Fibromyalgia syndrome

Fibromyalgia syndrome is a chronic condition that is characterized by body aches, widespread pain, problems with sleeping, serious fatigue, depression, anxiety, and other symptoms, in combination with sensitivity of specific areas (muscles and sensitive points) on the body.

Fibromyalgia chronic fatigue syndrome does not cause inflammation or damage to the joints, muscles, or other tissues. It is not, therefore, a disease of the joints but is arthritis-related. In 1990, the American College of Rheumatology established the following criteria to diagnose fibromyalgia syndrome: A history of widespread pain in all four parts of the body (e.g. above the waist on both sides; below the waist on both sides of the body) for at least three months; aching in 11 of 18 sensitive point sites.

fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome can occur as a primary syndrome characterized by muscular pain or as a secondary syndrome to other various rheumatic diseases. One can have fibromyalgia syndrome as well as another rheumatic disease. Fibromyalgia symptoms are often confused with symptoms typically associated with another condition. Fibromyalgia symptoms can mimic or overlap symptoms linked to other rheumatic diseases. According to the National Fibromyalgia Association, it takes approximately five years to get an accurate diagnosis of fibromyalgia.

Fatigue and sleep problems are an important characteristic associated with fibromyalgia syndrome. Therefore, problems which occur due to poor sleep, also referred to as non-restorative sleep, are problematic as well (i.e. cognitive problems, memory lapses, lack of energy).

Other than muscular pain, fatigue, and tenderness, fibromyalgia patients also may experience such symptoms: headaches, irritable bladder or bowel, memory problems, pelvic pain, noise sensitivity, temperature sensitivity, restless leg syndrome, depression and anxiety.

In a study carried out on 307 patients evaluated over an 11-year period (reported at an American College of Rheumatology meeting by Yunus and colleagues), one-third of patients had severe physical as well as serious psychological problems. One-third had mild psychological and moderate physical issues. Another third had moderate psychological symptoms associated with mild physical symptoms.

Since not all fibromyalgia patients suffer from the same symptoms, there may be various types of fibromyalgia syndrome which may be discovered later and would influence treatment choices. As long as the cause of fibromyalgia remains unknown, the variability of symptoms will remain part of the riddle.

Diagnosis of fibromyalgia is based exclusively on symptoms which are presented and on a physical examination. Diagnostic tests are ordered to rule out other possible conditions or find out more about other symptoms.

Medications are used to alleviate pain, improve sleep, and manage depression and anxiety. Physician will determine what medications should be prescribed based on symptoms presented. Many fibromyalgia patients benefit also form alternative treatments which focus on pain relief and stress relief.

Although the statistics show the prevalence of fibromyalgia, they do not reveal how many people live well with fibromyalgia and have successfully managed the syndrome to the point of maintaining decent quality of their life. It's vital to get a correct diagnosis and to follow a treatment regiment which affords you a good quality of life despite your diagnosis.

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