically occurs in women of child-bearing age. However, men, children,
and the elderly can also be affected. Those with fibromyalgia usually
sleep poorly, have morning stiffness, and are tired all day. However,
fibromyalgia does not cause damage to tissues and can often be managed
successfully.

What
Causes Fibromyalgia?

The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown. However, there are several
theories about causes or triggers of the disease. Some scientists
believe that an injury or trauma may cause the syndrome. Fibromyalgia
appears to be closely related to chronic fatigue and irritable bowel
syndromes, to migraines and sleep disturbance. Fibromyalgia may
be associated with changes in muscle metabolism, such as decreased
blood flow, causing fatigue and decreased strength. It often runs
in families, which suggests genetics may be involved.

How
Is Fibromyalgia Diagnosed?
Despite its frequency, fibromyalgia is often misdiagnosed because
many of its symptoms are like those of other diseases. The American
College of Rheumatology (ACR) has developed criteria for fibromyalgia
that physicians can use in diagnosing the disease. According to
ACR, a person is considered to have fibromyalgia if she or he has
widespread pain lasting more than 3 months in combination with tenderness
in at least 11 of 18 specific tender point sites.

How
Is Fibromyalgia Treated?
There is no cure for fibromyalgia. However, it is often successfully
managed. Patients may benefit from a combination of exercise, medication,
physical therapy, and relaxation. Treatment of fibromyalgia requires
a comprehensive approach. Studies have shown that aerobic exercise,
such as swimming and walking, improves muscle fitness and reduces
muscle pain and tenderness. (Stop and go exercise like housework
or yardwork rarely produce the same kinds of benefits and may even
bring more pain.) Fibromyalgia treatment may also include: medication
to improve deep sleep; regular sleep hours and an adequate amount
of sleep; avoidance of over exertion and stress; treatment of any
co-existing sleep disorders; and patient education.

Lastly, heat
and massage may also give short-term relief. Anti-depressant medications
may help elevate mood, improve quality of sleep, and relax muscles.
Sometimes avoidance of certain foods, like caffienated items and
foods high in fat may help prevent symptoms.

For
more information on fibromyalgia contact the following organizations
or try the recommended readings:

Organizations
National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Information
Clearinghouse
National Institutes of Health
1 AMS Circle
Bethesda, Maryland 20892-3675
(301) 495-4484
www.nih.gov/niams

American College
of Rheumatology
1800 Century Place, Suite 250
Atlanta, GA 30345
(404) 633-3777
www.rheumatology.org

Arthritis Foundation

1330 West Peachtree Street
Atlanta, GA 30309
(800) 283-7800 (or call you local chapter)
(404) 872-7100
www.arthritis.org

Fibromyalgia
Network
PO Box 31750
Tuscon, Arizona 85751-1750
(800) 853-2929