Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic, arthritis-like illness. It affects the muscles, not the joints.

Signs & Symptoms

• Chronic widespread pain on both sides of the body. This lasts for at least 3 months. It is not due to any other problem. Muscle pain can be severe.

• Pain in 11 or more of 22 “tender points.” (See illustration.)

• Fatigue. Disturbed sleep. Anxiety. Depression.

• These symptoms are also linked to fibromyalgia:

• Memory lapses. Problems concentrating. Feeling confused.

• Chronic headaches. Jaw pain. A tingling feeling in the limbs.

• Irritable bowel. Swelling and pain in the abdomen. Gas. Constipation. Diarrhea.

Causes 

The exact cause is not known. Factors thought to play a role include:

• An illness caused by an infection. Emotional or physical trauma.

• Hormones. Women are affected more often than men.

• Brain chemicals and muscles don’t function like they should.

Treatment

• Exercise therapy.

• Medication to treat symptoms.

• Massage therapy.

Does a person with fibromyalgia have severe pain, depression, or anxiety? Is prescribed treatment not helping?

Self-Care / Prevention

• Follow the treatment plan advised by your doctor.

• Use biofeedback. Use relaxation techniques. Meditate.

• Take warm baths. Use a heating pad. Massage sore muscles.